How to Find & Buy the Best Probiotic: Probiotic Buying Guide

digestive healthfunctional medicine
Written By Lara May

With a plethora of options to choose from, it has become a grueling task to choose the right probiotic supplements for you. Here are some tips that will help guide you to select the best probiotic supplement right for you.

Colony Forming Units (CFUs)

CFUs, or Colony Forming Units, are the measuring unit of probiotics. This number must be clearly displayed on the probiotics bottle. A probiotic should be in the range of 3-50 billion CFUs to best suit your digestive system.

A lower range would be sufficient as a maintenance product. This potency will allow you to recover the probiotics lost due to the modern lifestyle when otherwise you have a completely healthy digestive system. 

The higher potencies are recommended for specific instances, including the following:

  • Stress and Travelling: Most of our immune cells live in our gut, so it is imperative to reinforce them during times that might prove crucial for our immunity, like while traveling or going through a stressful situation. The intake of probiotics at this time can help you to avoid any future concerns and support your immune system.

  • Older Age: As we age, our microbiomes lose bacterial balance much faster, particularly Bifidobacteria, which is found in the large intestine. A reduction in its amount may cause digestive problems. For such cases, a high potency probiotic that has high concentrations of Bifidobacteria is recommended.

  • Poor Diet: An unhealthy diet loaded with processed foods is also responsible for depleting our natural bacterial balance. Including spore-forming probiotic supplements can help a great deal in offsetting this damage.

  • Compromised Digestive System: If you have a problematic digestive system, probiotic intake may help restore some balance. i.e. IBS, IBD, celiac, SIBO etc. Not all of these bowel disorders require the same type of balancing. Work with your healthcare professional to find the best product for your specific situation.

Products above 50 billion CFUs really don’t provide any added benefit, so don’t be fooled into thinking more is better.

 

No irritants

You should look for a supplement that is free of chemicals and ingredients that could upset your gastrointestinal tract instead of aiding it. Look for verbiage like free of corn, soy, dairy, gluten, egg etc.

Shelf Stability and Guaranteed Potency

It is imperative to get what you pay for. It is important to be sure that if the manufacturer says they put 50 billion CFUs in the product you purchased that that number of CFUs remains the same four months later. To be sure of this, it is important to pay full attention to the labeling while making the purchase. The supplement you purchase should specifically say, “Potency Guaranteed Until Time of Expiration.”  It should also be shelf-stable so that you don’t have to refrigerate it to keep its potency. Look for a label that says “Refrigeration Not Required” or “Shelf Stable.”

Strain Diversity

Another important factor to consider before investing in a probiotic is the diversity of strains. Look for a combination of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli for an average adult. This will support both your large as well as small intestine. Look for the abbreviations L. and B. on the label.

Keeping in mind the above-mentioned criteria while buying a probiotic supplement will help you to choose the right one for you. Check all these units and factors on the labeling to be sure you are purchasing the best quality supplement.

If you would like more personal guidance in choosing the best supplements for you, make sure to set up a call with me and I can help guide you.

I hope this little burb inspires you to implement a more nurturing practice into your day and new year. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s just about much we can stay in alignment. I am here for you, just a message or email away. Reach out with your questions. Sign up for a clarity call. Together we will discuss your healing journey, and make an action plan to get you to your goal.

Namaste,

-   Dr. Lara

P.S.

Don’t forget! Join me on my Facebook page,  as well as Instagram & Twitter @drlaramay.

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Lara May

Hi, I’m Lara May. I am a board certified clinical pharmacist, usui reiki master, and integrative health coach. 

http://www.drlaramay.com
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