Probiotics are the latest buzz in the health food industry with lots of health studies noting its healing benefits. The problem is that there are hordes of probiotic supplements available. Powders, pill, liquids, live cultures, multiple strains, single strain and freeze-dried, the choices seem endless. So how you choose and buy the right supplement? The one that is both organic and effective for you?
Recommendations for Choosing and Buying Probiotic Supplements
A set of course of action entitled “The P’s and Q’s of Probiotics”, issued by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), endorses that user should consider 4 criteria when comparing probiotic supplements:
1. Probiotic Strain
2. Clinical Proof
3. Quality
4. Quantity
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Probiotic Strains
Probiotics are bacteria that have a useful (symbiotic) relationship with our digestive and immune systems. If you are new to probiotics, it is essential to know a few facts about your body. There are billions of bacteria inside your intestinal tract. These are a combination of helpful bacteria and harmful bacteria. Assuring a healthy level of valuable bacteria will keep your digestive system composed and support its capability to function well.
There are numerous strains of probiotic bacteria. There are various strains of probiotic bacteria. Different strains have distinct roles in our body system. Some strains will be advantageous for general digestive health, and some will be efficient in fighting against ailments and diseases.
Some probiotic supplements have single strain; others contain a mixture of multiple strains targeting a specific condition, or to offer more goods for overall health.
The most commonly known strain of probiotic is Lactobacillus acidophilus. This strain is found mainly in the small intestine, where it stops the growth of pathogens and also seems to have a useful influence on tumor development and carcinogenic substances, also established to reduce blood pressure.
The following are the list of other probiotic strains that you may encounter, and their researched importance:
Lactobacillus amylovorus – helps decrease cholesterol and prevent cancers
Lactobacillus casei – helpful for lactose intolerance, defends against listeria, supports healthy cell function
Lactobacillus plantarum – useful for sufferers of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), eases stomach bloating
Lactobacillus fermentum – to stop and treat urogenital infections in women
Lactobacillus brevis – boosts immunity
Lactobacillus bulgaricus – helps for digestive problems
Lactobacillus Salivarius – supports to relieve chronic bowel syndromes
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus – helps the immune system
Streptococcus thermophilus – helps get rid of pathogens such as E. Coli
Bifidobacterium longum – Studies show its benefits breast, liver and colon cancer research
Bifantis – a patented strain found in Align Probiotics, aids for IBS and digestive problems
Lactobacillus GG – patented strain found in Culturelle, supports for a variety of digestive disorders
Bacillus Coagulans – regulate digestive and stomach problems
Bacillus Subtilis – eliminates the bad bacteria from the intestines
Enterococcus Faecalis – a recreation of the natural bacteria in our digestive system
Clinical Proof
You should assure that the probiotic supplement you choose and buy underwent numerous scientific studies and is supported by clinical evidence to be useful. The right amount and strain of probiotic for a specific condition is vital if you are seeking remedy for a specific condition. Trusted probiotic supplements will always be reinforced by clinical trials and these trails, and another research should be ready for you to study.
Quality and Quantity of Probiotics Supplements
Probiotic Supplements are not controlled by the FDA. It is up to the product manufacturer to guarantee that they are reliable and effective. To be therapeutic a single probiotic supplement should produce at least 1 billion feasible bacteria per gram.