If you’re looking into probiotics to enhance your health, that is a great start. Probiotics are as important for gut health as your diet. Beneficial bacteria found in food and supplements are known for their profound impact on digestion and mental health. Probiotics have transformed from a niche health supplement to a necessity for proper gut and wellness health.
Where to Find Probiotics
You can find probiotics in gut health supplements and foods, including dairy-based foods like yogurt, fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, etc., and pickles in Kombucha and some cheeses. If you prefer supplements, there are many pills and capsules, powders, and even drinks if you prefer probiotic intake. Not all yogurt or fermented foods provide probiotics, so be sure to research and read labels if you want to add probiotics to your diet.
Popular Probiotics for Gut Health
There are a variety of ways to consume probiotics. While the most popular foods are yogurt, pickles, sauerkraut, and miso, supplements can be quickly taken in pill form or powder form, which can be easily added to smoothies and are one of the most popular ways to consume them.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Gut Health
Probiotics offer many benefits to the body. Most people consume them to improve digestive health, as they alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, etc. They also play a large part in digestion and assisting with the absorption of nutrients. Others utilize probiotics to make the immune system more robust by creating a barrier around the gut.
Recently, more studies have shown that probiotics also have mental health benefits. Research shows a link between gut health and mental health, helping to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Other benefits include skin health and allergy relief, providing help with eczema, acne, and severe allergies.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
Many people experience bowel issues, anxiety, skin problems, etc., and run to the store to grab probiotic yogurt, assuming it will solve their problems. However, the effects of probiotics can vary depending on the strains and individual factors. The different strains of probiotics obtain different abilities.
For example, ‘Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG’ is often used for digestive issues and immune support, ‘Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis’ helps with digestive problems and lactose intolerance, and ‘Saccharomyces boulardii’ helps with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
While looking for specific gut health supplements, there are many factors to consider besides the particular strains. This includes the CFU count (Colony Forming Units), which indicates the number of live bacteria in the product.
Other things to consider are shelf life, paying attention to storage conditions, and finding the specific supplement or food for a particular intended use. Also, considering the cost is essential to ensuring they fit your budget. There’s no need to pay for expensive supplements if you can get the probiotics more affordably. Although probiotics are generally safe, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you have specific health conditions.
Factors to Consider
As mentioned, it’s essential to consider and research specific strains, the CFU count, shelf life, and storage. However, educating yourself on the dosage, frequency, certifications, and allergens is also crucial. Taking the right amount of probiotics and considering the frequency is essential to your health. Look for certifications like NSF or USP that indicate quality standards, and if you’re allergic to specific foods and substances, be sure to read the allergens included in the probiotics you want to take to prevent any further health issues.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Paragon team. We’re here to provide you with the information needed to help improve your gut health and overall well-being.
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