HOW TO CHOOSE A PROBIOTICBy Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live and active microorganisms such as bacteria and yeasts. These are known to be similar as to the ones present in the human intestinal microflora.

These are mostly referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria because of the numerous health benefits that it gives to the ones who consume it.

Some of the health benefits that are believed to be caused by probiotics are improving the digestive and immune health.

How to choose a probiotic?1. Kind and number of strains When choosing a probiotic, the kind of strains

should be given more importance than the number of strains contained in a product.

It is very important to pick a probiotic with strains that are beneficial to a certain condition that a person has. With this, a probiotic strain with clinical proof of its health benefits should be tried rather than relying on the number of strains included. This is because some strains may inhibit the functionality of the other strains. So, its important to check out.

How to choose a probiotic?2. Probiotics’ functionality In order for a probiotic to be considered effective,

it must provide the appropriate or desired health benefits.

This should include its appropriateness to the condition as well as the right strain and dose of the probiotic.

For example, a broad-spectrum probiotic is advised to be used in health maintenance of the digestive and immune system.

As for particular health conditions, the dose of the probiotic may be increased 2-3x the normal dose.

How to choose a probiotic?3. Safety of the probiotic It is advised to use a probiotic which

have been utilized by many for a long period of time already.

There are some probiotic products which have been labelled with Natural Product Number (NPN). This means that the product has been reviewed for its quality and health claims.

How to choose a probiotic?4. Origin Probiotic strains may come from human, animal,

plant, or soil. It is believed that probiotic strains with human origin works as most compatible with human gut and has the ability to withstand stomach acid as well as bile salts.

5. Acid and bile resistance Most of the probiotic strains are easily killed off

due to stomach acid and bile at the small intestine. As a result, only less than 25% of the original number of probiotics is able to arrive at their desired destination.

So, it is recommended to choose probiotics which are resistant to stomach acid and bile.

How to choose a probiotic?6. Production of enzymes There are some probiotics which are

able to help in the production of essential enzymes in the body such as proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulase and lactase. These are all important in digestion. As people age, the amount of enzyme production decreases. So, a probiotic that is able to produce enzymes is suggested.

How to choose a probiotic?7. Natural antibiotics production There are probiotic strains which are capable of

producing agents that can kill harmful microorganisms.

An example is Lactobacillus Acidophillus which is able to produce acidophillin, a bacteriocin. A bacteriocin plays a vital role in the reduction of bad bacteria in the body.

Also, there are other strains which can produce hydrogen peroxide. This aids in decreasing Candida albicans which is the cause of yeast overgrowth.

How to choose a probiotic?8. Duration of stay at the digestive tract Transient probiotic strains: These are the strains

which are not able to establish their colony in the gut instead they just provide their healthy uses as they make their passage through the gut.

Colonizer probiotic strains: These are the strains which are capable of taking their residence or colony in the gut. They work by multiplying first and then provide their health benefits until they reach their destination. Most colonizers begin multiplying their number 100 to 200 times.

With this, one may want a probiotic which contains the colonizers.

How to choose a probiotic?9. Reliability of the probiotics An important factor in choosing probiotics is

their reliability. Probiotics are expected to maintain or exceed their label guarantee on the number of live cell count (CFU/g) at the time of its purchase until it reaches its expiration date.

Production and packaging are very essential as well. Probiotics are very sensitive to light, moist, heat, and oxygen. So, it is a must for probiotics to be produced and packaged in such a way that they are not exposed to these factors to maintain their quality and effectiveness.

How to choose a probiotic?10. Individual probiotic needs There are some people who have specific

type of needs. Some examples are those who need probiotics which are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, non-GMO, and contained in veggie capsules.

In order to ensure this, the label of the probiotic should be read and checked to make sure it meets an individual’s preferences and needs.

My Favorite Probiotic

Probacto is the best probiotic that I have ever run into. They use multiple strains and they are spore forming so they can last while not refrigerated. They do not use cheap bacteria, but expensive ones such as B. Subtilis.

Probacto also contains prebiotics to help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Probacto contains digestive enzymes to assist in your digestion.

Probacto is enteric coated and made to be slow release so it will release in your gut gradually.

Conclusion

The use of probiotics have been increasingly popular as the years go by. Many research studies are also conducted on its effectiveness and benefits. Along with this, people should be aware of some considerations that they need in choosing probiotics. This is to ensure that they get the most out of their money. Also, education of people about the must-haves of probiotics contributes to quality control in the production of products containing these substances.