How To Choose A Probiotic Supplement

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Probiotics

Probiotic supplements have been shown to benefit health in a number of ways.

However, some of the purported benefits of probiotics arent supported by research, so its important to always consult a healthcare professional before taking a probiotic supplement, especially if youre hoping to improve symptoms related to a health condition.

Natural Dog Company Hip & Joint

Made with simple ingredients

What we love: This daily chew is great for dogs of any age, but specially tailored to give senior dogs a boost in the joint department. Active ingredients like Alaskan salmon oil, turmeric, and New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel are designed to reduce inflammation and support joint health. You can feel even better about these supplements because theyre vet-approved, manufactured in the U.S., and only contain the highest-quality organic ingredients.

What customers say: Reviewers report improvements for their senior pups with arthritis and hip dysplasia such as swelling reduction, increased playfulness, and reduced stiffness.

Ingredients: Alaskan salmon oil, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, glucosamine HCL, chicken liver, chondroitin sulfate, purfor MSM flake, organic turmeric, vitamin C, coconut oil, palm fruit oil, and flaxseed meal.

Third Place: Vetriscience Vetri Mega Probiotic Review

VetriScience is a well-respected canine supplement brand, and its probiotic formula doesnt disappoint. If your dog scoffs at powder on his food, VetriSciences capsules could be an excellent solution.

This product contains a prebiotic, seven bacterial strains, and five billion CFU per capsule. Its recommended for supporting digestive health and issues related to food sensitivity and allergies. It also promotes a healthy immune and neurological system.

Recommended use: Give one capsule daily for dogs under 40 lbs . Store in a cool, dry place.

Probiotics included:Fructooligosaccharides prebiotic, Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. Iongum, Enterococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. brevis, L. plantarum, and L. casei.

If youre looking for an alternative to powders or pills, these PetHonestys probiotic chews with enzymes help support digestive health, immunity, and nutrient absorption. They come in two flavors and dont contain wheat, corn, soy, dairy, harmful chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavoring. Each chew contains five strains of bacteria, a prebiotic, and three billion CFUs.

Made in the USA in a Good Manufacturing Practices-certified and FDA-approved facility, you can trust you are giving your pup a trusted daily supplement. They have a money-back guarantee and subscription option to save 20% on recurring purchases. You can also save 10% if you bundle three together.

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What Are Probiotic Supplements

Until a couple of decades ago, gut bacteria werent given much thought and were just considered either useless or harmful.

Then scientists started investigating the microbes, and evidence of their benefits began emerging. The discoveries began culturing a new market for probiotic supplements.

Probiotic supplements are bottled living probiotic microbes that can be purchased at many retailers. Some people take them daily, just like vitamin supplements.

Today, the abundance of probiotic supplement choices can be overwhelming and confusing. People may wonder if they need a supplement and how to select the right one.

Align Probiotic Extra Strength

Price: $$$

Align is a physician-trusted brand that contains Bifidobacteriumlongum 35624, formerly known as Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, a probiotic strain that has been researched for its role in digestive health, including IBS symptoms .

Aligns Extra Strength probiotic label states that each capsule contains 5 billion live bacteria at the time of manufacturing and 50,000,000 CFUs up until the best by date.

As it doesnt require refrigeration, its a good option if you frequently travel or prefer not to worry about storing your probiotic supplement in the fridge.

Note that Align contains trace amounts of lactose, so it may not be appropriate for those with severe lactose intolerance.

Price: $

Bio-Kult contains 14 probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum.

Each Bio-Kult capsule contains a minimum of 2 billion microorganisms, and Bio-Kult guarantees that the total bacteria count of their products is viable until the end of the products shelf life.

Each probiotic strain in Bio-Kult is microencapsulated and individually freeze-dried, which protects the probiotics from stomach acid and allows the product to be stored at room temperature.

Bio-Kult products are third-party tested by United Kingdom Accreditation Service accredited labs.

Bio-Kult is not appropriate for those with a severe allergy to milk proteins, but it is safe for those with lactose intolerance.

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What Are The Signs You Need Probiotics

Research suggests that probiotics may help improve symptoms associated with IBS and IBD.

If youre experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation, or have received a diagnosis of IBD or IBS, you may benefit from a probiotic .

Still, you should first meet with a healthcare professional to discuss your options and determine whether a probiotic is a good fit for you.

If you could benefit from a probiotic, they can help you choose the right strain or strains and suggest a dosage depending on your medical history and symptoms.

Look For Probiotics That Have A Variety Of Strains

Different strains have been found to work favourably for different health conditions. Probiotics that have been found to provide health benefits include various strains of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces. Many probiotic supplements contain a combination of different strains in the same supplement. A general recommendation is to choose probiotic products with at least 1 billion colony forming units and containing the genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces boulardii, some of the most researched strains,” says Vinita Contractor, holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach. Look for a supplement that contains multiple strains, sometimes listed as a proprietary blend. Inferior brands might contain only one probiotic strain, she says. The sicker your gut is, the higher the probiotic dose. For a leaky gut or inflammatory bowel disease , one may need to take up to 200 to 400 billion CFUs daily, says Contractor.

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What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics

Scientists have a lot to say about the potential benefits of taking probiotics.Hundreds of papers have been published about the various health benefits associated with probiotics. And over the past few years the pace of publication has been increasing. Some probiotic strains have been shown in studies to have immune benefits and others have data to support digestive benefits .

So Lets Get Into Some Common Faq About Probiotics:

What are probiotics good for?

According to the official definition from the World Health Organization, probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. So simply put, probiotics are microbes that can improve your health.So what are the benefits of a probiotic? Its important to match the right probiotic to your individual needs, but the main potential benefits of a good quality probiotic include:Improved digestion: gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation can all be connected to the gut microbiota. Whats more, imbalances in gut bacteria are common in digestive issues such as IBS and Ulcerative Colitis. Research suggests that some probiotics may help you improve these symptoms.Support of immune function: the gut microbiota interacts with the immune system located in your gut and some probiotic bacteria have been shown to positively influence different facets of immunity.Managing chronic inflammation: inflammation can be associated with dysbiosis and gut barrier dysfunction. Probiotics may help support these issues, along with an anti-inflammatory diet.

How do I choose a probiotic that actually works?How long does it take for probiotics to work?Is a higher CFU count always better?Are more probiotic strains better?How do I choose the right probiotic for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or.?When is the best time to take a probiotic?

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Best Overall: Natures Farmacy Dogzymes Probiotic Max Dog Supplement

In our review, the overall best probiotics for dogs is Natures Farmacy Dogzymes Probiotic Max Dog Supplement because it is microencapsulated to protect the live organisms from the acid in your dogs stomach so it has better viability to give your pet the results you want. Plus it tastes great.

Natures Farmacy Dogzymes includes the good bacteria you look for in a probiotic, plus it adds enzymes and prebiotics to further aid your pets digestion. Enzymes are the active ingredients in live foods that help your dogs cells absorb nutrients and perform important chemical reactions. Prebiotics are the fibers that feed the good bacteria , so they can survive and thrive inside your dogs digestive tract and do their job.

There are two basic types of probiotics, treats and powders. Natures Farmacy gives you a powder you can mix into any liquid or your pets food. Its also made in the USA.

Types Of Probiotics For Dogs

Probiotics for dogs come in several forms. Some dog foods even include probiotics in the list of ingredients.

If you look at the guaranteed analysis section on a package of dog food with probiotics, you will see the type and quantity of bacteria added.

Species-specific strains include Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus coagulans. Other probiotic strains that have helped improve stool quality and consistency in dogs include Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Dog probiotic supplements are produced as powders, capsules, and chews. Each are labeled with recommendations on dosage and frequency of use.

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Looking For An Amazing Probiotic To Help You Get The Nutrients You Need

Probiotix works to help maintain the balance in your body’s microbiota. The human body carries nearly 100 trillion bacteria in the gutthats more than 10 times the total number of human cells in the entire body. Probiotics are those good bacteria that help keep the gut healthy and assist in digestion and nutrient absorption, to provide better digestive and immune health.

SWOLVERINE is an endurance athlete and active lifestyle brand. Made for the elite athlete, and the strong-willed our products were designed to fuel your athletic performance. We perform when you perform.

We believe that everyone can optimize not only their athletic performance but their human potential. The way we believe we can optimize performance is through transparency, clinically effective doses, and clinically proven ingredients with evidence-based outcomes. We provide the nutrients you need to power your active lifestyle.

How To Tell If Probiotics Are High

I like a bargain as much as anyone, but buying a probiotic supplement is something you don’t want to skimp on. Warehouse stores are great to buy paper towels and grass-fed beef in bulk, but those mega-containers of probiotics are hardly the great deal they might seem.

Quality matters for any supplement, and that goes triple for probiotics. Many commercial brands lack the technology to identify specific strains and how much of that strain each dose contains.

That could mean you get an ineffective or potentially harmful dose. It’s a great sign if the company is using probiotic strains that have been used specifically in clinical trials at a dose similar to or the same as that used in the study. This is one of the only ways to guarantee a probiotic’s effectiveness.*

And even then, with probiotics, it’s all about survival. These delicate microorganisms must survive several obstaclesthe manufacturing process, packaging, shelf life, and the acid in your stomach environmentto reach your intestines, where they do their job.

Keep in mind that when supplements contain a specific number of organisms, this number has an expiry eventually. Probiotics are living organisms and can die, especially if that supplement sits on your drugstore or warehouse shelf or a shipping truck for a long time or at elevated temperatures.

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How To Choose The Best Probiotic For You

While more research is necessary to fully understand the benefits of different probiotic strains, we do know that not all probiotics are created equal. The Lactobacilli, for instance, live in our digestive, urinary, and genital systems and can be found in some fermented foods like yogurt. Bifidobacteria normally live in the intestines as lactic acid bacteria, and are also found in fermented foods.

According to registered dietitian Alex Caspero, MA, RD, For certain conditions, you want to ensure youre taking the strand that is most likely to benefit you. Heres a simple breakdown to help you determine the best probiotic for you.

Choose The Right Types

Scientists give bacteria three names: genus, species, and strain. You’ll see something like “Bifidobacterium longum W11,” where bifidobacterium is the genus, longum is the species, and W11 is the strain.

You can think of it like a first, middle, and last name. You need all three to get it right. This matters because when scientists research how well probiotics work for a health condition, they use very specific types.

When you’re choosing a probiotic, make sure all three names are the ones you’re looking for. Just the same genus and species won’t do. That’d be like settling for some random actor named James Earl Cooper when you really wanted to watch a movie with James Earl Jones.

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Choosing Probiotics For Gi Disorders

In 2017, the World Gastroenterology Organization compiled a chart of evidenced-based cases in which probiotics have successfully treated specific gastrointestinal conditions.

Below is a small sample of available research on GI conditions some probiotics may be able to treat.

The lists of microbes are not all-inclusive theyre just a few from a handful of studies. And while WGO offered the most up-to-date information possible in 2017, new and more conclusive studies are emerging daily.

What Are Some Good Sources Of Probiotics For Your Diet

There are many good sources of probiotics for your diet. Some of the best include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. These foods contain high levels of healthy bacteria that can help to improve gut flora.

Fermented herbs are a great source of probiotics for your gut health. They contain high levels of healthy bacteria that can help to improve gut health. Additionally, fermented herbs are also a great source of vitamins and minerals that can benefit your overall health.

Some of the best fermented herbs for gut health include ginger, garlic, and turmeric. These herbs are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can protect against harmful toxins and bacteria. Additionally, they are also effective at regulating bowel function and boosting the immune system.

So if you’re looking for a good way to improve your gut health, consider adding some fermented herbs to your diet. They are a great source of probiotics and other beneficial nutrients that can help to keep your gut microbiome in balance.

Whatever source of probiotics you choose, be sure to look for products that have been certified as containing live and active cultures. This means that the bacteria in the product are still alive and will be effective in promoting gut health.

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Check The Expiration Date And Date Of Manufacture

This might seem obvious, but it is often overlooked for supplements and especially probiotics. Remember, probiotics contain live bacterial strains and are therefore fragile. It is important to first check the expiration date and the use-by date on the bottle. Then, review the directions for storage. Although most probiotics are shelf-stable, if the bottle directs you to keep it in the fridge, we recommend doing so. It will never hurt, and it will only help to ensure shelf life.

If you want to check to see if the bacteria included in a probiotic are still alive, try this test.24

Check out this video for support: .

Check Other Important Information On The Label

Another important step in choosing a probiotic is to check the label for additional information.

Does the probiotic contain any other ingredients?

Some probiotics incorporate prebiotic nutrients. Prebiotics are the food sources for the beneficial bacteria. Adding prebiotics can make the supplement more effective.

For example, all Omni-Biotic probiotics contain prebiotic nutrients. When the probiotic powder is dissolved in water prior to intake, the probiotic bacteria can eat these prebiotic nutrients. This makes the bacteria strong for their passage through the acidic environment of the stomach and increases survival.

The label also tells you if the supplement contains any allergens such as gluten, lactose or soy. This is particularly important if you have a food sensitivity.

Does the product require refrigeration?

Products that require refrigeration are more difficult to travel with. Theres also a higher risk that the live bacteria in the product are no longer at their most vital state when you consume them. If the cooling chain of the product gets interrupted during storage, transportation or shipping, the product may overheat. This can compromise and even kill the beneficial bacteria.

Lastly, check the expiration date to make sure the product does not expire before you plan to consume it.

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How To Choose A Probiotic Count The Colony Forming Units

Colony Forming Units is going to be the number on the front of the bottle of probiotics youre looking at. This tells you how much, of each bacteria, is in the product. For general health and wellness, anything over 10 billion CFUs isnt worth the money or time. On the flip side, if you dont get enough CFUs, youre not going to get the results you necessarily want and they could just be a waste of money. We recommend purchasing a bottle of probiotics with a CFU range of 3-5 billion for general health and wellness. If you’re looking to alleviate the negative symptoms associated with a health concern, we recommend 5-10 billion CFUs in a probiotic.