Before getting into this interesting topic, I felt it important to first explain what a Probiotic is! So our gut is lined with millions and billions of bacteria - some good and very much needed...some not so good..! 🦠 The good bacteria produce vitamins for our bodies and support the immune system. 💪🏻
Did you know we actually have more bacteria in our body than we do cells! So it’s super important to look after them and feed them as they are alive. This is where a Probiotic comes in handy!
A lot of people come to me with issues from having a bloated gut to dry lips and itchy eyes. Often introducing a really great quality probiotic daily will help ease with these symptoms.
There are so many types out there on the market, so can be tough to know which is actually going to help, and which just waste your money. So some things to look out for:
- a probiotic that will lay dormant until it reaches your GI tract (where it’s needed). The only one I’m aware of is Bacillus Coagulans in a product called Digestion Plus. Products with lactobacillus and acidophilus will hit the stomach and lose most of its potency before it even reaches the bacteria that need to feed on it.
- A probiotic that has digestive enzymes. One which has all the -ases to help us digest our food (eg LactASE to help us digest lactose).
- One that is in a powder form...usually liquid form probiotics have been on shelves for a few weeks before they even get to you. If the probiotic aren’t already dead, they are severely less potent.
- Avoid dairy based probiotics, as most people have an underlying lactose intolerance and don’t realise it...so a dairy based probiotic won’t be helping your gut troubles.
Keep in mind that probiotics feed both the good and bad type of bacteria, so although they will help with any gut discomfort, it would be worthwhile getting a bit of guidance around your diet 🍎🍌🍓🥑🥬🍠
Increasing your omega intake and fibre will also help support your gut as you start to take your probiotics.
I hope this post has helped a few people - if you learnt something new, please be sure to give me a ♥️ and do comment or PM if you’d like some further guidance. M xo