Are you looking to improve your digestive health? As the number of probiotic products on the market continues to expand, more people are starting to ask, “How do I choose the best probiotic supplement?”
Generally speaking, the best way to improve your digestive health is to add more probiotic foods into your diet, however, if you are unable to eat those foods every day, then an attractive option is to take a probiotic supplement. When deciding on which probiotic supplement works best for you, consider the following:
- The specific probiotic strains that are included
- The product’s packaging and system for delivery
- Expiration dates
- Guarantee Money-Back
Specific Probiotic Strains
Many believe that the best probiotic supplement is the one with the most bacteria in it, however, we still don’t know if more bacteria is actually better for you. In fact, researchers are still unsure of how many strains of probiotic bacteria are in the gut to begin with. So, it’s important to keep in mind that a sales pitch on probiotic strains is just that – a pitch.
Based on the latest research, it’s not the total number of bacteria in a product that’s important but rather it’s the number of different strains of bacteria that it includes.
Different strains of probiotic bacteria have different functions and are in various places along the digestive tract, therefore, probiotic supplements that contain multiple strains tend to be more effective. With strains working synergistically to influence our health, the whole is literally greater than the sum of its parts.
In fact, the best probiotic supplements out there will include, at the very least, these three important strains:
- L. acidophilus – Colonizing the walls of the small intestine and supporting nutrient absorption and the digestion of dairy, l.acidophilus is the most important strain of the lactobacillus species.
- B. longum – As one of the most common bacteria found in the digestive tract of adults, B. Longum acts as a scavenger of toxins and helps to maintain the integrity of the gut wall.
- B. bifidum – Found in both the small and large intestine, this strain is critical for the healthy digestion of dairy products. This is crucial as you grow older and your ability to digest dairy products declines. Additionally, B.bifidum helps break down complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into smaller parts so the body can use them more effectively.
System of Delivery
An important factor in choosing the best probiotic supplement is to understand the various ways a manufacturer packages and delivers the supplements. All in all, it won’t matter which product you select if the system of delivery doesn’t work!
When you come across the term “delivery system”, it is referring to the form in which the product is created and how that form then enables the bacteria to remain alive while on the shelves. If you buy a probiotic supplement that is full of dead bacteria, then it’s a waste of money.
Also, it is important to look at the packaging of a product as probiotic bacteria are living organisms, and their health is affected by the environment in which they live.
Most delivery systems do not require you to refrigerate your supplements anymore, however, you still need to protect the bacteria from prolonged exposure to light, heat, and moisture. Look for thick, opaque bottles with desiccant pouches, as this is type of packaging that ensures that these elements have minimal impact.
Expiry Dates
When it comes to product quality, the supplement industry does not necessarily require products to label their expiration dates. If you see a stated expiration date on a probiotic supplement, it is the manufacturer’s way of promising you that the bacteria in the product will remain active and potent. An expiration date is based on formulation testing data, therefore it shows the initiative that a company is paying attention to these matters.
If you do not see an expiration date on a product label, put it down! The best probiotic supplements will have clearly labeled expiration dates. Without this information, an individual has no way of knowing how long the bacteria in the supplement will last.
Overall, along with the delivery system, looking for an expiration date is the best way to ensure that you are getting the best available probiotic supplement.
Guarantee Money-Back
You should always insist on a money-back guarantee for any supplement that you take, and that includes your probiotic. If a company truly believes in their products, they will stand by them.
Featured Image: Depositphotos/Daxiao_Productions