3 Key Features Every High-Quality Probiotic Should Have, Doctor Says
When it comes to supporting your gut health, probiotics are a powerful ally. Your gut plays a crucial role in your overall health, from digestion to immunity and even mental well-being. A good-quality probiotic can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, fight harmful toxins, and support digestion. But not all probiotics are created equal.
In this guide, Dr. Janine Bowring, a naturopathic doctor, shares three essential elements every effective probiotic should include. If you’re looking to improve your gut health, make sure your probiotic contains these features.
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1. Lactobacillus Acidophilus: The Digestion Booster
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a strain that helps maintain the acidity of the small intestine. According to Dr. Bowring, this strain is responsible for the tangy taste of yogurt, and it plays an important role in supporting your microbiome. Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to eliminate harmful bacteria in your gut and aids in digestion by keeping your stomach acid levels in check.
Excessive stomach acid can lead to discomfort like bloating, heartburn, and acid reflux. Probiotics with Lactobacillus acidophilus help regulate stomach acid, preventing such flare-ups. For optimal results, combine probiotics with a balanced diet and avoid foods high in acidity, like citrus and processed foods.
2. Bifidobacterium Bifidum: A Gut Health Hero
Another essential strain to look for is Bifidobacterium bifidum. Dr. Bowring highlights its ability to support digestion and combat harmful bacteria. This strain is particularly beneficial for people dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bifidobacterium bifidum also has immunity-boosting effects, reducing inflammation and helping your body fight off infections.
It’s crucial to choose a probiotic with this strain that’s been tested to survive stomach acid. This ensures that it reaches the large intestine, where it works its magic.
3. Prebiotics in Your Probiotic: Double the Benefit
A high-quality probiotic not only contains beneficial bacteria but also acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are food for probiotics, supporting their growth and function. Dr. Bowring recommends FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) as one of her favorite prebiotics. FOS helps nourish the probiotics, allowing them to thrive and support gut health more effectively.
Prebiotics are naturally found in foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and artichokes. By choosing a probiotic that contains both probiotics and prebiotics, you’re getting a synbiotic product that delivers maximum benefits to your gut.
For a probiotic to be truly effective, it should include the right bacterial strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and prebiotics like FOS. Together, these ingredients will help boost digestion, strengthen immunity, and support a healthy gut. Make sure to select a probiotic with these essential features to optimize your health and well-being.
We provide the latest information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not intended to replace professional advice. For any medication or health-related questions, always consult your healthcare provider directly.
