Probiotics 101

You may be hearing a lot about probiotics nowadays, but what exactly are probiotics? This post will be a beginner's guide to learning about probiotics. Lets get to it...

Probiotics are the "good" bacteria (or live cultures) that are found in many foods today. One example is yogurt with the label "live cultures." Probiotics are categorized by their genus (ex Bacillus), their species (ex coagulans), and then by strain (ex GBI-30, 6086). The benefits found in probiotics differ greatly. Some probiotics are known to restore healthy gut flora following antibiotic use, and others aid digestion and bolster the immune system.

New research is even starting to show correlation between healthy probiotic gut flora and mental health. Some probiotics are thought to be good for your mental health and even curb obesity. The effective dose of various probiotic strains is measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). Experts suggest aiming for 1 billion or more CFUs per serving to reap their benefits.

At this time the FDA has not approved any probiotic product for preventing or treating health ailments, but there is growing research to support the benefits of daily probiotic intake. Food brands are now adding probiotics to juices, snacks, and even condiments. To get the best results from probiotics, it is recommended to seek out probiotic rich foods and supplements with multiple strains. Great food selections include Kefir, yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut. If you choose a daily supplement, it is a good idea to keep your bottle in the refrigerator to extend the cultures shelf life.

Well there you have it. I hope you learned something new today. I will see you again soon.