Consuming beneficial bacteria in the form of probiotic supplements can boost the immune system and improve your health. But not all products on the market live up to these claims. In order to identify the best probiotic products it is important to ensure the following four factors (from the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics):
- That the product you are purchasing contains sufficient numbers of live bacteria to confer a health bacteria.
- That the bacterial strains provided are taxonomically defined (ie: at the genus, species and strain level).
- Has undergone controlled evaluation to determine health benefits.
- Is safe for its intended use.
In addition don’t believe advertising messages that claim that a product is “the best probiotic” as the best probiotic for you will depend on your specific health goals. Instead ask your self what you are looking for in a probiotic supplement and provide the best probiotic to help you achieve that.
What is the best probiotic supplement?
The table below lists 6 common reasons why people purchase probiotics. The table is designed to guide you in determining which supplement is best for your needs.
- Are you looking for a general, multi-strain probiotic to keep you healthy and support your immune system?
- Have you recently taken a course of antibiotics and now wish to replenish the populations of beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract?
- Do you suffer from digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation or bloating?
- Do you wish to manage a food allergy that you are suffering from.
- Do you currently suffer from a yeast infection and wish to take a course of probiotics to re-balance your natural flora? Learn more about how to get rid of a yeast infection.
- Are you planning to travel to another country and want to protect yourself from stomach upsets?