Do you know what to look for in a probiotic? How much probiotics are enough? Quality does matter. Don’t lose your money to brands that are packed with promise but not the ingredients you are looking for.
Your gut is filled with a huge collection of bacteria and other tiny organisms that help your body digest your food and extract nutrients you need. But when the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria gets wonky, you can have symptoms ranging from gas and bloating to yeast infections and UTIs. Fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha and miso naturally add healthy bacteria to your diet, but it can tough to get enough of those into your daily diet. So here’s what to consider when picking the best probiotic supplement for you.
Look for “Women” on the Label
If you want your probiotic to help prevent UTIs or yeast infections, look for a supplement that says “vaginal health” or “for women” on the label.
These aren’t just marketing claims—women’s probiotics contain specific strains of bacteria that are known to keep the vagina and urinary tract healthy. Probiotic capsules that contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium typically target digestive health, while ones formulated specifically for women, like this one, may include L. reuteri and L. fermentum, which studies suggest may help prevent UTIs.
“Prebiotics” Matter, Too
Good gut bacteria only grow and flourish if they have the right “food” to feast on. They especially like certain types of fiber such as inulin, or “prebiotic” fiber. Oats, garlic, onions and bananas have a bunch of the stuff, but if you’re not sure that you’re getting enough of it, you can opt for a probiotic that includes a dose right in the package.
Look For At Least 1 Billion CFU
Probiotics are measured in “colony forming units,” or CFU, not milligrams or IUs like other supplements and vitamins. A good probiotic supplement will have at least 1 billion CFU, according to ConsumerLab, a leading supplement-quality watchdog.
Consider Brands that Offer Money Back Guarantees
Another thing to know about probiotic supplements: They all have a different mixture of bacteria species, and every human being has a different mixture of bacteria in our guts. That means one supplement won’t necessarily work as well for one person as it does for another. If you have specific symptoms you’re trying to target, picking a probiotic with a money back guarantee, like this one, is a great idea. Try them for two weeks and if nothing good is happening, return them and try another.
Take Note of Expiration Dates
Some probiotic supplements stay potent longer than others. The bacteria in these products are alive, and they can die off right in the bottle before you have a chance to take them. So check the expiration date, and consider looking for a brand that guarantees potency.
Go For Quality
Dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the same way as prescription drugs, and some brands may be less scrupulous than others about quality control and making accurate claims on their labels. If in doubt, go for a well-known brand with a proven track record. Always do your research. Opt for brands that don’t add unnecessary fillers or artificial flavors.
Don’t forget to watch out for allergens. When needed, look for products that are gluten-free, dairy-free, or sugar-free. These allergens and more can be used as fillers to make things tastier or more visually appealing.
Written by Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal for Better You and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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