Probiotics are alive, so their viability can be affected by a number of packaging and storage issues. We need to know more about the best way to administer probiotics . We also need to know more about how probiotics can stay in your gut once they get there.
Currently, it is not believed that a dose of probiotics will necessarily stay in your system forever. Current practice is to take daily doses of probiotics .
To start reaping the benefits of probiotics , increase your daily intake.
You can do this via dietary sources or supplements. Many traditional foods around the world naturally contain probiotics . These foods include:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Greek yogurt
- Kombucha
Slowly increase your intake of probiotics and watch out for any side effects – positive or negative. Since there are many strains of probiotics , note how each affects you differently.
Here are some additional tips for taking probiotics:
Slowly increase CFUs
Recommended daily doses range from 1 billion to 10 billion colony forming units (CFU). Start at 1 CFU and slowly increase while paying attention to your body's reaction. Kefir contains 15-20 CFU per cup. Supplements should list their CFUs on the bottle.
Take advice if it's your first time
If the fermented foods are new to you, find a friend or a highly rated restaurant to introduce them to you and how to best enjoy them.
Take probiotics at specific times with respect to meals
Take probiotics just before eating or with your meal, but not after eating.
Try natural sources before supplements
You can take probiotic supplements , but you can also get them directly from their natural source. Food sources of probiotics will contain a wide variety of strains, but supplements should list each individual type they contain.
Probiotics can help manage:
- irritable bowel syndrome
- high cholesterol
- Nutrient Absorption
- Diarrhea
- The constipation
- lactose intolerance
- Weight gain
Reducing the side effects of any of the above issues can improve your quality of life and your overall sense of well-being.
The benefits of probiotics in your gut go beyond healthy stools. A healthy digestive system has been bound and improvements in mental health and immune response.
Probiotics are also currently studied for their benefits on oral health and dermatological health. By helping with protein absorption, probiotics can also help your body recover after training and reduce muscle fatigue.
As antibiotic-resistant infections increase, probiotics could be powerful protective and healing agents that work perfectly with our natural body systems.
Probiotics are considered safe for most people. The studies do not report major risks associated with taking them.
The most commonly reported side effects of probiotics are gas and bloating . If you have severe reactions, including abdominal pain, reduce your daily CFU intake and slowly increase again over time.
Always speak with your doctor before starting any new health supplement. Before giving your child probiotic supplements , talk to their pediatrician. Premature babies should not take probiotics .
Probiotics may not be recommended for people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. Do not use probiotics to replace prescription medications without first consulting your doctor.
Research indicates a positive association between taking probiotics and healthy digestion in people of all ages. Healthy digestion also leads to improved mental and oral health, a healthy immune system, and possibly healthier skin.
If you want to reap the benefits of probiotics , introduce them slowly into your diet with traditional foods or supplements.