How to Pick a Good Probiotic Supplement & Avoid the Junk

Bacteria Bonanza: Discover How Different Probiotic Strains?Unlock Unique Health Benefits

Dear?Reader,?

???Introduction to Probiotics

Probiotics are more than a health trend; they are crucial to better your holistic health and well-being. Essential for gut health, they are effective for so much more.?

Beyond aiding digestion, they significantly?influence the gut-brain axis, impacting mental clarity and emotional balance. Research highlights their role in mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through neurotransmitter production.

Probiotics contribute to managing chronic inflammation and metabolic health, aid in weight control and reduce cardiovascular disorder risks. Additionally, they bolster immune function and promote healthier skin and oral health. In essence, probiotics offer a comprehensive approach to enhancing overall health, far beyond the confines of gut-related benefits. These 'good' bacteria are vital. Yet, the market is flooded with options, and not all deliver.

Many products promise benefits but lack the right strain combinations or dosages (CFU’s or Colony Forming Units), and some even contain harmful fillers. As your holistic health consultant, I've cut through the clutter to identify the most effective probiotics for your needs. Check out this link to my favorites along with a basic cheat sheet showing you which strains are recommended for which gains. It’s on my Wellness Evolution Fullscript Online Natural Pharmacy.??Just click this link to access it.?

?? Definition and Importance of Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as "beneficial" or "good" bacteria or bugs, that play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and general wellbeing. They are similar to the naturally occurring bacteria found in the human gut.

Gut Balance: Probiotics are key to maintaining gut microbiota balance, crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption.

Holistic Benefits: They impact overall well-being, influencing immune function, vitamin production, and mood via the gut-brain axis.?

Natural & Supplemented:?Present naturally in the body, but can be bolstered by diet, lifestyle, probiotic supplements and certain fermented foods. They can be depleted in the body due to medication use, especially antibiotics.

Immune Boost:?Integral to gut-based immunity, they help protect against pathogens and may lower the risk of some infections and chronic disease.

Widespread Health Impact: Research links healthy gut flora to improvements in allergies, skin conditions, metabolism, weight management, heart health, and more.

Personalized Effectiveness: Benefits vary based on individual gut microbiota, health status, probiotic type (strain), number of CFU’s and the person’s overall health.

In essence, probiotics are a fundamental part of our health ecosystem, with benefits reaching far beyond gut health to encompass physical and mental well-being.

?? Understanding Probiotic Strains

Strain-Specific Benefits: Probiotic strains are not one-size-fits-all; each has its own role. I say, “Different strains for different gains.” Some strains are better for digestive health, others for immune support, and some can impact mental health. Selecting a probiotic that aligns with your personal health objectives is crucial for maximum benefits. Common Strains: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, each with unique properties.

?? Choosing the Right Supplement

CFU Count: CFU stands for Colony Forming Units, a measurement used specifically to count live and viable microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast, in each dose of a product. It differs from a simple cell count as it only includes the cells capable of growing and forming colonies under proper conditions. Opt for supplements with a CFU count in the billions, indicating a high concentration of live microorganisms. I constantly hear people saying they are taking a probiotic and its not helping, only to find out that theirs contains only 1 or 2 million CFU, not billion, and it may be the wrong strains. No wonder!

Storage and Stability: Some require refrigeration, while others are shelf-stable. Proper storage ensures potency. Read the label.

Check Expiration: A supplement past its expiration date may not provide effective levels of probiotics.

?? Avoiding the Junk

No to Artificial Additives: Avoid supplements with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Allergen Awareness: Check for allergens like dairy, soy, or gluten, especially if you have sensitivities.

Third-Party Verification: Supplements tested by independent third parties are more likely to be safe and effective. Quality matters!

?? Label Literacy

Detailed Strain Information: The label should specify the strains and their CFU count. If that is missing, don’t buy it.

Dosage Directions: Adhere to recommended dosages for optimal benefits.

?? Natural Probiotic Sources

Dietary Probiotics: Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha in your diet for natural probiotics.

?? Akkermansia: Metabolic Game-Changer

Keeping you at the forefront of what is new, I want you to know about this promising strain that is making waves in the health community.?

Known for its role in improving gut barrier function, Akkermansia is closely associated with metabolic health enhancements. It’s been linked to regulating fat metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in weight loss and managing obesity.?

Some studies show that individuals with a higher natural presence of Akkermansia in their gut tend to have lower body weight and better metabolic profiles. And, YES! there is a connection between Akkermansia miciniphila and the stimulation of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1), which is similar to the mechanism of action of drugs like OZEMPIC (semaglutide).?

In addition, initial studies also suggest that Akkermansia may be a key player in the prevention of type 2 diabetes! By stimulating GLP-1, it helps activate the release of insulin, suppressing glucagon and reducing appetite.

I just started taking a probiotic with Akkermansia in it. I will keep you posted. If you want to know more about how it works, reach out to me by email and let’s talk. Click here: [email protected]

?? Conclusion

Informed Choices: Understanding the different strains and their benefits is key to choosing an effective probiotic supplement.

Holistic Health: Combining supplements with a healthy lifestyle and diet leads to comprehensive wellness benefits. Keeping a healthy gut microbiome can be one of your best strategies for living healthy longer.

Expert Advice: As always, consult a healthcare professional before starting a probiotic, particularly for specific health conditions.

Take a practical step towards enhancing your health for the rest of your life. Visit my Wellness Evolution Fullscript Online Natural Pharmacy?where?I have meticulously detailed my top probiotic and other selections. I make it easy for you to get started with a probiotic choice that suits your unique needs. As part of my commitment to your wellness journey, you always receive a 15% discount on all products. In fact, why not check out my gift selections for Happy, Healthy, Loving Valentine's Day gifts? What could be more thoughtful?

If you would like to know more about having a healthy microbiome and how it impacts your effectiveness at work and at play, read my published article which can be found on the Global Wellness Institute's website at?https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Article-3-Gloria-Treister-1.pdf Make the healthy choice. I'm here to guide you along the way.?

Until next week, well wishes to you and yours!

Gloria

Gloria Treister, HHP

Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner

EMCC Certified Executive & Business Coach

Advanced Physical Fitness Specialist

PS. Here's the latest amazing review of my new book, "Wellness 101: Simple Steps to Good Health." It is from an icon in Global Wellness,?Susie Ellis,?Chair & CEO?of The Global Wellness Institute! I am beyond proud and humbled!

Check it out below and get your copy here.? Thank you, Susie!?? https://amzn.to/3MBkTjh

"Wow.? A wellness book with the perfect frame of reference that will resonate with individuals of all ages, groups and especially corporate programs.? Gloria knows exactly how to educate and inspire people for their health and wellbeing. It’s a treasure trove of valuable information, presented in a delightful style.? Not only are these simple steps to health – they are smart!"

? ? ? ? ? - Susie Ellis,?Chair & CEO, Global Wellness Institute