So, you’ve decided to take a probiotic supplement but there are so many to choose from. Wondering what makes a good probiotic and how to pick a probiotic that will work for you? Let’s review some of the basics of these supplements and go over some tips on how to pick the right probiotic for you.
As you already know, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in the digestive system and other parts of the body. In the gut, probiotics help promote healthy digestion, support overall immune health, produce vitamins, promote hormonal balance, and more. It’s not uncommon for the population of organisms in the gut to get out of balance. Unhealthy eating, stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications can all contribute to such an imbalance. Taking a probiotic supplement can help ensure the gut microbiome remains healthy with the right balance of bacteria.
What to Look for in a Probiotic
So, what should we look for when choosing a probiotic? Many probiotic manufacturers advertise that each dose of their supplement contains “x billion bacteria” or “x billion colony forming units (CFU)” per dose and consequently, consumers think this is an important criterion for assessing the quality of a probiotic supplement. The truth is that all bacteria are capable of reproducing with astounding speed in the right environment. There are much more important criteria when choosing a probiotic.
So, what makes a good probiotic supplement? To determine the quality of a probiotic, we recommend considering these factors.
Diversity
Much more important than the number of CFUs is the diversity of the organism population. (Think about it: if the problem is an imbalance in the gut microbiome, how will adding 30 billion CFUs of one or two additional strains achieve balance?) Probiotic supplements without sufficient diversity can actually be harmful to the balance of gut flora! Only a supplement that contains a wide range of probiotic strains can restore and maintain a diverse population of microorganisms in the digestive tract.
For example, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics contain 12 distinct probiotic strains including his proprietary strain Enterococcus faecalis TH10, a Lactic Acid Bacteria which digests proteins during the fermentation process.
Live & Viable Bacteria
When deciding what probiotics to take, another important concern is the condition of the bacteria in the supplement. The supplement may not do you much good if it does not contain live organisms that will remain and thrive in the digestive tract. Be careful to read the label to make sure the product you are buying contains live organisms. This is definitely a case where it does not make sense to bargain hunt. Less expensive brands may not be able to invest in the proper handling procedures to ensure the organisms remain viable. Also, be sure to check expiration dates.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics contain only live and active bacteria — not freeze-dried or damaged by being centrifuged. Many other freeze-dried probiotic supplements must be refrigerated to preserve the viability of the bacteria due to the aggressive processes used to manufacture them. Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics are fermented over three years at seasonal temperatures. This allows them to remain stable at room temperature. The individually packaged, blister-packed capsules remain fresh, potent, and pure and are easy to take along with you wherever you go.
Additional Ingredients: Prebiotics & Postbiotics
What other ingredients does the probiotic supplement contain? Do they contain other beneficial ingredients, like prebiotics and postbiotics, to make them more effective?
Prebiotics are indigestible food ingredients, e.g. plant fibers, that help probiotics thrive in the gut. Eating prebiotic foods is good for the gut microbiome but we don’t always get enough of them. When a probiotic supplement also contains prebiotic ingredients, this helps the probiotics work better. Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics are encapsulated with a prebiotic blend (consisting of veggies, fruits, mushrooms, and seaweed) to help the live bacteria survive and thrive in the digestive tract.
Postbiotics can also help probiotics be more successful in the gut. Vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids help regulate the pH of the colon, leveling the playing field for the good bacteria and giving them a head start on restoring the gut microbiome to a balanced state.
As a result of our three-year fermentation process, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Supplements contain a full complement of postbiotic metabolites to help the gut flora flourish.
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Dr. Ohhira’s® Probiotic Supplements$13.95 – $89.95
Experience the Dr. Ohhira Advantage
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic supplements are the only all-natural, 3-year fermented food supplement that contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Produced with natural crops and pure water, they contain 12 distinctive probiotic strains including our proprietary TH10 which is six times more effective at breaking down proteins and nutrients than other known strains. Discover the Dr. Ohhira Difference for yourself today! If you have questions or still need help finding the best probiotic for you, contact us today.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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