• 

  Get together...

• 

  Join our forums...

• 

  Fire your imagination...

• 

  Tell your friends...

• 

  Indulge yourself...

Take time out and find some inspiration

Probiotics seem to be in everything these days, from your cleaning products to your chocolate bars. Is this for a reason, or is it all just a gimmick?

Research does continue to boast the benefits of supplementing one’s diet with good bacteria. More than 70% of your body’s immunity is now thought to reside in the gut, and therefore having a good balance of probiotics can aid not only your digestion, but also your immunity, energy levels, and even your skin health.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, you can now follow our 10 simple steps to finding the right probiotic.

1. If you are serious about your gut, choose a probiotic supplement over probiotic foods. Probiotic supplements are generally much stronger, and often better value, than their food counterparts.
2. How many billions? Different probiotic supplements will boast different ‘billions counts’. Go for something with at least 1 or 2 billion probiotic microorganisms per daily dose, and yet don’t fret too much over numbers – there is no use taking hundreds of billions if the probiotic is of poor quality.
3. Shelf stability. You may want to go for a probiotic which does not require refrigeration. This way you can keep it in your cupboards, in your handbag, or on your bedside table – wherever you won’t forget it!
4. Number of strains – As different strains will settle in different areas of your body, you want to find a supplement with a few probiotic strains in it, as opposed to just one strain of acidophilus for example.
5. Make sure there is research. Probiotics should be backed up with clinical trials, these should be easily seen on the manufacturer’s website and reading materials.
6. Look out for prebiotics – this is the food source for your probiotics. You may want to find a supplement with both probiotics and prebiotics, for a longer lasting effect.
7. Different probiotic strains have different effects on the body. Ideally find a supplement which caters to different health conditions by using the right probiotic strains – for example certain strains for bloating, others for immunity.
8. Steer clear of too many additives. Even some supplements add sugars and flavourings to their powdered products, but you’d be better off finding probiotics in their purest form.
9. Stick with it. If you are meant to take them daily, then take them daily! You will not do yourself much justice popping probiotics once a week or so when you remember.
10. Be patient! Probiotics are natural supplements, and not medicines. The effects may take weeks to really kick in. But give it a good shot, and you may well find that you finally understand all of the hype.

Comments…

You must be a member to comment, please register here…

• © 2012 Be Fabulous Online Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Advertisers
• Contact
• Terms of use
• Privacy Policy
• Accessibility
• AWARD CREATIVE
• Developed by Nine Four.