Do You Need Probiotic Supplements?
Everyone raves about the health benefits of probiotics. But should you be taking probiotic supplements, or can you get enough from food?
We know that probiotics are key to maintaining a healthy digestive tract. And various studies have linked the power-packed bacteria to numerous other health perks, including lowering blood pressure, helping with depression, and aiding in weight loss. What's not so clear: If you can get enough of the belly-dwelling organisms from probiotic-rich foods (think: yogurt, kefir, kimchi, tempeh, and sauerkraut, to name a few) or if you should be taking probiotic supplements.
If you do plan on popping a probiotic, here's what you need to know to make a solid supplement pick.
There are different kinds. "Different strains of probiotics yield different health benefits, just as different antibiotics are chosen for different infections," says Raymond. Avoid probiotics that don't have any published medical articles supporting their efficacy, and to choose a strain that suits any medical conditions you may have, she adds. (See below.)
More is better. Choose one with around 10 billion CFU. The bottle of bugs is alive (sorry for the visual!), so some will die off as they sit on the shelf. Aim high to give yourself the best chance of reaping the benefits.
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