Dave Tabaczynski, Founder of PHD probiotic products ww.drinkphd.com
Did you know 90% of the cells in your body are actually bacteria? These probiotics, or active cultures, are naturally-occurring friendly bacteria that form a protective layer in our digestive tract. 70% of our immune system is in our gut and is regulated by these bacteria, so it’s important to maintain a good supply of them. These good gut bugs help digestive and immune function, remove toxins, process vitamins, and crowd out harmful bacteria.
Probiotic-enhanced foods and beverages are taking off because of their health benefits – just look at any store’s yogurt section. However, not all probiotics are created equal, and there are a few things you should know when choosing a probiotic product to make sure it’s effective. As a microbiologist, I have been studying probiotics for years and I’d like to share a few pointers on how to choose a good probiotic product.
- Strength in numbers: Multiple strains (species) and doses in the billions of cfu (colony forming units, or cells) are better than a single strain. Think of it like a multivitamin versus just taking Vitamin C. While there are some amazing products on the market with single strains of probiotics, in general multiple strains of probiotics will have a wider ranging health benefit. Look for products with 6+ strains and a dose of at least 5 billion – you won’t overdose, what your body doesn’t use, will leave as waste.
- Fiber is the answer: Also called “prebiotics,” the best fibers enhance the effectiveness of probiotics because 1) they feed the probiotics so they can better grow in your system, and 2) they slow the transit time throughout your body so that the probiotics can stick to your insides. While probiotics in the pill format don’t have room for much fiber, if any, there are some products out there like cereals and bars that incorporate it well.
- Alive is effective: Many manufacturers of probiotic products simply mix in some beneficial bacterial strains and slap the word “probiotic” on the label. However, the good bugs need to be kept alive for maximum effectiveness, and they are very sensitive so they often die off over time in yogurts and other foods. If they are kept dry, have a food source, and are in the right pH environment, probiotics can be kept alive much longer until you’re ready to consume them.
I have designed several probiotic products with these three factors in mind. Our PHD TO GO™ drink mixes each have 6 strains and a dose of 10 billion CFUs, and they also contain plenty of complex prebiotic fiber. Most importantly, the probiotics are kept alive for 18 months in the packets to ensure they’re as effective the day you mix them with water as the day we made them. You can get it online at http://shop.drinkphd.com/ and be sure to enter promo code LWMF at check out for 20% off – that way we know you found it on this blog. An effective product like PHD TO GO will make a difference in your digestion in a day or two at the most.
This article is courtesy of Dave Tabaczynski, Founder of PHD probiotic products. Check out their website at http://www.drinkphd.com/ and don’t forget to use promo code LWMF at checkout..
