All about Probiotics
We often hear lots about probiotics but what should we know and how do we pick?
We often hear a lot about probiotics. They are good for you, you should take them. But what are they and what should you look for if you want to purchase them?
Probiotics are good bacteria that assists your gut in maintaining overall health. They contains millions of strains of the good bacteria that your body and gut need to function to digest food properly.
Along with helping your gut nutrition, probiotics also improve your nutrient absorption, create new compounds like vitamin K2, vitamin Bs, antioxidants, lower the amount of yeast, fungus and parasites, and reduce inflammation.
Probiotics can be found in fermented food such as unpasteurized sauerkraut, kombucha, yogurt, kefir, pickles, and kimchi.
Probiotics can come in many different forms such as liquid, powder, capsules, tablets, and chewable.
What to look for:
1) Be sure to avoid probiotics that contain dairy, gluten, soy, grains or any artificial ingredients or colourings.
2) Look for a probiotic that contains at least 8 billion bacteria cells per gram. You can start at a lower dose of 1-2 billion daily and gradually increase if you are feeling unwell.
Things to know:
When you start taking probiotics it begins to destroy the bad bacteria and toxins which releases toxins for your body to flush out and may make you feel worse for a short duration. This is often referred to as the die off reaction. It can cause nausea, mild headaches, irritability, and fatigue. It can last from a few days to a few weeks. Ensure you are having daily bowel movements in order to empty the toxins from your body. Drink plenty of water while you start your probiotics.
If symptoms of this die off period are hard to handle you can take your probiotics every second day to help relieve your symptoms. Take these supplements for about 6 months to restore your natural gut bacteria and evaluate how you feel at that time.
Recommendations for probiotics:
1) HMF probiotics- comes in powder or capsules. Must be refrigerated.
2) Genuine Health probiotic- comes in capsules. Refrigerate after opening.
3) The Cultured Coconut- liquid form. Must be refrigerated. Available at Sobeys/Safeway in health section in fridge
I hope this gives you more insight on probiotics.
Jenilee Brooks- RN
Don’t hesitate to call 1-306-831-7418 to book your appointment for you or your loved one.