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There’s a cabinet above the fruit bowl in our kitchen that’s overflowing with vitamin supplements. When I was pregnant I was very diligent and took my prenatal vitamin like clockwork. But ever since my pregnancies I’ve completely fallen off the wagon and all those supplements are sitting in the cabinet untouched. I focus on eating well and hope that everything I need comes from my diet. Not always the case.
Adding vitamin supplements back into my diet has been on my mind for quite sometime. I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf now that the school year has begun. I’m going to take a probiotic for starters and the rest of my family is going to join in on the fun.
What is a probiotic?
When someone mentions “probiotics” I automatically think of yogurt. The word “probiotic” is a compound of two Greek words: “pro,” to signify promotion of and “biotic,” which means life. [2]
Probiotics are bacteria that help keep everything balanced in your intestines. The human digestive system is designed to have “good” and “bad” bacteria. Trying to maintain a balance between the two keeps us healthy. Many times we are able to do this through a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle, but there are times when your body needs a little extra help. Taking medications, a change in diet, diseases, and the environment [3] can upset our bodies natural balance. Adding a probiotic to your diet can help.
Health benefits of taking a probiotic
The list of potential health benefits of probiotics continues to grow. While research is on going, the Mayo Clinic [4]suggests that taking a probiotic could help:
- Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
- Prevent and treat yeast infections and urinary tract infections
- Treat irritable bowel syndrome
- Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
- Speed treatment of certain intestinal infections
- Prevent and treat eczema (and potentially allergies) in children
- Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu
- Strengthen the immune system
- Help with obesity [5]
Which probiotic supplement should I take?
All probiotics aren’t created equal. ‘Probiotic’ has been a buzz word in the supplement industry for a few years and many vitamin manufacturers are eagerly entering the retail space. There’s an over abundance of probiotic choices. Here are a few tips to help find a probiotic that’s right for you:
- Use a reputable brand. Be picky.
- Look for a high dose-over 8 billion live cultures per capsule.
- Ask questions. I always accost the people at our local Whole Foods with questions.
Here’s what I am using:
For the kids: 
For the adults: Renew Life Ultimate Flora Adult Formula [7]
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to probiotics so use your best judgment and chose a brand that you trust.
Top probiotic foods
There are plenty of foods out there that contain probiotics. Try adding any of these to your diet.
- Yogurt
- Natto
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Miso
Before taking any supplements please check with your doctor to make sure they are right for you.
Do you take a probiotic supplement? What do you recommend?
Yogurt | Stock Photo © Simone Voigt #5030990 [8]