Your questions on the best probiotics, answeredWhat is the best probiotic? <\/p>\n
For the best bang for your buck, I\u2019d recommend the Nutravita 60 billion CFU pro bio cultures complex<\/a>. With such a diverse range of bacteria strains and a potent 60 billion CFU per daily dose, it holds its own even among the big guns with a much higher price tag, especially in terms of rapid positive results. Bio-Kult\u2019s probiotic<\/a> is also a very affordable option for those looking for daily gut care. For those looking for a high-quality synbiotic, I would recommend The Nue Co\u2019s prebiotic + probiotic supplement<\/a>, but maybe consider a subscription to make it more affordable. If it\u2019s an all-rounder you\u2019re looking for, You\u2019re Looking Well\u2019s day pill<\/a> contains probiotic strains, your daily vitamin D and 10 other essential nutrients for overall skin and gut health. <\/p>\n What to look for in a probiotic supplement<\/p>\n Experts recommend choosing probiotic products with at least 1 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per daily dose. Research has shown some strains to be more effective than others for treating certain conditions, so it\u2019s best to choose a probiotic that will achieve the specific effects you want, to ensure the product you choose is suitable for your particular needs. It\u2019s best to talk to a healthcare professional to get some advice about specific conditions.<\/p>\n What is the most effective probiotic?<\/p>\n Look for probiotic products that contain strains of bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and saccharomyces \u2013 all of which have been found to provide health benefits, from helping your gut to treating diarrhoea. Different health concerns and different bodies will require different strains. For example, if you\u2019re taking antibiotics, you might want to consider a different kind of probiotic than someone who is struggling with recurring thrush. Similarly, someone dealing with severe IBS might need a different combination of probiotic cultures than a person dealing with general low mood who feels run down all the time. The best way to discern which is right for you is to make a symptom diary, track the types of foods you\u2019re already incorporating into your diet and then consult with a nutrition expert. <\/p>\n What is the best time to take probiotics? <\/p>\n While you can take your probiotic whenever you like, the advice suggests it should be taken on an empty stomach so the \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cfriendly\u201d bacteria can make their way to the gut as fast as possible, and at least 30 minutes before food. With this in mind, it\u2019s probably best to take your supplement first thing in the morning, half an hour before breakfast. It is important to stay consistent with the time at which you take your supplement, so you can really see the benefits. <\/p>\n What are the benefits of probiotic supplements for gut health? <\/p>\n According to the NHS, \u201cprobiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut (including your stomach and intestines)\u201d. Dr Rossi explains that you don\u2019t need to take a probiotic supplement, but that many people can benefit from the effects of taking one. These supplements don\u2019t provide a one-size-fits-all solution, but they can help with soothing stomach issues like IBS, constipation, cramps and broader issues associated with hormones and immunity. <\/p>\n \u201cIf you have an underlying gut sensitivity, which is 20 per cent of the population, maybe it’s because you’ve had a gut infection or an imbalance, or because of chronic stress, you can definitely have more sensitivities to foods.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cGood gut health is like a muscle, so you need to train it. If you say, \u2018okay, I’m quite unfit at baseline, I need to train these muscles\u2019, that means having those small amounts of different probiotic foods, and your microbes then become incredible at adapting. They start to produce the right enzymes.\u201d<\/p>\n What are the benefits of prebiotic supplements for gut health?<\/p>\n Research has shown that prebiotics may be able to improve digestion and metabolism, as well as help to regulate bowel movements. Additional benefits can also include improving calcium absorption and an increase in bone density. But, advises Dr Rossi, one should train their gut in the same way as they would with probiotics. <\/p>\n \u201cWe want to give our microbes food in an even spread. Some people have no fibre at breakfast and then have 30g in one meal, and that’s going to cause anyone gut stress, right? So we want to even out the spread. You want to feed those microbes because they will look after you if you look after them.\u201d<\/p>\n Which foods contain prebiotics?<\/p>\n There are many prebiotic foods that can help improve your overall body health as well as your gut microbiome. Examples of these foods include mushrooms, garlic, onions, cocoa powder, oats, flaxseeds, green veg such as asparagus and leeks, apples, nuts such as cashews and almonds, as well as many roots.<\/p>\n What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? <\/p>\n Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms that help to maintain or improve the \u201cgood\u201d bacteria \u2013 otherwise known as normal microflora \u2013 in the body. Prebiotics, however, are typically high-fibre foods that act as food for microflora. A simple explanation<\/a> is that probiotics are beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics are food for these bacteria.<\/p>\n How long do probiotics take to have a positive effect?<\/p>\n The speed at which you notice improvements when using probiotics depends on a range of factors, such as the age of the user, how often you take it and, of course, the product itself. Most people, however, are likely to notice positive effects on their digestion in one to two weeks.<\/p>\n Can probiotic supplements help with weight loss?<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that the purpose of probiotics is not to aid weight loss, and therefore, should not be taken with that intent in mind. That being said, it’s been shown that certain probiotics, such as Lactobacillus strains, may help people lose weight or body fat. <\/p>\n Why you can trust IndyBest reviews <\/p>\n Emilie Lavinia<\/a> is The Independent\u2019s fitness and wellbeing editor. Having reported on health and wellness for more than a decade, Emilie tests products with the help of experts like Medlin and Dr Rossi and helps the public discern between useful, quality supplements and overpriced products propped up by marketing jargon.<\/p>\n The IndyBest team<\/a> also test a range of health-related supplements, from the best multivitamins<\/a> to the best CBD oils<\/a> to take according to experts, best probiotics<\/a>, best way to get more B12<\/a> and even advice on how to manage menopause<\/a>. <\/p>\n Learn more about your wellness with the best DNA testing kits<\/a>. Or we\u2019ve rounded up the best collagen supplements<\/a>, multivitamins<\/a> and menopause supplements<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Your questions on the best probiotics, answeredWhat is the best probiotic? 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