Are your Pre/Probiotics Actually Benefiting You?
These little buggars are expensive! So let’s make sure that no matter how “fancy and natural” they seem, that they are providing you with the benefits needed for optimal health.
Through health coach training and genuine research and interest, I can decipher the good guys from the brands hopping on the gut health trend and throwing 2 billion of 1 thing into a smoothie and calling it a probiotic.
How Can I Easily Read a Label & Make the Right Choice
I am super stingy about promoting brands and products, especially when it is a health trend or “superfood” (the other bane of my existence).
Even at your local COOP where yes everything might be sourced naturally, they are giving pre/probiotic solutions that will inevitably perpetuate the problem.
When you read the labels, it will say it contains 2-8 million/billion strains of “essential” bacteria compounds to promote gut health.
I’m sorry, but your body is way more complicated and smarter than that. Taking those types of supplements will overload your intestinal lining with a very very limited number of TYPES of flora.
And, if that isn’t bad enough, over 95% of Americans are fiber deficient which is a main source of PRE-biotics. This creates a comfy landing spot for for all that healthy bacteria growth from a diverse source of food and supplements.
Look for select brands that focus on both pre and pro and phyto biotics, they have many strains derived from plant sources.
Search for a prebiotic that has dietary fiber as a prominent ingredient.
Trust in companies that identify themselves strongly in the research industry and niche in on positive gut care.
I know how tempting and exciting it is when your favorite company (regardless of how formally recognized they are in the health community) comes out with “Now with Probiotics!” labels on their newest smoothie or shake blend, but aesthetics are not worth the compromising effects of limited research and marketing opportunities
The number one health tip I give people is about incorporating diversity, make sure your daily pre/probiotic enhances the healthy choices you are already making.
Find a health professional and ask them about the one you are currently taking or for reccomendations.
Gut Support Brands I trust
- Amare Global (Not only great for the day to day needs, but has an abundance of support blends)
- Young Scent (Great pre/pro biotics, wellness shot style)
- Young Living (Paired with their other consumable products, this is a great choice)
Dietary Support Options
- Sauerkraut (Make sure yours is unpasteurized!)
- Kombucha (Check the added sugar content first)
- Fiber (no, not from “fiber one brownies”)
- Kim Chi (Again, unpasteurized only please)