How to Choose a Probiotic 

There are so many options! What are some of the key traits a good probiotic supplement should have to be most beneficial to you and your family?

Before choosing a probiotic supplement, it’s important to understand the definition of probiotics. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Basically, probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria, that can help you (the human host) when enough are consumed. Throughout history, beneficial bacteria have played an important part in human success. But that’s an entirely different post.

So, now that we know what probiotics are and that they are helpful to humans as a species, how do you choose the best product for you in a supplement world that is flooded with options? 

Here are the keys to a great probiotic: 

1. Living 

The very first word in the ISAPP definition of probiotics is the word live. Living bacteria are able to digest the indigestible fibers our bodies are not able to extract. While the microbes digest those items, they produce metabolites that our bodies use to regulate many processes.  

2. Super high CFUs does not equal a super good probiotic 

CFUs (Colony Forming Units) are the standard measure of units for commercial probiotics.  

The concept of some is good, more is better is not the case when it comes to probiotics. The gut holds hundreds of different types of bacteria in balance. Dysbiosis is an imbalance of the gut bacteria and can be the cause of many health issues. Having a high concentration of one or two types of bacteria is not necessarily very helpful. 

3. Destination: Colon 

While bacteria can be found all over inside and on the body, the primary location for most activities that can “confer a health benefit on the host” are found in the colon. The non-digestible fibers we eat are utilized by gut bacteria to make essential vitamins and minerals in the colon. In order for probiotics to be effective, they need to make it all the way to the colon where the food and their friends are in order to do their best work.  

4. Diverse Multiple Strains 

As previously stated, there are hundreds of different types of bacteria that reside in the gut. A wide range of beneficial bacteria are needed, so it’s important to support and supplement the gut with a wide range as well. Each member brings a different benefit to the room. 

How does Flourish stack up for you? 

Each bottle of Flourish contains a wide range of living bacteria. It is delivered fresh in its natural liquid form and never freeze-dried to become encapsulated. The probiotics in Flourish live in harmony together to create an acid-based environment… just the way they like it. This hearty liquid retains all the nutrients, beneficial metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, bioactive peptides, amino acids, enzymes, and minerals. All of these traits help Flourish probiotics safely make their way through the stomach to your colon so they can get to work.

Learn more about the thriving live microorganisms in Flourish at entegrohealth.com/learn. And remember, consistency is key when taking probiotics! Entegro Health offers 5% off all Subscribe & Save orders plus FREE SHIPPING on subscriptions of 2+ Flourish!

Written by Lorilyn VanDyke