How to choose a probiotic? It’s a complicated question, but we’ve got all the information you need to answer this. First, we’ll talk about why you’d want to choose a probiotic at all. Second, we’ll answer the question of what makes a good probiotic. Third, we’ll let you know some of the dangers you may run into when you’re trying to choose a probiotic. Finally, we’ll give you our picks for the best probiotics.
Why should I take a probiotic?
Before you think about how to choose a probiotic, it’s natural to ask what the big deal is. Why does anyone take a probiotic? The short answer is: you should take a probiotic because beneficial bacteria is absolutely essential to your body functioning at its best. The right probiotic can deliver that bacteria where you need it.
The longer answer starts in understanding that the digestive system has a role far more extensive than just processing the food you eat. The digestive system is actually the hub of your immune system. Anytime someone asks how they can better support their immune health, the answer lies in better supporting their digestive health.
It’s also critical to remember that your digestive system is built to process and eliminate… this means that even the good bacteria in your intestines is eliminated regularly. So in order to support immune and digestive health, you want to take the right probiotic EVERY DAY. Not just when you don’t feel well.
Quality probiotics, like those made by Natren, are the best way to get the bacteria you need because they have such a strong foundation in science. Each strain of good bacteria is researched with extensive detail, as are the encapsulation methods, storage of probiotics, and even shipping methods.
What makes a good probiotic?
When you’re learning about how to choose a probiotic, you know that quality and safety are more important than anything. A decision affecting your health, and that of your family, is not one where saving a few dollars is top priority. Here are the factors to look for when you’re picking a probiotic:
- Your probiotic should be microbiologically pure. This means no fillers, soy, GMOs, gluten, or other ‘mystery’ ingredients. You want to know exactly what IS in your probiotic, and also what is NOT in your probiotic.
- Your probiotic should be 100% potency-guaranteed through the expiration date printed on the bottle. If this seems like a ‘given’ then think again. Once you start looking carefully, you’ll see that many probiotic companies do not guarantee potency. Or if they do, they guarantee it at the time of manufacturing. That’s a very different value from having the potency guaranteed through
- Your probiotic should be in a temperature controlled environment in ALL phases of the manufacturing and shipping process. Some probiotics companies let their supplements sit in hot trucks, or on shelves with light shining on the bottles. Both heat and light are the enemies of good bacteria. If you buy from these companies, you’re spending your money on bacteria that are likely useless to you.
What dangers should I look for when I’m learning how to choose a probiotic?
When you’re choosing a probiotic, it’s important to know that bacteria - when not handled properly - can be dangerous. Did you know that people have actually died from trying to make their own probiotic kombucha at home? We strongly encourage you to leave the science of probiotics to experts, like those at Natren. Our founder, scientists, and entire process are dedicated to making sure the highest safety protocols are followed.
Unfortunately, most other probiotics companies cannot say the same thing. You could end up with products that are useless - or even dangerous. Studies have found probiotics with unwanted (and unlisted!) ingredients like soy, gluten, GMOs, and fillers. You’ll never find any of those in Natren probiotics.
People choose probiotics to better their health, not to endanger themselves and their families. That’s why you’ve got to choose a probiotic by a truly trusted company like Natren. Just because a company has a flashy label, or makes outlandish promises, does NOT mean you should spend your money with them. Marketing hype is far more common than quality probiotics these days.
How do I choose the best probiotic for my needs?
Browsing a trusted website like Natren’s, where you know every probiotic available is top quality, is a great way to find the supplements that are best for you. However, if you’re looking for a quick recommendation of where to start, here are our top 3:
Healthy Trinity - a great option for adults, seniors, and older children who can swallow capsules. This 3 in 1 supplement provides 3 of Natren’s best selling beneficial bacteria products. It’s all you need to optimize your immune and digestive systems.
Healthy Start System - the same top tier bacteria as in Healthy Trinity, except each one is packaged separately and in powder form. This makes it easier to customize a probiotic routine that’s best for you, or for kids who have an easier time taking powder.
Life Start - the best choice for pregnant moms, those who are breastfeeding, and infants. This powder can be mixed into breastmilk, formula, or water and allows babies to get the right dose of the first good bacteria they need to keep them healthy.
In addition to providing the best probiotics, Natren is a company you can truly trust. When you’re looking for how to choose a probiotic, start by looking at a company that has your health as a top priority. Visit Natren.com to learn about our industry-leading probiotics.
