Are you feeling run down? Sluggish? Bloated? Constipated?
If so, you're not alone. Millions of people around the world suffer from these and other digestive problems. But what if there was a simple way to improve your gut health and feel better overall?
That's where probiotics come in. Curious to learn why? Keep reading!
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the "good" bacteria that naturally live in your gut. These good bacteria are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria living in your intestines. A healthy gut microbiome is important for a variety of reasons, including: [1,2]
- Digestion: Good bacteria help to break down food, absorb nutrients, and prevent constipation.
- Immunity: Good bacteria help to boost your immune system by producing antibodies and fighting off harmful bacteria.
- Overall health: Good bacteria have been linked to various other health benefits, including improved skin health, reduced risk of allergies, and even a longer lifespan.
The powerful capabilities of gut-friendly bacteria are no longer a surprise. As research into the potential benefits of probiotics continues to grow, so does their popularity.
Probiotics can be found in a variety of foods, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. They are also available as easy and convenient dietary supplements.[2]
How do Probiotics Work?
When you take probiotics, the good bacteria in the supplement travel to your gut and colonize there. Once they are established, they help to keep your gut microbiome healthy by: [3]
- Outcompeting harmful bacteria for nutrients- Producing substances that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria
- Stimulating the immune system
5 Reasons You Need to Take Probiotics
Probiotics are your gut microbiome’s secret weapon. The benefits of these friendly microbes are well-documented and backed by lots of scientific evidence.
Still not convinced? Not to worry. We’ve compiled the top 5 reasons you should take probiotics, starting today. Probiotics have been shown to help support and boost overall health and wellness, including: [1,2,3,4]
- Probiotics can improve gut and overall health. Probiotics help reduce inflammation, promote the growth of healthy bacteria, protect the gut lining, and boost immunity. They can help to improve digestion, reduce bloating and gas, and boost overall gut health. They can also help to prevent the development of leaky gut syndrome and protect the body against infection and disease.
- Probiotics can help improve your mood. Probiotics can help to improve mood by feeding the good bacteria in your gut microbiome. This is because the gut-brain axis is a two-way communication pathway between the gut and the brain. What happens in your gut can affect your mood, and vice versa!
- Probiotics can help protect your brain from damage. As we age, our brains become more susceptible to damage from free radicals. Probiotics can help to protect the brain from this damage by defending us from inflammatory stressors.
- Probiotics can help improve your sleep. Poor sleep is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Probiotics can help to improve sleep by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
- Probiotics can help boost your energy levels. If you're feeling tired all the time, probiotics may be able to help. Studies show these friendly bacteria fight back against harmful stimuli and boost healthy microbe growth in the GI tract which can help with energy and endurance.
How do I choose the right probiotic?
Now you know why you should take probiotics, but how do you find the best one for you?
When choosing a probiotic, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The type of bacteria: Not all probiotics are created equal! There are many different types of probiotics, so it can get overwhelming searching for a supplement that contains natural, beneficial strains. Choose a probiotic that contains a rich blend of live cultures, like Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bacillus coagulans.
- The number of colony-forming units (CFUs): CFUs are a measure of the number of live bacteria in a probiotic supplement. The higher the CFU count, the more likely the probiotic is to be effective. Make sure to look out for probiotic supplements that include at least 10 or more probiotic strains and a high count of CFUs for maximum efficacy.
- The form: Probiotics are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, powders, and liquids. Capsule forms are typically the most convenient and easy to swallow. We also recommend keeping an eye out for capsules formulated with delayed-release technology to help ensure the supplement is protected from harsh stomach acid and released in the intestines for maximum nutrient absorption.
How do you distinguish between high-quality probiotics and those of poorer quality?
Poor-quality probiotic supplements are often those that are low in CFUs, contain inactive or dead bacteria, or are not made with high-quality ingredients. It is important to do your research before choosing a probiotic supplement to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.
Keep your eyes peeled for these things:
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Feature
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High Quality
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Poor Quality
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Over 50 Billion CFUs
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✅
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❌
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More Than 10 Probiotic Strains
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✅
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❌
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Delayed-Release
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✅
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❌
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Vegan & Non-GMO
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✅
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❌
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Gluten, Dairy, & Soy-Free
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✅
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❌
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GMP-Certified
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✅
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❌
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3rd Party Lab Tested
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✅
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❌
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Pattern Wellness Probiotic
Your gut health is calling. Answer it with our probiotics.
Health doesn't need to be complicated. That's why we made our Probiotics with simple, natural ingredients that are delivered right to your door. Our premium products are made for everyone, no matter your lifestyle, and they come with all the benefits and none of the fillers.
Our naturally sourced probiotics contain 51 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) from 11 probiotic strains. This carefully formulated blend works in harmony with your body to support your immune and gut health.
So what are you waiting for?
Click here to shop and start feeling better today!
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Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian today to learn more about probiotics and how they can help you.
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Searching for more ways to stay in tip-top shape? Click here to check out our line of premium supplements. Pattern Wellness offers you nature’s best and purest ingredients so you can easily jumpstart your health from within.
Resources:
- Uchiyama-Tanaka Y. A 10-patient case study on the influence of two different probiotics on individual intestinal microbiota. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Oct;20(10):800-3. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0245. Epub 2014 Sep 24. PMID: 25250665. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25250665/
- Markowiak P, Śliżewska K. Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. Nutrients. 2017 Sep 15;9(9):1021. doi: 10.3390/nu9091021. PMID: 28914794; PMCID: PMC5622781. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622781/
- Amara AA, Shibl A. Role of Probiotics in health improvement, infection control and disease treatment and management. Saudi Pharm J. 2015 Apr;23(2):107-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2013.07.001. Epub 2013 Jul 18. PMID: 25972729; PMCID: PMC4421088. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4421088/
- Kechagia M, Basoulis D, Konstantopoulou S, Dimitriadi D, Gyftopoulou K, Skarmoutsou N, Fakiri EM. Health benefits of probiotics: a review. ISRN Nutr. 2013 Jan 2;2013:481651. doi: 10.5402/2013/481651. PMID: 24959545; PMCID: PMC4045285. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045285/
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