“All disease begins in the gut!” Why? As 80% of our immune system is in the gut, maintaining a healthy gut is important for optimal health and having a healthy spectrum of good bacteria in our gut is the key. Adding probiotics to our daily diet is needed to obtain good bacteria. So how does one choose safe and effective probiotics? Here are the essential criteria:
1.Multiple strains
Choose a multiple strain formula (6-10) as they work synergistically and each of them has slightly different functions. Different strains also concentrate in different parts of the gut.
2.What strains of bacteria should one look for?
Lactobacillus strains and Bifidobacterium strains are ones to look for.
3.Resistance to stomach acid and bile salt?
The capability of the probiotics to survive and tolerate high acidity in the stomach and high bile salts content in the small intestine is important.
4.Stability
The bacteria has to be viable at the time of ingestion, stable at room temperature, and prebiotic (FOS) can improve shelf lives of probiotic.
5.Viable count
At least 1 billion CFUs (colony forming units of viable cells) should be chosen.
6.Antibiotic resistance test
Ensure the strains are sensitive to at least 3 commonly used antibiotics.
7.Human gut anchoring test
The ability to colonize and adhere in the intestine is essential.