Best Probiotic Chews For Optimum Health in 2017
My #1 Pick for Probiotics
Before We Look at the Best Probiotics...What Are Probiotics, Anyway?
Probiotics come in several different delivery methods. Before we take a look at the best probiotic chews, it would be good to explain exactly what a probiotic does. In a nutshell, probiotics are live bacteria that may confer a health benefit on the host. The word probiotic comes from the Latin "pro" (meaning for) and the Greek adjective biotic (meaning bios).
My #2 Pick from a Reputable Manufacturer
How Effective are Probiotics?
In today's fast-paced world, people often want a quick lunch to get through the day as they juggle many tasks that are called upon to do. Sometimes help sufferers. So, just as we want fast food, we also want fast cures. Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular with women. Approximately 60% of women use them on a daily basis for anything from lactose intolerance to curing vaginal infections. There are those critics who say that there is no real evidence to back up the claims made by many probiotics manufacturers. That being the case, probiotics are enjoying a growing popularity in the United States and abroad. The larger school of thought tends to agree that probiotics serve a good benefit to society.
What Ingredients are in Probiotics?
Most common microbes used as probiotics are lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Many sources also contain yeasts and bacilli.
Can I get Probiotics Naturally in my Food?
Some people prefer to introduce probiotics naturally into their bodies by way of fermented foods such as sauerkraut. Several yogurt manufacturers today add active live cultures to their products. Because of processing, these types of products may have little or no benefit. Certainly a healthy diet of foods with probiotics is highly recommended. Just know the recommended quantity or quality of the actual live probiotics may be lacking.
Best Probiotic for Prenatal Mom and Baby!
Should I Take Probiotics When I'm Pregnant?
One of the biggest issues for pregnant women is constipation. Many medical professionals recommend probiotics as an aid in smooth gastrointestinal movement. Not only will probiotics help in the digestive system of women, but it has been shown to strengthen their immune defenses.
A great side benefit of a stronger immune system for mom is that baby can benefit as well. Some claims the baby's immune system is boosted even during pregnancy. Still others say that introducing probiotics during pregnancy can also prevent allergies in the baby after birth.
While some of these claims may be a bit of a stretch, mom and baby are generally not adversely affected by taking probiotics. As always, it is wise to consult a reputable physician with any questions and concerns you may have. Also look for the best brand of chewable or pill probiotic you can afford.
What About Raw Probiotics?
Get the good stuff when you buy raw or regular probiotics. Garden of Life has been making a safe and effective raw probiotic for many years. Others also sell a raw product, but don't often exhibit the consistent quality that Garden of Life has acheived. Research any manufacturer and go with the best that you can afford...you and your family are worth it!
Can I be Sure Probiotics Chewables are Safe for Me?
When you introduce probiotics into your body, the body doesn't see them as invaders. This is because they already reside in a healthy digestive tract. So, as a rule, they are considered safe to use under normal circumstances.
Some claim that there may be some risk to people with immune disorders, however this is not conclusive. When you are considering using any probiotic, there are six qualities the product must possess. For example, always be sure check refrigeration, viability at expiration, and if the probiotic has delayed release.
So whether you're looking for the best probiotic chewable or tablet, be sure to read the labels thoroughly. If you're unsure whether probiotics are safe for you, don't hesitate to consult your doctor.
Probiotics for Kids, Good or Bad?
Are Probiotics Safe for My Kids?
So are probiotics safe for kids? That is a good question, and one that many parents are asking. No good parent wants to introduce harmful or on beneficial medications of any kind into their children's bodies. Therefore, you have to ask when probiotics should be taken or if they should be taken at all. While it is always best for adults and children alike to get a well-rounded diet of foods such as sauerkraut (containing natural probiotics), many gravitate towards pills or chewables.
Many doctors recommend a regular dose of probiotics be given to children after they come off a round of antibiotics. This is to rebuild the natural flora in their digestive tract. There been a few cases where probiotics have caused sepsis. Sepsis occurs when the blood stream is polluted with bacteria. This can cause serious harm. Otherwise, healthy children can generally benefit from using probiotics after using antibiotics or to stave off a bout of diarrhea. This indicates that probiotics are helpful in the short term.
There probiotics out there just for kids. They come in chewable, pill, and possibly even powder forms. If you're uncertain whether your child should be taking probiotics, always consult a good pediatrician.
My Final Thoughts
As a father of three beautiful children, I'm very concerned with their health. My concern is magnified because we live in a fast food, junk food society. It's a constant battle, especially when you're out and about with your family, to eat healthy. It's so easy and convenient to grab a quick burger and fry or a bag of chips at a convenience store.
Not to get up on my soapbox, but it could be said that the designation of junk food can apply to many vegetables and fruits found at the local grocery store. As fruit and vegetable growers strive to create bigger harvests, they use fertilizers and pesticides that are harmful to humans and animals as well. Not only do these toxins leach into our soils, they're bound to be present in the foods we eat. Certainly homegrown and store-bought fruits and vegetables bear little resemblance to each other when it comes to taste. The same can undoubtedly be said in regard to the inherent nutritional property differences of the two.
Therefore, since our food is our best medicine, we must purchase the best quality that we can afford. Usually this means we should go organic and organic typically comes with a hefty price tag. I do my best to grow a garden each year, but time doesn't allow me to raise enough to eat on during the summer and can for winter use. The last two years because of drought and time constraints my garden has been meager indeed.
I said all this to say that the quality of what I put in my body and that of my family is very important to me and my wife. Naturally this carries into any vitamins and supplements that we use. I'm almost 40 years old and can happily report that nobody in my family is on any prescription medications of any kind. That isn't to say that I don't believe in taking medications...take them only if absolutely necessary is the motto in my family. We are what we eat, so make it good. Again, this carries over to any vitamins or supplements we put in our body. They should be as organic as we can afford. We don't take probiotics on a regular basis, but we have used several Garden of Life products, such as raw meal replacers.
Anyone with poor health can tell you the value of good health. So my goal is to promote good health by spotlighting good products. Please enjoy and leave your comments below.
Here's to your health.