Comprehensive Guide to the Best Probiotic Supplements in 2017 for Enhanced Wellness
Explore the top probiotic supplements of 2017 to boost your health and wellness. This guide highlights leading products, their benefits, and tips for selecting the best probiotic tailored to your needs. Improve digestion, immune function, and overall vitality with trusted probiotic options supported by research and expert opinions.
Top Probiotic Supplements of 2017 for Optimal Health and Wellness
Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that play a crucial role in supporting human health. These helpful microbes are naturally present in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso, as well as in dietary supplements. Incorporating high-quality probiotics into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your digestive health, immune system, mental clarity, and overall vitality. As awareness about gut health grows, selecting the right probiotic supplement becomes essential for achieving optimal health benefits.
Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut flora, which is fundamental for efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. They can also influence mood, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic health. In today’s busy world, people are increasingly turning to probiotic supplements as a convenient way to improve their health without relying solely on food sources. However, with numerous brands and formulations available, choosing the most effective probiotic supplement requires understanding key factors such as strain specificity, CFU (colony-forming units) count, purity, and manufacturing quality.
This comprehensive guide will detail some of the leading probiotic supplements of 2017, highlighting their features, benefits, and considerations to help you select the best option for your health needs.
Understanding Probiotics: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to their host. The most common probiotic strains belong to genera such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces. These strains work synergistically within the gut to restore or maintain a healthy microbial balance, which is often disrupted by factors like poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and illnesses.
The benefits of probiotics are well-documented and include enhancing digestive function, reducing symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), preventing diarrhea (including antibiotic-associated diarrhea), and supporting immune health. Additionally, emerging research suggests probiotics can improve mental health by influencing the gut-brain axis, potentially reducing anxiety and depression.
Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine – whether through dietary sources or supplements – can therefore be a powerful strategy to boost overall health and resilience.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Probiotic Supplements
Choosing an effective probiotic supplement involves several important considerations:
Strain Specificity: Different probiotic strains offer various health benefits. Select products with strains that target your specific health concerns.
Colony-Forming Units (CFUs): The number of viable microorganisms. A higher CFU count does not always mean better, but generally, a sufficient amount (around 10-50 billion CFUs) is recommended for general health.
Number of Strains: Multi-strain probiotics can provide broader benefits by supporting multiple aspects of health simultaneously.
Purity and Quality: Choose reputable brands with transparent manufacturing processes, minimal fillers, and allergen-free ingredients.
Storage Conditions: Some probiotics require refrigeration, while others are shelf-stable. Proper storage ensures maximum potency.
The Leading Probiotics of 2017
Here are some of the most acclaimed probiotic supplements from 2017 that have garnered praise from health professionals and users alike:
BlueBiotics Ultimate Care
This supplement is highly regarded for its potency and comprehensive strain profile. It contains an impressive 61 billion CFUs per serving, making it suitable for those needing a robust probiotic boost. The formula includes 11 well-researched strains, notably S. Boulardii, known for its ability to combat gastrointestinal infections and support immune function. Users report improved digestion, better weight management, enhanced metabolic processes, and increased mental clarity. Most importantly, it is well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects, making it suitable for a broad demographic.
Ultimate Flora Critical Care
Offering 50 billion CFUs from 10 different strains, this probiotic is designed to improve digestive health, reduce bloating, and support immune resilience. It is especially effective against common digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. The supplement fosters better nutrient absorption and strengthens the body's natural defenses. It is suitable for both children and adults, although pregnant and nursing women are advised to consult healthcare providers before use to ensure safety and efficacy.
Florastor
This popular probiotic contains Saccharomyces Boulardii, a beneficial yeast that helps restore healthy gut flora. Florastor is especially effective against gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, bacterial overgrowth, and infections. It is often recommended during antibiotic treatments to prevent secondary infections. Given its yeast-based formulation, it can be a good alternative for those sensitive to bacterial probiotics. However, individuals with compromised immune systems should seek medical advice before starting Florastor to avoid potential complications.
Align
Align is distinguished by its Bifidobacterium Infantis strain, which has been extensively studied for its ability to promote healthy digestion and prevent intestinal infections. It is particularly helpful in managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and supporting overall gastrointestinal health. Many users find Align effective for regularity and relief from digestive discomfort. Its gentle formulation makes it suitable for daily use, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or specific digestive health goals. Professional guidance is recommended to tailor probiotic use to individual needs.
Trubiotics
Trubiotics offers a dual-strain probiotic capsule designed to combat stomach acid and support efficient digestion. It combines probiotic strains that survive stomach acid more effectively, ensuring more microorganisms reach the intestines alive. Regular intake can lead to improved gut health, reduced indigestion, and a strengthened immune system. Trubiotics is often recommended for individuals seeking an easy-to-take supplement that supports ongoing digestive wellness.
Health Benefits of Probiotics Beyond Digestion
While probiotics are primarily known for their role in gut health, their benefits extend to various other aspects of overall wellness:
Mental Health: Probiotics can influence the gut-brain axis, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and mental fog through modulation of neurotransmitter production.
Cholesterol Levels: Certain probiotic strains can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular health.
Immune System Support: Regular probiotic use helps bolster immune defenses, reducing the frequency and severity of infections.
Allergy and Skin Conditions: Probiotics may alleviate symptoms of allergies, eczema, and other inflammatory skin issues by regulating immune responses.
Chronic Disorders: Evidence suggests probiotics can play a supportive role in managing conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Availability and Usage Tips
Probiotics are widely accessible, available at health stores, pharmacies, and online platforms. For best results, follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations and consider consulting a healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing health conditions. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods into your diet alongside supplements for a natural and holistic approach to gut health.
In conclusion, selecting the right probiotic supplement in 2017 can significantly enhance your health, energy levels, and overall well-being. By focusing on reputable brands with the appropriate strains and CFU counts, you can enjoy the myriad benefits that probiotics offer and support a healthier, happier life.
