If you’ve ever seen an Activia yogurt commercial, you’ve probably heard of probiotics. While doctors and nutritionists alike rave about their benefits, Jamie Lee Curtis doesn’t quite answer all of our questions on the topic. Post 30-second yogurt ad, we’ve found ourselves staring at the screen, thinking, “Do we need to take probiotics as a supplement if they’re in our food? Should we only take the fancy refrigerated ones, or are the regular ones in capsule form okay?” And the list goes on. To find out the answers to all of these questions and more, we decided to tap a group of experts who really know their probiotics.
What are probiotics exactly?
Let’s start with the basics. We chatted with Kiran Krishnan, a research microbiologist who co-founded Nu Science Trading, a producer of probiotic supplements. He filled us in, sharing that probiotics are live microorganisms which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. If you need help translating that into English, Krishnan is here to help. He explained that probiotics are friendly bacteria that can affect one or more systems in the body in a beneficial way. “These benefits can be for short-term problems like a cold, flu and diarrhea or long-term issues like autoimmune disease, allergies and asthma.” So basically, probiotics are good bacteria that do good things for your body, not the kind of bacteria that makes you sick. Pretty simple, right?
Why should you take them?
Craig Koniver, MD, tackled this next question for us. He’s the founder of FastVitaminIV and seriously knows his stuff. He told us, “People are mostly familiar with probiotics for digestive issues like IBS, viral infections, constipation and diarrhea. While adding supplemental probiotics can greatly help with all of those issues, they can also benefit people who need to boost their immune system, those who are chronically fatigued and even those looking to improve their mood.” He added, “The gut contains at least 80 percent of the immune system’s particles, and probiotics are the single greatest way to boost the immune system.” The scientific research on probiotics right now is most convincing when it comes to their uses for digestive and immune-boosting purposes, but Koniver notes that in the near future, “There will be more and more research completed that shows how probiotics are beneficial in heart disease prevention and cancer prevention as well.”
How do you take them?
According to Gregory Leyer, PhD and CSO at UAS Labs, where UP4 Probiotics are made, you can get your probiotics by sipping on some kefir or munching on yogurt and certain cheeses. Even if you regularly consume dairy, Leyer says that a probiotic supplement can mean more healthy bacteria per serving, so it’s good to take one regardless. As for which type of supplement you should go for (there are many different strains to choose from), Leyer explains that the best ones may still be TBD. “Research is still identifying the best type, so it’s hard to pinpoint, but my recommendation would be to seek out products with strains that have been clinically studied and documented.” Basically, it’s best to do your research before you pick your probiotic.
Krishnan also notes that it’s important to choose a probiotic that is shown to stand up to the tough acids that are in your digestive organs, as some of them are not quite strong enough to survive the journey to where they’ll be most helpful in your body. He advised us that, “A good quality probiotic supplement should call out clearly on their packaging or website that they have third-party laboratory testing to prove that their product survives past the stomach acid.” Another thing you should know about probiotics? They’re safe for pretty much anyone, except those with compromised immune systems due to illness or treatment for a serious illness. The main risk is getting an upset stomach, which Koniver notes you can avoid by starting out with a dose of 25 billion CFUs (the units used to measure probiotics), and working your way up from there.
As for refrigerated supplements versus the ones you see on store shelves? Not all experts agree on this, but Krishnan says that while many people perceive that the refrigerated ones are better, that’s not necessarily the case. “Those probiotics are kept in the fridge because the strains cannot survive being held at room temperature. Imagine what will happen to them in the body, as the body is 98 degrees.” He certainly has a point there.
Here’s the bottom line.
Based on what we know right now, it seems that a probiotic supplement is an awesome idea for anyone hoping to boost their immune system or deal with any digestive problems in a safe and natural way. While there’s definitely more research to come on the full benefits of probiotics, it certainly seems like something your tummy and bod will appreciate.
Do you take probiotics on the reg? Tell us why @BritandCo!
(Photos via Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.