UNDERSTANDING PROBIOTICS
I n the last 100 years we have discovered that ‘beneficial’
bacteria, also known as probiotics, play an important role
in our health. Trillions of microbes – both ‘beneficial’ and
‘harmful’ – live within the intestines and can impact our
digestive health, immune health, and risk of developing
certain chronic diseases.
Although it has taken decades to gain popularity, probiotics
are growing faster than ever and the days of relying on yoghurt
for our daily dose of ‘friendly’ bacteria are gone. People now
realize that yoghurt is not enough, and in most cases provides
nominal amounts of live bacteria per serving. In 2017, Mary
Scourboutakos, post-doctoral researcher for The University of
Toronto, found that the vast majority of commercial yoghurts
do not contain enough probiotic bacteria for therapeutic benefit.
My advice? For optimal health, look for a probiotic
supplement that:
1) Contains a variety of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species.
2) Offers a dose of at least 50 billion live active bacteria per capsule.
3) Guarantees the safe arrival of ‘friendly’ bacteria to the small
– By Dr. Sara Celik, ND
and large intestine with a delivery system
such as DR (delayed-release) capsules.
With so many different choices, shopping
for probiotics can be overwhelming.
Choose a formulation that meets these three criteria and
expect to pay approximately $1.50 per capsule. High quality
probiotics are an investment in your health, and cheaper
products typically contain fewer strains, lower potencies,
and binders/fillers. I encourage you to read labels since many
probiotic supplements guarantee the dosage at the time of
manufacture, but not the time of expiry.
A healthy microbiome is necessary for good health.
Although these trending microbes are popping up everywhere
from skin care products to beverages, and even packaged foods
like chocolate, supplements remain my number one choice
for patients seeking optimal health and well-being.•
Dr. Sara Celik is a Naturopathic Doctor and Homeopathic Master
Clinician with over 16 years of experience in the health and wellness
industry, with an extensive clinical and educational background.
Join us at the Good Living Show on September 7th to hear
her presentation.
70% OF YOUR IMMUNE
SYSTEM IS IN YOUR GUT FREE
SEMINAR
MAKE SURE YOURS IS UP FOR IT
DAILY
PROBIOTIC
PROVIDES
HEALTHY
BACTERIA
IMPROVES
DIGESTION
BEAT THE BLOAT!
JOIN US AT THE GOOD
LIVING SHOW, FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 7 TH , 1PM
AT THE ART GALLERY
OF BURLINGTON, TO
LEARN ABOUT SIMPLE
WAYS TO RE-BALANCE
YOUR ‘GOOD’ GUT
BACTERIA FOR BETTER
OVERALL HEALTH!