Today’s show is the second in a two-part series on probiotic supplements. Last week in Probiotic Supplements (Part 1), we explored probiotics: What are they?  How do you choose the strain that’s right for you?  And how do you know if you’re really getting what you paid for? Read on for what you'll learn in Part 2 of this series!

In Part 2 of our Probiotic Supplements series, Anthony Thomas, PhD, from Jarrow Formulas, is back to answer YOUR questions, including: How do I store my probiotic supplement? How do I pick and choose a probiotic for my kids? Do different probiotic strains do different things? What are the best probiotics for IBS? Are there any long-term studies to back up the validity of probiotics? How do I take a probiotic supplement when I’m on antibiotics? And more.

 

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why most probiotics will be more beneficial if stored in the refrigerator
• Why the most efficient doses of probiotics contain billions of CFU’s (colony-forming units)
• Why probiotics won’t “go bad,” but the potency can’t be guaranteed beyond the expiration date
• How some probiotics can positively influence IBS symptoms
• A link to an NCBI study on Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and how it improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Listen to episode #32 on the Low FODMAP diet for IBS with Kate Scarlata, RDN to learn more about IBS
• How probiotics might interfere with medications (or vice versa)
• How to take probiotics and antibiotics together
• Why a type of yeast called Saccharomyces Boulardii (S. Boulardii) may be beneficial when you're taking antibiotics
• Why probiotics can be harmful for those who are immunocompromised
• Tips for knowing when you’re getting a specific strain instead of random bacteria
• Why long-term studies are difficult to do
• Using specific strains for various ailments, like anxiety and constipation
• The new research on probiotic use in treating mental health conditions
• Tips for choosing probiotics for adults and kids: look at the relevant research
• Why consumers need to look for the accurate strain ID numbers on the label and even request evidence from the manufacturer
• Liz's upcoming article in Today's Dietitian on probiotics for vaginal health

 

Resources:

www.usprobioticguide.com    

www.jarrowprobiotics.com

www.superhealthykids.com

www.parentsondemand.com