{"id":2617,"date":"2022-08-22T22:36:54","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T22:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=2617"},"modified":"2023-02-08T19:50:37","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T19:50:37","slug":"probiotics-how-to-choose-the-right-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/probiotics-how-to-choose-the-right-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Probiotics: How to Choose the Right one"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s lots of talk about probiotics these days. Probiotics in your yogurt, probiotics in your bread, even probiotics in your skincare or household cleaners! But what actually are<\/strong> probiotics, and why would we need them in the first place? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Probiotics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you didn\u2019t know, The World Health Organization defines probiotics<\/a> as \u2018Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host\u2019. In plain language, probiotics are \u201cgood bugs\u201d or \u201cgood microbes\u201d that are meant to help the person taking them. These friendly microbes help us digest food, maintain health, and fight disease. Many Canadians are hearing about how great probiotics are, and are looking to take them as supplements, add them to their diet or take them as needed to improve health. Seems like a pretty logical idea, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important that you talk with your doctor, pharmacist,\u00a0or dietitian\u00a0first\u00a0before taking\u00a0a probiotic,\u00a0to ensure you\u00a0have a proper diagnosis, or know why you are taking\u00a0it. Together, you can select an appropriate probiotic\u00a0that is the most suitable\u00a0for\u00a0you.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I choose the right probiotic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Selecting the proper probiotic for the symptoms you wish to relieve can be confusing. The Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products<\/a> can help you select a probiotic that has been proven effective in reputable scientific studies. The Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products is an evidence-based decision-making tool for clinicians, which is independently prepared and updated every year. This project has been going on since 2008, and has been recognized as the only<\/strong> reliable resource by international healthcare associations providing health care professionals and consumers with a list of probiotic formulations that have been specifically clinically tested \u2013 so they can select the appropriate product, dose, and formulation for a specific indication. To be included in the guide, all of the inclusion criteria must be met:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.<\/strong> Commercially available in Canada (or the US) as a supplement or probiotic-containing food
2<\/strong>. Generally Recognized as Safe status (FDA) and\/or Natural Product Number (Health Canada) for probiotic strain(s) used in the products
3.<\/strong> Favourable published clinical evidence for the particular strain(s) present in each product
4<\/strong>. For products containing multiple strains, the evidence must be for the specified combination and NOT extrapolated from the evidence for the separate probiotic strains<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the The Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products<\/a>, the recommendations are tied to brand names, making it easier for you to select the recommended product when purchasing in stores. Probiotic strain names and doses are also listed. Favorable published clinical evidence for the particular strain(s) presented in each product are given and include numerous gastrointestinal conditions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The handy acronym list makes it easy for you to find the product that has clinical evidence for your specific condition:  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n