I started taking probiotics about 2 years ago when, of all people, the skincare representative at my spa, recommended that everyone take them. Of course, I didn't start taking them because they'd make me healthier or make my body work better or whatever... instead, I started taking them because I heard they were good for my skin. Ha. Go figure. Vain for life.
What exactly are probiotics?
The definition of "biotics" is "associated with or derived from living organisms." Don't get weirded out. Think about bacteria. Bacteria is alive. Now, think of antibiotics.. anti is against, right? And those are prescribed when something bad is going on in our system.. so, antibiotics are killing the bad bacteria. Likewise, pro is positive..in this, case, probiotics means exactly that- it's pro, or for, the biotics, or living organisms, in our system. Basically, it's get the good bacteria.
There are many, many benefits to probiotics. One big benefit is that is reduces inflammation. Doesn't sound like such a big deal at first, does it? THINK AGAIN. For us vain people, let's think about the benefits of this in skincare... got rosacea? Pimples? Well, okay then. These occur as a result of inflammation.. probiotics will help bring down the inflmmation. There's also evidence that probiotics helps build collagen, making it a wonderful anti-aging agent (that's a lot of A's). In fact, probiotics have recently been popping up in skincare products themselves. My favorite mask every (I am totally being unbiased here) is the clear skin probiotic masque by Eminence Organics.
On a non-beauty side, probiotics not just reduce inflmmation, but promote digestion in the body.. this will help with constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome... all of that awful stuff. Because it increases the good bacteria in your body, it also helps with virtually anything, but one thing that comes to mind.. yeast infections. Bacterial vaginosis. Hey, we're mostly ladies, right?
There are many different strains of probiotics and each brand of probiotics should list them on the label. Believe it or not, not all probiotics are created equal, so it's good to try to research the ones that are geared towards what you're trying to fix. For example, there are probiotics specially geared towards women only. There are probiotics for children only. The most common probiotic strain I've seen is probably our good ol' acidophilus. I love this probiotic, because its name literally sounds like it could be a dinosaur. However, though acidophilus is the strain most commonly seen, there are many other strains of probiotics that are more potent and beneficial to the body and skin.
I was sent a few different bottles of probiotics to try, and I'm super happy about that, as I've been taking a probiotic every day religiously for the past couple of years. For example, Wholeness Therapeutics Probiotic Blend and Living Natural Advanced Probiotics each sent me a bottle of their probiotics, and I love them both. I take one tablet each morning, with my other supplements (vitamin c, multi-vitamin, evening primrose oil). It's super easy and makes all of the difference in the world. Since starting my probiotics, I have noticed fewer breakouts and a general "better" feeling with my body. In addition, Microbiome Plus sent me a one month supply of their fancy probiotic and prebiotic fiber supplements that also promote normal digestive function. These supplements are different from the prior brands I've mentioned, since a one month supply comes with four weekly boxes each containing an AM pack and PM pack of prebiotic and probiotic supplements.
If you're looking to go on a probiotic, it may be best to research your reasons why and talk to your doctor about which probiotic may be right for you. But, if you're looking to add a probiotic to your diet for general health, any of these brands are great, though I'd probably purchase the Mircobiome Plus kit. A bottle of 60 capsules by Wholeness Therapeutics will cost you $29.99, while a whole 60 tablets by Living Natural will only run you back $17.97.
In addition, the fancy probiotic and prebiotic fiber pack from Microbiome Plus is $29.99 for a monthly supply. Remember, this monthly supply leaves you with enough probiotics and prebiotic fiber for AM and PM daily doses, which makes Microbiome's kit a better value.
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