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Hey everyone! Today we will be talking all about the buzzy supplement of Probiotics. We will be discussing what they are, the benefits and why you need to take them, and of course, the top 5 best probiotic supplements that can help with weight loss.
What Are Probiotics?
“Probiotics are good bacteria that are either the same as or very similar to the bacteria that are already in your body.”(1)
Probiotics naturally occur in vast quantities in our digestive system and their main job is to keep your gut healthy. It is important for various functions within the digestive and immune systems.
These supplements contain something called “strains” and “CFU (colony forming units)” which tells us the number of probiotics that are in the supplement. Research shows that the higher the CFU, isn’t always the best but it’s the strain that matters.
If your probiotic contains the following strains you are good to go! (2)
L strains:
Acidophilus
Rhammnosus
Reteri
Pantarum
Gasseri
B Strains:
Infantis
Longum
Bifidum
Lactus
Pro Tip: A good ratio of CFU is anywhere from 1 billion to 50 billion. I personally use 30 billion and have been seeing a difference. The strain count doesn’t matter as much but making sure the ones above are included is.
Benefits of Probiotics?
You might be thinking:
“why do I even need these?”
I know because I thought the same question. You should be taking probiotics for good gut health to provide plenty of good bacteria so you can keep striving to be your best self and continue enjoying the foods you love.
Benefits of having the right levels of probiotics* into your diet may include (3):
Build a kickass immune system
Taking the recommended amounts of probiotics can be beneficial to a healthy immune system. The good bacteria help heal the gut by decreasing the number of bad bacteria that can overpower the gut making you gain weight and feel bloated and constipated!
Have a clean, healthy, happy gut
The bad bacteria typically forms when you are eating way to much sugar, processed foods, or carb-heavy meals (not meaning complex carb). By having the correct level of good bacteria in your gut, your cravings for sugary foods will decrease – eliminating those cravings will help lose unwanted weight!
Prevent occasional diarrhea or constipation
Antibiotics may cause imbalance to your digestive health, therefore it is a good idea to help your gut get back on track by adding some probiotics!
When you have all these possible issues in check, you can definitely take greater control of the weight gain you may have had. For myself, I have suffered from overeating processed carbs and too much sugar which lead me to a 15-pound weight gain in 2 months! That is a lot for me and my body type but I was able to heal my gut by finally adding probiotics to my daily routine.
They really helped me curb the sugar and carb cravings and decreased the bloating by more than half! I am still taking them and have bought a one month supply to see how it goes. I also drink a little Kombucha and some miso soup every now and then to kick it up a notch.
Sources of Probiotics
Some amazing probiotic foods to include are:
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Fermented foods
- Kombucha
- Probiotic Supplements
These are wonderful options for those who do not like supplements but not the best if you don’t like these foods.
Top 5 Probiotics for Better Digestion
If you want to quickly and easily add probiotics into your diet through supplements, here are the top 5 rated probiotics to help with weight loss and a boost your immune system:
Probiotics in Moderation
Not everyone’s microbiome is the same and people react differently – do what works best for you. Read the serving size, instructions, and consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.
Just remember, you can’t completely supplement weight loss with just a pill, it takes effort, a good diet, and activity to see results.
If you found this article helpful, please comment below to share your favorites and or the ones you have tried! Have they worked out for you in any of the claimed benefits, or cons?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If you want to know some extra ways on how to shed pounds, check out my post on How to Burn Belly Fat with Food and what eating right can do for you and your health.
Kindly,
Dacia
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)