FIR Episode 30: A Beginner’s Guide to Probiotics

In this episode, we’ll look at what makes a bacteria probiotic, some evidence of its benefits, and how to choose the best probiotics for you.

Probiotics are one of the most frequent over-the-counter formulas patients are using or are interested in using.

Their popularity isn’t isolated to patients either. One review estimates that yearly sales of probiotics will eclipse US$64 billion in 2023.

Probiotics from ancient times to the present day

In Latin, the word “probiotic” means “life,” first coined in the sixties by Lilly and Stillwell, which makes perfect sense if you think about it.

In 2001, an expert panel supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) came up with the definition of probiotics we use now – “live organisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Find out about the difference between probiotics and fermented foods.

For instance, when is the best time to take a probiotic formula as opposed to eating fermented foods?

Discover how probiotics are given their name, how to tell the different strains and species on the label.

For example, find out how to spot a patented well-researched probiotic strain and some examples of what to look for.

One of the characteristics of what makes a micro-organism a probiotic may be one of the main reasons why it helps.

Learn more about how they are classified and how these benefit your health. For instance, probiotics naturally suppress undesirable bacteria in the gut helping you maintain good gut health.

Not all probiotic formulas are equal.

There are features of an effective formula you can learn about, such as the amounts to aim for. It can really help to do this to maximise your chance of feeling better.

There are best practices when buying and taking probiotics.

For example, did you know that it’s best to take a probiotic after food?

Find out about the difference between shelf-stable and refrigerated probiotics and why this is important.

All this and more in this episode of Free and Inspired Radio!