Should I Be Taking A Probiotic Supplement?
Michael Kerr • 23 March 2020
The short answer: if you are a healthy person then no, probably not.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that specific strains of probiotic supplements are beneficial in treating certain issues when taken at appropriate doses and duration. Essentially, probiotics should be taken like a prescribed medication.
For example, a specific probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii at a dose of 10-billion colony-forming-units (CFU) twice daily has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea when taken during antibiotic use.
Certain probiotic strains are also effective in treating IBS symptoms, including:
Bifidobacterium longum 35624
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
Bifidobacterium animals ssp. Lactis CNCM I-2494
Rather than spending money on expensive probiotic supplements, increase your gut bacteria through a diet high in prebiotics (food for good gut bacteria) and probiotic-containing fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi.
It can be tempting to turn to a supplement to get our nutrition - especially when we feel our diet is lacking in some area - but unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Studies have shown that our diet actually impacts how we benefit from supplements. For example, a study found that people eating a high fiber diet had a greater response (more benefit) from taking a prebiotic supplement than people with a low fiber diet.
The takeaway? Although probiotic supplements do have a place in some cases, for most people the best way to feed our gut bacteria is through our diet.
For more information visit www.probioticchart.ca
– a clinical guide to the probiotic products available in Canada. The site summarizes the available research to support the use of different probiotic supplements
Every Sunday, I take time to prep our lunches for the upcoming week. I find it a massive pain in the ass every single week. I find it challenging to think of new ideas for meals I want to eat for an entire week, that keep well, and are tasty and delicious. But if I don’t meal prep, I regret it for the entire week. So (almost) no matter what, I get it done. This is one of my favourite meal prep recipes. It’s quick and easy, keeps well all week long and provides tons of fiber. My favourite kind of recipe!
This is bomb. Creamy and delicious, just the way Alfredo should be. Minus all the saturated fat of a traditional Alfredo sauce 🙌
1 pack (454g) Rice vermicelli noodles 227g Cremini mushrooms, sliced 15 Brussels sprouts, halved 1 small sweet potato, cubed (1/2 inch x 1/2 inch) 1/2 Spanish onion, diced
