Let’s talk about gut health. Gut health is getting a lot of attention right now- and rightly so. Did you know your body can contain up to ten times more bacteria than it does human cells?
It may surprise you, but up to 2 kg of microbes live in our gut! There are tens of trillions of micro-organisms that live in there.
At least 1,000 species of bacteria containing over 3 million genes create their own biome in your gut. And, here is a very cool fact, two-thirds of the gut microbiome is unique to you.
Your gut microbiome is completely unique and different from anyone else’s!
Helping Hand, We Need
You are probably aware the bacteria in our gut plays an important role in digestion. Gut microbes are the helping hand needed to get the nutrients we need when the stomach and small intestine are unable to digest certain foods we eat.
These bacteria also aid in the production of certain vitamins – such as vitamins B and K and play a major role in immune function.
Research links the following to gut health:
- The immune system
- Mood
- Mental health
- Autoimmune diseases
- Endocrine disorders
- Skin conditions
- Cancer
My Journey
My personal journey with gut health has been an ever-evolving one. I’ve learned to be very attentive to what’s happening in there because when the biome isn’t thriving, neither am I. So how do I support those little helpers? Probiotics.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that can have beneficial effects on the microbiome. Probiotics act as “friendly” bacteria that help support your intestinal ecosystem. It’s important to know, however, that these microscopic organisms do not all share the same personality.
There are a variety of strains of probiotics— all of them benefit a different system of the body. I won’t go into all of the details here, just know that this isn’t a one size fits all deal and the guidance of a doctor or nurse practitioner will get you the best results.
The use of probiotics has risen rapidly over the last decade. Because of this, some misinformation has spread as some companies may prey on customers’ ignorance. Let’s clear out the noise and get to the truth of the matter.
Truth: All Probiotic Strains Are Not Created Equal
Only a handful of probiotic strains have been clinically shown to support human health. In fact, only a few probiotic strains have been researched extensively.
Truth: Better-Quality Probiotics Require Temperature-Controlled Environments
Since probiotics are living microorganisms, it makes sense that they must exist in a habitable environment. They are sensitive to heat and moisture, which can impact viability.
If handled carelessly or exposed to extremely high temperatures during shipping or storage, these tiny organisms may die off and lose their effectiveness, which equals a lack of potency and subsequent lack of health benefits.
Truth: High Potency Does Not Equal Better Results
Fact: The potency, or total number of CFU, should be based on published scientific and clinical data done on specific strains.
If a study on a specific probiotic strain indicates health benefits for a particular problem at a dosage of 10 billion CFU, then any product claiming that benefit should have exactly 10 billion CFU.
IF a company promotes a product with a higher number, supposedly increasing the benefit, this may not be clinically accurate.
Truth: Guaranteed Potency at the Time of Production Does Not Equal Guaranteed Potency upon Expiration
Some probiotic manufacturers tout the number of CFU at the time of production, but not all of them can guarantee that you’ll get this number when you take them. Probiotics die over time.
The number of deaths can increase depending on manufacturing, shipping, and storage processes. Products that guarantee potency at expiration assure reliable efficacy from start to finish.
Probiotics I Use Myself
I am constantly amazed at how many choices we have when we go shopping. Sometimes you can find hundreds of choices for the same basic product.
Walking down the aisles of the grocery store, drug store, and big-box stores can make the mind boggle— even when it comes to supplements.
And if you’re having problems with your gut health, you really don’t want to have to stand there and sort through all of the options.
That’s why I’ve researched for you. When it comes to probiotics, there is one brand I know I can trust time after time: Metagenics Probiotics. How do I know that they work? I use them myself!
What I Love About Metagenics Probiotics
They’ve been working on the same mission for over 35 years. In 1983 their mission was considered a brave new scientific concept: nutrition could help people realize their best health possible by influencing what makes them unique—their genes. Today, this mission has a name, nutrigenomics.
Nutrigenomics has become an ever-growing and respected field of science that is practiced by forward-thinking providers who use industry-leading products and programs to help people live healthier, happier lives.
Tell Me About Metagenics
Metagenics has attracted a wide variety of respected talent including:
- Phytochemists
- Biochemists
- Medical doctors
- Biostatisticians
- Epidemiologists
- Other highly respected researchers and clinicians
In partnership with Jeffrey S. Bland Science Center, these experts have identified plant-based derivatives and nutrients which positively influence health in effective and predictably safe ways.
They Deliver Quality
The team’s process is a high-quality one from research through production. The company ensures the compounds that they create deliver on their potential by careful examination at every stage:
- Formulation
- Ingredient selection
- Quality assays
- Manufacture
- Dissolution
- Taste and tolerance
Then the compounds are carefully examined at their onsite clinic—the Functional Medicine Research Center®—to refine protocols, measure compliance, and confirm effectiveness before they introduce any proprietary nutraceutical or medical food to the market.
We Can Help
Metagenics is serious about probiotics. They are as serious about probiotics as I am about your health!
That’s why I’ve put together a great team at Silhouette Health and Wellness to address your health needs quickly and compassionately.
Make an appointment with us today get yourself feeling youthful as ever and living your best life!