Probiotics

Did you know that your intestines are home to billions of health promoting bacteria?!

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that beneficially affect the balance of bacteria that already exist in your intestines!

How can I supplement with probiotics?

Activia YogurtProbiotics are found in certain types of yogurt. If you want to supplement with probiotics ensure that the yogurt label reads “contains active cultures”. Many yogurts make this claim however, the only yogurt that has been tested in human clinical trials is DANONE Activia® yogurt.

The amount of bacteria in yogurt is likely not enough for patients who require supplementation. There are many over-the-counter probiotic supplements in capsule form that contain much higher counts of bacteria that are used to treat certain condition.

Are there side effects to supplementing with Probiotics?

Probiotics may initially cause mild flatulence, which should subside with continued use.

If there are good bacteria in my gut, why do I need to supplement with more?

There are many things that can decrease the amount of good bacteria in your guts causing you problems. Some factors negatively impact your bacteria are:

  • Use of Antibiotics
  • Stress
  • Travelling
  • Diseases (such as irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)

Who should consider supplementing with Probiotics?

Patients who are prescribed antibiotics may want to take probiotics during, as well as for a few weeks after, their course of antibiotic therapy. This can prevent some side effects such as diarrhea or fungal infections from occurring. Others who may want to consider supplementation are those struggling with constipation or diarrhea, people with the “stomach flu”, those traveling to foreign countries, those with diseases such as those listed previously, and many more!

Ask your pharmacist today if probiotic supplements are right for you!

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