Probiotics Pills vs. Yogurt: Which has More Live Cultures?

Probiotics pills are a safe, convenient and effective method of providing substantial amounts of the beneficial probiotics needed throughout the humane biome for good health.

Human gastrointestinal tracts are home to trillions of microorganisms. Some of these are harmful to human health while others are beneficial.

Using probiotic supplements in pill form can be more effective than supplementing with dairy products like yogurt, but it is important that you buy the right pill. Not all probiotics capsules and tablets are made the same.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Probiotics Pills

Probiotic pills can provide a myriad of beneficial microorganisms which aid in the treatment of many digestive tract disorders, both mild and serious.

Some bacterial species are found primarily in the early digestive tract while others prefer the colon. An example of this is lactobacillus bacteria which if found largely in the small intestine, while bifidobacteria is found to reside mainly in the colon, or large intestine.

Bacteria can be somewhat fragile, with exposure to light, oxygen and certain chemical compounds greatly affecting their survival rate. Especially hardy microbes are able to make it through the early digestive tract to the large intestinal area, but a majority of bacteria are not this hardy.

Pills are unique because they can be manufactured in such a way that they provide protection for the bifidobacterium, enabling it to progress all the way to the colon.

Probiotics pills are frequently coated with a special enteric layering designed to be semi-resistant to breakdown by the acids in the early digestive tract. As the pill moves through the GI tract, layers of enteric coating are removed until finally the bacteria reaches it final destination.

Then, the probiotic payload is released into the large intestine where it can colonize to out-compete pathogenic bacteria in the area.

Benefits of Taking Daily Supplements

Adding probiotics pills to a daily regimen is a good choice for ensuring a consistent daily dosage, while also being affordable, convenient and readily available.

However, studies have shown that consistent dosing is necessary to retain the benefits. Once you stop taking probiotic supplements, the balance of bacteria in the intestines will quickly return to normal.

Probiotics can be found in many natural foods like sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, miso and soy sauce. There are also probiotic enriched foods like yogurt, milk and orange juice. The main differences between probiotic foods and probiotic supplements are the daily serving needed for efficacy, and the quantity of viable bacteria each contain.

Probiotic yogurt and other enriched dairy products must be eaten at least three times each day in order to provide the minimum number of live cells needed to achieve probiotic health-related outcomes. For many people, eating three servings of a quality yogurt product every day is inconvenient, as well as cost-prohibitive.

Consider that probiotics pills need only be supplemented once or twice each day and can be conveniently brought along in a pocket or purse.

Other methods of probiotic administration include capsules, powder, tablet and liquid, each which has its place in a daily regimen, depending on what symptoms or disorders are being addressed.

Chewable tablets are useful for those who are unable to swallow pills or capsules, while capsules have the benefit of a quick dissolving gelatin base which releases probiotics throughout the early digestive tract.

Probiotics pills are often the method of choice for colon disorders or overgrowth because of the addition of layered protective coating. Many individuals who are lactose intolerant may need to use probiotics in capsule form since they are unable to properly digest yogurt and milk products.

The Best Probiotic Pills

Every human biome is unique. Although research clearly indicates specific CFUs (Colony Forming Units) for different symptoms, it may be necessary to adjust the dose, depending on the individual.

Individuals taking probiotics as a prophylactic against illness or foodborne pathogens, as many travelers do, then a daily dose of 1-4 billion live cells will often be adequate.

There are many unique blends designed to offer relief from gas, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

If trying to restore the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract following antibiotic treatment, doses of 20-40 billion CFUs of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species may be used to quickly replenish the helpful bacteria killed off by the antibiotic.

Once the flora has been restored to an optimal balance (usually 3-6 weeks), reverting to a daily regimental dose is recommended.

When using probiotics to treat inflammatory symptoms, most individuals start off with 10 billion CFUs of a specialized bacterial species like B. infantis, then increase after three days to 20-40 billion CFUs. Getting the right balance can be a process, rather than a prescription.

Most people start with a single bacteria species or strain, and then blend slowly, building up to the maximum effective dose.

What to Know Before you Buy

Probiotics pills are considered generally safe to use. Side effects, if any, will usually dissipate with continued use. Most people do not experience side effects at all.

People whose immune system has been weakened should talk with their doctor before taking probiotics. Individuals with Short Bowel Syndrome are cautioned to speak with their doctor before starting a probiotic regimen.

The needs and dose are different for infants and children. Check with a pediatrician before administering supplements to children or babies.

Probiotics pills are a convenient, affordable and accessible means of supplementation. Probiotics can be found at most health food stores, online and at many better grocery chains.

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