Probiotics~ More Than Gut Support
By now, I am sure you have heard of the importance of probiotics. These living organisms help maintain the bacteria balance in our gut, warding off harmful bacteria, and continuing to preserve the healthy functioning state of our digestive system. If that wasn't reason enough, probiotics can also significantly impact the well-being of our:
Skin Health + Appearance
Immune System
Digestive System + Detoxing
Those are enough reasons for me to seek probiotic-power! Below you will find a resource list of probiotic-based products I have used over the years, with positive results. In full disclosure, my digestive system has always been slow and stubborn. The happy bacteria indeed assist in the process of elimination! If we move up the body and focus on the face, there are skincare products on the market that are actually formulated with probiotics to enhance the skin's appearance, clarity, and overall brightness. A few smart things to look out for when purchasing probiotics:
Ideally, 50 billion CFUs are most effective, however, if you have a sensitive digestive system, you may want to start with 20 billion CFUs and work your way up, as to not aggravate your intestines. CFU stands for colony-forming units- basically the number of good bacteria in the product.
Though there are many brands on the market now that claim their probiotics are shelf-stable, I still suggest refrigerating them for long term quality. Probiotics are a blended bacteria form, so it is not wise to store them in a warm or sun-exposed area. Keep in a cool dark place, or store in the fridge.
Look for a supplement with various strains. The more variety, the more bang for your buck, so to speak. Each strain of bacteria has specified skills!
Finally, when it comes to skincare, you've heard me state numerous times in this blog- natural is the way to go. However, (as an example) natural white willow bark extract may be effective for my skin, but for yours, it may irritate. We are all different in our skincare needs. You may want to try probiotic infused skincare but keep an open mind. You may have to try numerous brands to find one that suits your blood type, skin type, and specific health/skin concerns. A brand that I am trying and am finding to be hydrating and gentle on my sensitive skin, is Tula. They blend their products with probiotics & superfoods! Here is a link to Tula, along with a discount code of up to 20%: https://share.tula.com/x/23cX51
Let's continue on with resources & probiotic supplements to check out:
The book, "The Beauty of Dirty Skin," by Whitney Bowe, MD will open your eyes to how skin quality is controlled from the inside out. https://amzn.to/3jRUmhw
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women, Once Daily Women’s Probiotics, 50 Billion CFU, 16 Strains, Shelf Stable, Gluten Dairy & Soy Free, 30 Capsules https://amzn.to/3gi40Yz
Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Ultimate Care Shelf Stable - 100 Billion CFU Once Daily - Non-GMO & Gluten Free - No Refrigeration - 30 Vegetarian Caps https://amzn.to/33eNbu8
Ancient Nutrition Probiotics Ultimate, 50 Billion CFUs Per Serving, Digestive & Immune Support, Soil Based Organisms + Organic Fermented Botanical Blend, 60 Caps https://amzn.to/33edZug
Ancient Nutrition, Zinc + Probiotics, 20 mg, A Whole Food Dietary Supplement, Formulated by Dr. Josh Axe, Immune System Support, Made Without GMOs, Superfood Supplement, 30 Caps https://amzn.to/2XeM6i9
Can you get probiotics from food? Yes, of course! But if you are not someone who regularly eats whole foods such as yogurt, goat's cheese, kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut- you may be in need of a supplement.
In Grace,
Cara