When talking about health supplements you often hear about multi-vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, creatine, whey protein and fish oil to name a few. But what about probiotics?
By Coach Blaine Davidson
You may have heard about them on the Activia commercials but are unsure about what they actually do. Probiotics are live bacteria that can be taken to help restore the balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria in your gut. Antibiotics, preservatives in food, and artificial sweeteners can reduce the amount of good bacteria. When the number of bad bacteria outweighs the number of good bacteria in your gut, you may experience a range of digestive disorders. These can include bloating, indigestion, and/or gas. While doctors may recommend taking probiotics when experiencing gastrointestinal conditions with antibiotic use, it could be beneficial taking daily as well.
Probiotics may aid in digestive disorders such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disorder. But even if you don’t have any of these disorders, probiotics may assist in digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. For someone with a health and fitness goal, such as weight loss, these elements can be crucial. You could be following a fantastic nutrition plan, but not reaping optimal benefits. Your body must be functioning properly to ensure you are absorbing the nutrients you are taking in.
As more and more pharmaceutical companies jump into this supplement niche, it becomes ever more important to ensure that the products are researched. Not all probiotic supplements are created equal. Depending on the brand, it may only contain one strain of beneficial bacteria. Now that may be the strain your body needs, however, you may not see any changes when taking the supplement. Make sure to consult a doctor or naturalpath on which brands actually contain live bacteria and be sure to read the storage instructions. Some brands may require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive.
So what the verdict? Beneficial or Fad? Well, it all depends on the brand and quality. Probiotics indeed can be very beneficial, but it must come from a good quality source. When trying to pick a product make sure you do your research. Some of the over the counter probiotics may just be a waste of your time and money.
Did you know Actualize created its very own product called the Actualize Foundation Pack?
This product includes not only a probiotic, but therapeutic doses of pharma grade vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fish oil, CoQ10 and much more. What does Pharma grade mean? You’ll actually absorb, digest and utilize the ingredients instead of having really expensive urine. Seriously! This once-daily pack is taken in the morning with your first meal. We consider this product an “insurance card” that is equally helpful to our competitive athletes and adult fitness enthusiasts. Check out the image to the left to see the ingredients. It would costs hundreds of dollars to accumulate these ingredients at Pharma grade–Actualize clients get a a 30-day supply for only $100!
Need additional health and fitness guidance? Connect with your assigned Actualize coach Today!
Coach Blaine
Not a member of Actualize Sports & Fitness?
Are you adult who is interested in transforming your health and fitness? Check out two entry level offerings at Actualize Fitness!
3-Month Transformation Challenge
Are you a competitive athlete who wants to increase performance while decreasing the likelihood of injury? Click below to learn more about Actualize Sports!
Actualize Sports & Fitness is North Central Washington’s premier performance enhancement training, health and nutrition, and mental achievement coaching center. We exist to educate, encourage and empower Actualize Sports (competitive athletes, teams & coaches) & Actualize Fitness (fitness enthusiasts of all ages & abilities) clients to actualize their unique purpose and potential in athletics, fitness and life.
Actualize Your Purpose & Potential