Rethink Nutrition

Picking A Probiotic

A probiotic may have been recommended to you by your doctor or dietitian. That seemingly simple suggestion becomes much more complicated when visiting the pharmacy or supplement aisle to actually pick out a probiotic. If you've done this before, you know that there are literally dozens of options to choose from.

How are you ever supposed to choose?!

Today, I'm breaking down a few simple tips for choosing a great probiotic.

1. Aim for multiple strains of friendly bacteria. You'll find this listed on the back of the bottle on the "supplement facts" panel. I prefer 5-10 different bacteria strains to be listed.

2. If you're new to probiotics, consider starting slow. I often recommend probiotics with only 5 billion CFU, or colony forming units, when just starting out with a probiotic. Why? Probiotics can cause mild GI upset for some people. If this lasts more than a few days to a week, stop the probiotic and consult your dietitian, who can help you modify your approach. However, if the 5 billion CFU are well tolerated, you can quickly double your dose to 10 billion CFU and depending on your situation, it may be appropriate to choose a higher strength probiotic at your next refill.

3. Aim for supplements that contain minimal fillers, which will be listed in the "other ingredients" section of the supplement label. In some people, certain fillers can actually be the cause for the mild GI upset I mentioned before. Some good over the counter brands with minimal fillers that are available in most supplement aisles, include NOW Foods and Jarrow Formulas.

For those of you who still find choosing a probiotic to be overwhelming, here are a few of our favorite products for easy reference.

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Klaire Labs products are professional grade and available through our Fullscript dispensary. A free account is required to order from Fullscript.

What Others Are Saying

Josie Werts
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Josie Werts
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"My experience working with Sydney at Rethink Nutrition was wonderful! She helped me see that consistency and balance are an important part in being healthy, and she taught me how to work towards food freedom. It was easy to be honest about challenges, and I was always met with patience and new solutions to try. There were so many days I wanted to give up on recovery, but her encouragement and advice helped me keep going. If you're struggling but hesitant to see a dietitian, I would suggest Rethink because you deserve the care and support to get better. Sydney is truly amazing at what she does. She's my hero!"

Drew Davis
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Drew Davis
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"I rarely leave reviews for anything online, but I have to say that Anna Binder and the team at Rethink Nutrition genuinely changed my life. After suffering from IBS and acid reflux for years, it only took a few months with Anna's treatment for me to be almost completely symptom free. I have so much more knowledge and control over my health now than I ever thought possible - not to mention that I can eat without hardly any restrictions or concerns anymore. Could not recommend enough!"

Dunia Harmison
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Dunia Harmison
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"In just over a week of working with Anna, I feel great! I no longer feel the need to lay down during the day, my face is clearing up, and I'm no longer feeling bloated by foods that I eat. If I'm feeling this good already, I'm excited to see how much better it gets in the coming weeks."

* Results can very. Testimonials are the result of clients committed to changing their health.
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