Written by Dr Sandra Miranda, ND

Finding the right type of probiotic for your body is very important. But unfortunately it is not as easy as you want it to be. There is a large range of probiotics, all with different ingredients and different things they do for your body. To find the right probiotic, follow these steps and tips:

Read the Label

It is important to read the probiotic label so you know exactly what types of probiotics are in the product. All labels should include:

* Multi-Strain: Many labels only include the species, but the different strains provide different benefits.  Since most people don’t know exactly what strain of the good bacteria you are missing, it is safest to choose a probiotic that is multi-strain to increase your chances of benefiting from the product.

* Number of organisms in a single dose: an adequate therapeutic dose is anywhere between 50 to 100 billion bacteria.  If you choose a probiotic that only provides you about 2 billion bacteria, chances are you are not going to feel a big difference from taking the product.  It is best when the product specifies the guaranteed number of organisms at the time of production and the minimum number of organisms guaranteed at the time of expiration.

* Storage information. The label needs to tell you the best storage for the probiotics. Always keep your probiotics away from heat and moisture. Most probiotics are not very stable and need to be refrigerated.  A good quality probiotic can be shelf stable but without being irradiated either. The shelf stable probiotics are an excellent choice for travelers.

* Delayed Release capsules ensure that the bacteria can survive through the acidity in your stomach and be able to reach your colon.  The main benefit that we get from the good bacteria is in our colon.  If you get a regular capsuled probiotic, you run the risk of killing most of the bacteria in your stomach acid.  Choose a delayed release one!

* Dairy free and gluten free option.  The regular probiotics are usually cultured in dairy.  If you are the type of person to suffer from digestive tract problem, you will probably benefit from also avoiding dairy.  Hypoallergenic probiotics are cultured in other means other than dairy.  Make sure your probiotic is dairy and gluten free.

Wise XS Probiotic from Wise Vitality is multi strain, has up to 100 billion bacteria per capsule, shelf stable (doesn’t have to be refrigerated), delayed release and hypoallergenic (gluten and dairy free).  These are the reasons why it is considered one of the best probiotic supplements in the market today.  It is available on amazon.ca