Most of us don’t eat healthfully all the time. A lot of us don’t do it most of the time.
This means almost all of us probably need some digestive support. And that means, we need to choose a great probiotic.
It can take about two weeks for your body to recover from a high-fat, processed foods and high sugar meal.
I’m not joking. Think fast food, pizza or Chinese takeout. Even Thanksgiving or that Memorial Day BBQ that has the fried chicken, potato salad, mac and cheese and cheese cake you can’t say no to.
It sounds extreme, but it’s simple biology. When we eat, our digestive system is the body’s first line of defense in keeping the things we don’t need out and keeping the things we need, in.
If you’re looking for one thing to try to easy your gut issues, start by choosing a great probiotic.
When we eat crap food, our gut gets overloaded and stops being able to do its job correctly. Toxins can be absorbed into the blood stream and inflammation can run crazy in the body.
Almost all chronic diseases from diabetes to depression can be linked back to chronic inflammation. Keeping that inflammation in check is key to staying healthy.
Probiotics can directly support the repair of this damage. And that makes taking them a great place to start healing.
Take a look at this Probiotic FAQ for answers to everything you’ve ever wanted to know.
FIRST, CHOOSE YOUR PROBIOTICS
If you’re jumping into this for the first time, don’t get too hung up on the bacterial strains in each brand.
What’s more important right now is choosing a good quality probiotic that will be effective – and then taking it regularly.
Two great places to start are with Align Probiotic and Florastor Probiotic.
They’re both easy to find, both companies test their products thoroughly, so you know that you’re getting what you pay for. You can also click the links to overnight them from Amazon, if you’re not getting out anytime soon.
WHAT DO THESE PROBIOTICS DO?
Align is great for those of us with IBS or any kind of recurring diarrhea that isn’t related specifically to, say, a slice of cheese cake. 2 in the AM and another 2 at night for at least a month is a good place to start. If you’re really on top of your game, keep taking 2 each day for another 2-3 months.
Florastor is great to keep when traveling or when you feel some kind of cold coming on. It boosts the immune system while also supporting your gut health. And since our gut is the cornerstone of our immune system, keeping it healthy will keep you healthy.
Once you’re starting with probiotics, make sure you avoid these 3 mistakes.
Especially if you’re heading back to McDonald’s a few days later.
If you’re looking to start with one thing that’s not cutting out McDonald’s, choosing a quality probiotic should be it.
The upfront cost might be a little higher than, say a yogurt, but the results you will get can far exceed anything that comes in that one snack. A 6oz yogurt will never have the therapeutic dose you’ll get from taking probiotis as a supplement.
But you’ve got to remember that probiotics are just a start. A diet of whole foods with lots of fiber and lots of water should be high up on this same list. Start by choosing a great probiotic and it will help keep you and your gut, healthy and happy.