Digestive Health Insights
Our collection of articles are here to guide you on your digestive health journey. Learn about probiotics, heartburn relief, diet, and more.
Read Digestive Health Articles >
Boost Your Gut Health with Probiotics
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that make up part of what’s called the human microbiome.
These tiny microorganisms:
- Populate the small intestine and large intestine
- Support gastrointestinal health
- Support healthy gut flora
Top Ranked Probiotic Brands
Why are probiotics important?
Probiotics, including probiotic-rich food and probiotic supplements, work in many ways to benefit our health. Research suggests that a healthy microbiome can positively affect:
Digestion (may help with gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements, etc.)- Women’s health issues (e.g. vaginal and urinary tract infections)
- Immune health
- Children’s health (e.g. eczema and allergies)
- Mood
- Overall wellness
Probiotics & Gut Health
Health Conditions
(e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea, etc.)
Probiotic supplements can help manage symptoms of various health conditions and restore microbiota imbalances. They are particularly useful in managing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and in reducing side effects associated with antibiotic treatment, such as Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD).
Digestive Complaints
(e.g. gas, bloating, constipation)
Probiotic supplements are often recommended for gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, bloating, and constipation. Research shows that certain probiotic strains reduce gut transit time and improve gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas.
Energy & Stress
Probiotics help maintain the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients efficiently. Taking a daily probiotic supplement can support energy production and metabolism, potentially reducing feelings of fatigue. Additionally, gut health and mental health are closely connected. Certain probiotic supplements are specifically formulated and clinically studied to help alleviate anxiety and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort related to stress.
Immunity Benefits
(e.g. cold/flu and upper respiratory tract infections)
With over 70% of the immune system in the gut, the gut acts as the body’s primary defense system. Research supports the use of probiotics for immune support with clinical studies demonstrating health benefits related to cold and flu.
Shop Best Probiotics for Gut Health
Essential Tips for Choosing Probiotic Supplements
Understanding Probiotic CFUs
The culture count of probiotics is labelled in Colony Forming Units (CFUs). This refers to the total number of bacteria per serving. When a probiotic states 50 billion CFU, this means an estimate of 50 billion active bacterial colonies are in each serving.
High vs. Low Potency Probiotics
Higher potency probiotics (e.g., 100 billion CFUs) are usually recommended for chronic health conditions or during and after a course of antibiotics, while lower potency probiotics are recommended for daily maintenance.
Bacterial Strain Diversity
The number of bacterial strains is important because gut health benefits from diversity. A multi-strain probiotic formula introduces a variety of strains that offer different gut health benefits to the digestive tract.
Specific Health Needs
While all probiotics offer health benefits, specific strains are suitable for specific conditions like antibiotic-associated diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, and IBS. For example, Lactobacillus strains are common in the small intestine, while Bifidobacterium strains are mostly in the colon.
Get Expert Advice from a Rexall Pharmacist
Choosing the right probiotic can be tricky. Whether you're looking for a daily vitamin to promote gut health or a targeted solution for specific digestive issues, Rexall Pharmacists can help. With their expertise, they can recommend probiotic supplements tailored to your health goals.
Talk to a Rexall Pharmacist