What Are Probiotics

I recently had the opportunity to review Dr Mercola’s Complete Probiotic Powder Packets. If you are a regular reader you probably already know this coming year one of my biggest family goals is getting healthy, so this seemed like a good fit.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria that are taking to aid in digestive health. I know what you’re thinking! “Holly, isn’t bacteria bad?” So what are probiotics exactly? Certain bacteria is, but your digestive system actually has bacteria that it uses to help digest food and fight off illness, helpful bacteria!  

Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotic Powder Packets for Adults pack 70 billion beneficial bacteria in each packet. The Probiotic Powder Packets for Kids pack 10 billion beneficial bacteria in every one packet serving.

What benefits to probiotics have?

Probiotics as I mentioned, carry benefits for the digestive system. They are often used to help treat bowel conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Yogurt is one food source high in probiotics. When my children are sick I often feed them a small yogurt to ease symptoms like:

• Uneasy stomach/light nausea
• Diarrhea
• And anytime they are prescribed an antibiotic

Did you know that probiotics can help with other conditions as well? There is evidence to suggest that probiotics may have additional benefits like helping to boost the immune system, improve digestive health, and even help with skin problems. I’m no expert but I know I feel better when taking probiotics.

Do Probiotics Work?

Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotic Powder Packets contain 10 strains of bacteria, including super-strain lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, and promote an optimal environment for the growth of “gut-friendly” bacteria.

The packets are available in a great tasting raspberry flavor. I really liked the way the powder tasted and my kids enjoyed theirs as well. I threw a few packets into my purse as well so I would have them in case I forgot to drink one at home. I wanted to try the product for 30 days straight.

The company was kind enough to send a blender bottle along with the product. I used the Blender bottle to mix my powder up with water and ice. The blender bottle was really nice because it also helped me drink more. I found that having that beside me rather than my normal small glass of water- plus having the flavoring really motivated me to drink more!

Overall I did feel better and I definitely noticed a difference in the way I tolerated some of the foods that cause me heartburn. I loved that it also helped me to drink an extra glass of water since I tend to drink coffee more than water.

How Can I Include Probiotics In My Diet?

Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotic Powder Packets are great for adults who have difficulty swallowing pills and are convenient for everyday living and travel—no refrigeration required.

One box of Complete Probiotics Packets for Adults (30 per box) retails for $41.97, and one box of Complete Probiotics Packets for Kids retails for $29.97.

So I know what you are thinking I love the idea of probiotics but that price is a bit steep for me. That’s ok, even though I really loved the flavor and the feeling from the packets it’s still easy to get probiotic through a variety of foods. These include:

• Yogurt
• Pickles
• Kefir
• Miso
• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha Tea
• Sourdough Bread
• Soft Fermented Cheeses
• Tempeh

You can find more on Dr. Mercola here.

 

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.