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Want Clear Skin? Here's Why You Should Try Probiotic SupplementsBefore you hop on the gut bacteria bandwagon, read this probiotic primer |
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"Since the effects of individual bacteria strains vary, the first thing to consider when choosing a probiotic supplement is the reason you are taking it," says Rudolph Bedford, M.D., gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. This can help you determine what cause you're trying to treat.
If a pristine complexion is your goal, the most researched probiotic strain that's been linked to skin health is lactobacillus acidophilus. Others to try? Bedford notes that L. Rhamnosus has been known to help eczema and L.Plantarum has been linked to reduction in inflammation, which can also impact the skin.
Since most probiotics in the U.S. are sold as dietary supplements, they do not undergo the same rigorous testing and approval process as other drugs and medications. For this reason, experts urge consumers to be careful when selecting a probiotic supplement.
"Be sure the ingredients are clearly marked on the label and familiar to you or your health provider," says Bedford. It's also important to check expiration dates to make sure the bacteria is live and look for "CFUs," or colony forming units in the billions so you know you're getting an effective amount. "A good brand specifies the amount of live organisms and lists the exact strains used in their formula," he adds.
The label should specify that the living microbes are viable through end of shelf life or "best by" date rather than at time of manufacture to ensure the bacteria are still live when you take them and able to reach your colon. "Quality trumps everything. Supplements that are a bargain are typically not of quality."
SEE NEXT PAGE: Eat Your Way to Probiotic Health
