Probiotics: Pill or Yogurt?

The Battle for Your Best Source of Bacteria
Whether you’re just getting onboard the probiotics wagon or have
already been incorporating it into your diet for years, probiotics are
here to stay. Probiotics are the good bacteria and yeast that when ingested,
promote healthy gut and improve digestion. Other benefits include immunity
boost, weight loss as well as increase serotonin production that can help
with depression.
Probiotics can be found in fermented foods with yogurt being the most popular
choice. Additionally, over-the-counter probiotic supplements are also
gaining traction among probiotics lovers. If you want to know which is
better or which one can give you more of the good bacteria, it is important
to see the pros and cons of your choices.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Yogurt
Organic yogurt is a natural source of probiotics. But aside from its good
bacteria content, yogurt also contains calcium and protein, nutrients
that are also essential for your body. Yogurt is also easier to purchase
and incorporate into your diet. You can consume either for breakfast,
as a dessert, or afternoon snack and you even have a variety of choices
such as the traditional yogurt, Greek yogurt, and even Skyr or Icelandic yogurt.
As for the disadvantages, because of the popularity of yogurt, many food
brands are now releasing their own line of yogurt. However, not all yogurt
contains live bacteria and many have high sugar content that can also
be bad for you. If you want to make sure that your yogurt has probiotics,
check the label and look for “active live cultures.” Another
disadvantage is that there it can be difficult to estimate the amount
of probiotics in your cup of yogurt. You may need to eat at least two
or three servings before noticing the benefits.
Pros & Cons of Probiotic Pill
Probiotic pills usually contain more probiotic strains than fermented foods
like yogurt and they are all listed on the label including the amount
of bacteria per serving so you can instantly know what you’re getting.
Supplements are also a better choice for individuals who have allergies
or other specific dietary needs. You can even take them on an empty stomach.
Probiotic pills also tend to have a longer shelf life than yogurt.
One disadvantage of probiotics pills is that they don’t have any
other minerals or nutrients to offer. They also tend to be a bit pricier
upfront, especially if you want quality brands.
If you’re still confused on whether to continue eating yogurt or
start buying probiotic pills, consulting your doctor or healthcare provider
can help with your decision. Your choice of probiotic source will ultimately
depend on your food preference as well as the type of probiotics that
your gut really needs.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.