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.