Although probiotics have been around a long while, they're finally becoming a popular mainstream health and wellness product — you'll see probiotic waters, granolas, and even mug muffins at the grocery store nowadays. And it's for good reason! Probiotics are crucial for balancing your gut to be healthier, getting sick less often, having a better mood, and banishing bloating for good.
Culinary nutritionist Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP, has helped us better understand probiotics and their role in a healthy body, so we asked for her tips on how to take them each day — and for how long we should be taking them. She also noted that a probiotic regimen will affect each body differently.
"Each of us is different, so see what works for you," said Amie. "Keep a note in your journal [to log] how you feel taking the probiotics versus not taking them (and also when you eat probiotic-rich foods). We're under so much stress — from our air pollution to our processed foods to our own stresses — this good bacteria will be beneficial!"