Which probiotic should I choose? The dietitian’s best advice

Probiotics are good bacteria that are mainly found in fermented foods and drinks: sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir and kombucha. You can also take them as a dietary supplement.
But how do you choose the right type of probiotic?
Here, Sofia, our registered dietitian, explains.

Reader question: I read about what you eat every day, including probiotics. There are so many different types of it, so I wonder which one you recommend? I have problems with IBS stomach and would need something that is good for me and my stomach.

The dietitian answers: “Take the probiotic at the same time as you eat something”

That’s right, there are a jungle of different probiotic types to choose from. I usually recommend that anyone who has obvious stomach symptoms, such as IBS, take a type that contains bifidobacteria. They help break down difficult-to-digest carbohydrates (FODMAPs), have an anti-inflammatory effect and produce butyric acid.

It is also important to make sure that there are no added prebiotics in the form of inulin, oligofructose or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) because these substances are extremely gas-forming and cause severe symptoms in those with IBS. Therefore, look for a type with only bacteria.

In addition to supplements, kefir, for example, is an excellent product for getting probiotics. It is good to take the probiotic at the same time as you eat something to increase the chances that the bacteria will make it all the way down to the intestines.