probiotic faqs
phd™ and phd to go™ FAQs
What are probiotics?
Probiotic literally means "for life". Probiotics are the "beneficial bacteria" that form a protective layer in our digestive tract that in turn assist in nutrient absorption and prevent absorption of toxins. As a result, probiotics help to keep our digestive and immune systems functioning as nature intended. Learn more here.
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How do probiotics work?
Probiotics work by colonizing your intestinal tract and providing a protective layer. This layer helps support digestion, process vitamins, regulate immune function, remove toxins, and crowd out bad bacteria.
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Why do we need to take probiotics to replenish our gut bacteria?
Our natural gut bacteria is killed or harmed by preservatives, antacids, alcohol, stress, antibiotics, and many other things in our environment. It's important to maintain a balanced supply of friendly "gut bugs" to help digestive and immune function as well as many other body functions.
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What types of foods include probiotics?
Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, crème fraiche, and kimchi, among many others. However, in the U.S., many manufacturers of these products pasteurize and over-process foods killing the naturally-occurring live cultures.
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How many probiotics does it take to make a probiotic product effective?
Most research says that products with a variety of strains and higher dosages have a greater chance of being effective. A variety of strains is important because each confers a different benefit within your system and they can work collectively to enhance each other’s benefits. A higher dosage is important because only about 10% of the bacteria ingested make it through the harsh conditions of your stomach to your gut where they are needed most.
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Is it possible to consume too many probiotics?
We have found no research to suggest that you can overdose on probiotics or cause a gut imbalance by ingesting too many. Our dosage upon consumption is 20 billion CFUs* and we know of prescription probiotic products that have doses over 450 billion CFUs with no negative or side effects. What your body doesn't use is passed through with the rest of your food waste. If you are new to probiotics and drinking a phd product, we suggest taking half a dose at a time (½ packet or ½ beverage) for the first day or two to ease your body into it.
*CFUs = colony-forming units – which is how probiotic dosages are measured.
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Are probiotics safe?
In general, probiotics are safe. We only use probiotic strains from the world’s #1 probiotic manufacturer that are scientifically proven to be safe. However, there are some strains out there that have not been proven to be safe. We will not use these in our products. As always, if you are concerned about the impact probiotics will have on your system, consult your physician. People with compromised immune systems should definitely consult their doctor before consuming probiotics.
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Are dried probiotics still alive?
Yes. Assuming the probiotics are dried properly, they can remain healthy for long periods of time. They become active again when they are added to a moist environment.
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Are probiotics new?
Actually, they have been around for centuries and some sources argue even 6000 years. In fact, probiotics are huge in Europe and Japan. The United States is currently the third largest market in the world for probiotics and it is growing at an incredible pace. It won't be long before everyone in the U.S. understands the advantages of probiotics.
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What is a prebiotic?
Prebiotics are essentially a food source (e.g. fiber) for probiotics. By consuming soluble and insoluble fibers in your diet, you give your digestive system food that allows your existing probiotics to grow and multiply. We include 4 grams of a high quality soluble fiber (gum acacia) in the beverage. This not only keeps the probiotics alive longer after you trigger the cap, but it also serves as a food source to boost the existing probiotics in your digestive system.
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Do probiotics have any flavor?
Nope, they are flavorless.
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What’s the difference between antibiotics and probiotics?
An antibiotic (or "against life") is a chemical compound that slows or prevents the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria. Probiotics (or "for life") are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria. You’ve probably had a doctor prescribe an antibiotic when you were sick. Antibiotics kill all the bad bacteria in your system which made you sick. However, it also kills the good bacteria. It is essential to replenish the good bacteria as soon as possible to keep your digestive and immune systems working properly.
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Where can I find more research on probiotics?
Click here to learn more.
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