Improving Gut Health and a Review of Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics

Do you ever feel bloated, uncomfortable, or even constipated? Chances are you haven’t been paying attention to your gut health. It’s common for those of us over 50 to feel backed up, especially if we aren’t moving as fast as we did when we were younger. First, you want to make sure you’re eating a nutritious and fiber-filled diet. But if that doesn’t ease the problem, a daily probiotic may help. I decided to give Dr. Joseph Mercola’s Complete Probiotics a try because he’s an osteopathic physician heralded as one of the leading promoters of alternative health.

He’s also a New York Times best-selling author and has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, ABC News, in Forbes and Times Magazine, as well as many other media and news outlets. His books include, “The Great Bird Flu Hoax,” “The No-Grain Diet,” and “Effortless Healing.”

As an osteopath, Dr. Mercola takes a “whole person” approach to health. Osteopaths treat the entire person rather than just symptoms. Dr. Mercola has developed health products and offers advice, videos, and recipes. He even has a section on his website dedicated to pets.

Although I am not a big proponent of taking supplements, unless your body specifically needs them as indicated by a blood test, I’m a fan of taking probiotics. Most of the problems that people over 50 develop, are a result of not paying attention to their gut health. This is especially true after a lifetime of eating processed and artificially flavored foods.

Probiotics are live bacteria, or yeasts, that are good for health and particularly for digestion.  Natural probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, kombucha and kimchi.  The problem is, they’re often processed or pasteurized for market and have very little healthy bacteria left. It’s always best to ferment foods yourself, but that takes time and effort. Also, if you don’t like the taste of fermented foods, it’s easier to take a probiotic supplement.

What makes Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics worthy of consideration is that its made with high-quality ingredients and contains a specific combination of 10 beneficial bacterial strains that have been formulated under Dr. Mercola’s direction. This includes the strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, which he feels is vital for gut health.

The Complete Probiotics formula is non-dairy, free from soy, corn, wheat, and gluten. It will remain stable at room temperature for at least 18 months. There’s no need to refrigerate it. I always find that I forget about supplements if they’re in the fridge.

Dr. Mercola states:

“I’m convinced Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 is one of the important and necessary strains in an effective probiotic supplement.* Without it, I believe you’re not maximizing the potential of using this type of supplement.”

After trying the product for several weeks, I found it to be mild and not irritating. I don’t feel uncomfortable or bloated after taking it. It says on the bottle to take 2 capsules in the morning. If you’re not sure how sensitive your body is, it’s a good idea to start with one capsule to make sure your body will tolerate it before taking a full dose.

Tips to optimize your gut health

1. Eat a nutritious and fiber-filled diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit.
2. Drink water throughout the day to flush out toxins and stay hydrated.
3. Eat naturally fermented foods or ferment them yourself.
4. Take a daily probiotic like Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotics.

To purchase Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotics click here. Here’s to your gut health!