Who should take a vegan probiotic supplement?
Not everyone needs a probiotic supplement. But how do you know if you would benefit? If you would, what would happen when you took one? And which brands are trustworthy and effective? Let’s find out!
Start with prebiotics first (food!)
Prebiotics are found in dietary fibre that your gut microbes can use as food. Common types are onions, garlic, leeks, legumes, oats and asparagus.
Bin onion/garlic/leek scraps, as acids could harm compost creatures.
It’s better first to sort out food. Eating prebiotics makes for a healthy bacteria in your gut, probiotics are simply like adding ‘plant food’ to your stomach!
One reason why many people in England have poor guts is because a lot of meat is eaten, and meat has no fibre. So up your fibre and eat more lentils than liver, and you’ll likely find your tummy improves!
Then add probiotics (from food or supplements)
Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts found in yoghurt, kefir and kombucha, some fermented foods and certain supplements. Note kefir and kombucha are unpasteurised and contain alcohol and/or caffeine, so should be avoided for pregnancy/nursing, children and weak immunity.
Probiotic supplements may be useful for people who are restoring good bacteria to their gut, say:
- People who have eaten a low fibre diet
- People whose course of antibiotics has smashed the good bacteria out of their system temporarily.
- People with certain digestive issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or certain types of diarrhoea.
What your poo says about you!
A good way to see how your tummy is, is to look at your poo! Obviously see a GP for anything serious (and don’t worry if poo turns a bit pink or black if you eat beetroot or liquorice). Here’s a lowdown from nutritionist Joy McCarthy:
- Sticky poo is due too much dairy/gluten.
- Smelly poo is too little fibre and too much acid (give up meat).
- Greasy poo is due to fast food (Joy writes that if you poo looks like ‘an oil spill in the toilet’, it’s your liver and gall bladder begging for love!) Alcohol can also cause havoc.
- Rabbit poo is usually caused by dehydration
- Race car poo (!) is caused by too much caffeine
If any of the above apply, drink more plain water, eat more plants and fibre, and slow down your lifestyle. You should notice positive changes within days.
Good vegan probiotic supplements
Check with GP if pregnancy/nursing or taking medication before taking supplements. Recycle unused supplements/medicines at pharmacists.
Together Health Multibiotic features 36 fermented fruits and veg (no pesticides or herbicides) and live bacteria strains. With acid-resistant strains to work in stubborn tummies!
The capsules are made from plant cellulose from the Pinus Elliottii tree, and can be separated and the contents mixed with food or drink if preferred.
Sold in plastic-free packaging, all layers are home compostible. Subscribe online for big savings.
Vegums whole fruit gut health gummies are sold in tins with compostable refill pouches. These contain 2 billion live CFU bacteria (or 1 billion for the child version – age 3 to 11) per serving, made from over 96% real fruit. Formulated by pharmacists, they are flavoured with blackberry, raspberry, strawberry and cherry. Most people find relief within a few weeks.
Keep away from young children and pets, as they look/taste like sweets.
