DOSAGE
Eat one probiotic food source at least every other day. Fortified beverages and yogurts are becoming popular, but many contain added sugars, and lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity is common. I often recommend that patients take probiotic supplements, that are at least 5 times as potent, as yogurt. For probiotic supplements, a variety of choice exists. Search for products that use strains with benefit tested through human studies, such as Lactobacillus, acidophilus, rhamnosus, and plantarum; Bifidobacterium bijidus; and Saccharomyces boulardii. For preventative purposes, take 1 to 5 billion organisms daily. For acute illness like diarrhea take 10 billion or higher. Follow directions on the label. Purchase the freshest product possible, shown by the farthest-off expiration date on the bottle. In addition, I recommend taking probiotics after a meal or between meals, so food will buffer your stomach acid, which otherwise may destroy the probiotics.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
Side-effects occasionally includes minor digestive upset, for example gas and bloating. This is often a positive sign that harmful bacteria are being destroyed. These symptoms usually reduce or disappear in a few days. If not, you can take a lower dose the probiotic supplement or try a nondairy food containing probiotics.