If you’ve been concerned about your gut health, then you’ve probably discovered probiotics, but what are they, really? Probiotics are live microorganisms found in food or supplements that help maintain or improve the “good” bacteria (microflora) in your gut. They’re naturally found in foods like yogurt or sauerkraut but often can be consumed daily through supplementation.
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Despite the negative connotation bacteria may have, the bacteria naturally occurring in our gut serve many important functions. For example, they help break down food, fight off disease-causing cells, and produce vitamins. The microorganisms in many probiotic products like Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes are very similar to the ones found naturally in our gut.
Probiotics vs prebiotics
While they are often confused, there is a difference between probiotics and prebiotics. Where probiotics are the bacteria that aid in food digestion, prebiotics are non-digestible plant fibers that can stimulate the growth of microorganisms. Think of prebiotics as the food for good bacteria.
Probiotics maintain gut health
There is a proven link between immunity and a healthy gut microbiome. Maintaining a well-balanced gut microbiome is key to helping your body fight off disruptive bacteria. In many cases, taking an antibiotic can kill ‘good’ bacteria and disrupt your natural gut flora, and probiotics are often used to help restore balance.
Combat gas and bloating
Gas and bloating are common problems that can be caused by an upset in your gut microbiome. When the gut microbiome is thrown off balance, a buildup of harmful bacteria can occur. Taking a probiotic can help restore balance and ease symptoms.
Choosing the right probiotic:
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes vs Friska
With an influx of probiotic supplements flooding the market, it is important to compare brands to decide which one is best suited for your needs. Each product contains different components with varying benefits. We will explore two popular brands: Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes and Friska.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes vs Friska:
CFUs
Most importantly, what is under the hood of these products? It is important to know if the ingredients are in a high enough dose to create any real change. One of the key things to look for when choosing a probiotic is called a CFU (colony-forming unit). CFU is a unit of measurement to count the number of living bacteria in a single serving of a probiotic supplement. Living bacteria multiply and improve the environment of the digestive system.
To be considered a true probiotic, the product must contain live active bacteria cultures (the good stuff). The recommended CFU count is 1 billion. If the live number of CFUs is below the recommended amount, the probability that the live bacteria can flourish will decline, leading to wasted time and money. Each Friska capsule contains at least 1 billion CFUs of a clinically proven probiotic, whereas Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes contains only 500 million CFUs. When it comes to living bacteria (the key ingredient in probiotics), Friska wins the category.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes vs Friska:
Enzymes
Both of these probiotic products include digestive enzymes, which are important for the proper breakdown of the food that you eat. When comparing nutrition labels for enzymes, it is important to note the unit of measurement used.
The standard FCC (Food Chemical Codex) unit of measurement is used to indicate the activity levels of enzymes in high-quality enzyme products. Unfortunately, the weight of enzymes (commonly listed in mg) does little to show the activity level in enzymes, thus making it hard to deduce how effective the dose is.
Within the FCC (Food Chemical Codex), there are different units to measure specific enzymes. Three comparable enzymes found in both Friska and Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes are:
- Amylase – measured in DU
- Protease – measured in HUT
- Lipase – measured in FIP
Each Friska product has these enzymes listed in the desired unit based on the FCC, where the Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes are listed in mg. Therefore, if you choose Friska, you can be sure that you are getting an effective level of digestive enzymes in your product.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes vs Friska Probiotic/Enzyme Formulations is an original (News7Health) article.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes VS Friska:
User-friendliness
It is important to consider how easy a product is to take. The likelihood of building good daily habits mainly depends on how easily you can work these habits into everyday life. It is the same with taking supplements. No one wants to be bogged down with taking handfuls of supplements each morning.
Friska offers a multitude of supplements that contain much more than just probiotics. Each is tailored to specific health concerns and needs. For example, the Friska Immunity Boost comes packed with 2 billion CFUs, a proprietary enzyme blend, elderberry fruit extract, echinacea, and vitamin C. All these benefits come in a single, easy-to-take, easy-to-remember capsule.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes contains only probiotics (at 500 million CFU) and enzymes, with three capsules per dose, making each bottle 66 servings. When it comes to user-friendliness, you might find Friska more convenient, as taking this brand’s more comprehensive supplements may save you from having to purchase additional products for your various health needs.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes vs Friska:
Reviews
Both products can boast positive reviews across the platforms on which they are sold. A common thread in Friska reviews is that many users loved the one-pill, multi-functional regimen as it was easy to follow. In contrast, some Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes users found it hard to keep up with three pills each day and found the pills lacked a coating to make them easier to swallow. Overall, reviews show less criticism of Friska’s products, and this brand wins the category.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes vs Friska:
Pricing
On the surface, Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes are cheaper ($9.77) compared to Friska products ($29.99). However, it is important to consider their ingredient lists and the tangible benefits each product can deliver. Friksa products are packed with probiotics, enzymes, botanicals, and vitamins to accommodate multiple needs and health concerns. Therefore, each Friska product cuts down on the number of additional pills you need to take.
The Friska Nightly Reboot contains 1 billion CFUs to help break down food overnight, as well as chamomile and melatonin to promote a restful night’s sleep. In contrast, the more specifically tailored Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes offers no extra health benefits beyond basic gut support. While the single-purchase cost of Friska seems higher, this brand rates about equally for cost-effectiveness, as it provides more comprehensive benefits in each pill, saving you from having to purchase additional products.
Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes vs Friska:
The verdict
If you’re looking for a convenient, all-in-one probiotic, then Friska is the clear winner. Backed with a clinically proven CFU count, reliable enzyme activity level counts, and botanical blends promoting optimal wellness, Friska dominates. Spring Valley Probiotic Multi Enzymes may appear cheaper; however, with this product’s low CFU count, it is hard to see clear benefits.
Choosing the right probiotic
You know that probiotic supplements can help alleviate gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. If formulated properly, these products can deliver a wide array of other health benefits like improved immune system function and reduced inflammation. When shopping for the right probiotic product, be sure to consider factors like CFU count, enzyme measurements, overall product blend, and cost-effectiveness. With the right probiotic supplement, you will be well on your way to having less digestive discomfort, more energy, and better health.
Further reading for additional reference:
Forbes: Best Probiotic Supplements Of 2022, According To Experts
Forbes: Psychobiotics: Using Probiotics For Mental Health
Harvard Health: Should you take probiotics?
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
