Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain live cultures of good bacteria, such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium, which can help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Some people believe that probiotics can help with healthy digestion, IBS symptoms, weight loss, energy, immunity, and balanced gut bacteria.
There are a lot of different probiotic supplements on the market, and it can be hard to choose a good one. We’ve looked at the best probiotics for gut health to help you make a decision. We’ve looked at a variety of probiotic supplements and rated them based on factors like type of probiotic strains, CFU count, price, reviews, and overall effectiveness.
We recommend these probiotic supplements for gut health and digestion.
Best Overall for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii
Pros
- No inactive ingredients
- Vegetarian and allergy-friendly
- Smaller, more affordable pack
Cons
- Not third-party tested
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic contains 6 billion colony forming units (CFU) of Saccharomyces boulardii, which helps to restore the natural balance of gut bacteria after antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The capsule is designed to ensure that the microbes safely reach your intestines, and you only need to take one capsule a day to get the appropriate dosage.
The size of the capsule is clearly depicted on the side of the packaging so that you can see that it is not a large pill to swallow. The over-the-counter supplement contains enough pills to complete two 10-day courses, as recommended by most health professionals. This is a cheaper option than some other brands.
The Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic is easy to take with you when you travel because you don’t need to keep it refrigerated. Saccharomyces boulardii usually needs to be refrigerated, but this probiotic is shelf-stable. This probiotic is safe for those with food allergies because it is free of gluten, dairy, and soy. The capsule itself is also made from vegetarian ingredients.
Best Overall for Pouchitis: VSL#3 Double Strength Probiotic Medical Food
Pros
- Powder form makes taking it easy
- No inactive ingredients
- Easy packaging for travel
Cons
- By prescription only
VSL#3-DS contains 900 CFU of the eight specific probiotic strains recommended for preventing pouchitis in those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) who have had J-pouch surgery. This food supplement is to be consumed orally. To make this powder into a drink, mix it with cold fluids or foods like applesauce or pudding. This probiotic is only available by prescription from a healthcare provider. This probiotic can be stored at room temp for up to 2 weeks, so it’s perfect for traveling.
People who have IBD may also have other GI conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This probiotic is likely a good choice for people with IBS, as it does not have any fermentable ingredients that could make IBS symptoms worse. The company that makes VSL#3-DS also makes a version that does not require a prescription and markets it to those with IBS. That version is not appropriate for those with pouchitis.
You can buy VSL#3-DS from your doctor or at a pharmacy. You can get a discount on your purchase by using the manufacturer’s savings card.
Best Allergy-Friendly Probiotic for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Pure Encapsulations Saccharomyces boulardii
Pros
- Allergy-friendly
- No inactive or extra ingredients
- Widely available
Cons
- Needs refrigeration
- Expensive
We like this probiotic because it does not contain any of the most common allergens, and is therefore safe for most people with food allergies. This supplement contains 10 billion CFU of a single-strain probiotic in every two capsule serving. This probiotic is recommended to treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This probiotic supplement needs to be refrigerated and may come with a cold pack. This food can last up to five days without refrigeration.
This supplement is also GMO-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan. Pure Encapsulations is known for its high-quality supplements. The company sources its ingredients carefully and tests them for identity and contaminants. It also verifies its probiotics with DNA testing, and its facilities are inspected twice per year by NSF. This bottle holds enough liquid for 30 doses of antibiotics, which is enough to last through at least two rounds of taking the medication.
Best Multistrain Probiotic for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Bio-K Plus Daily Care 50 Billion Probiotic
Pros
- Multistrain formula backed by science
- Enteric-coated capsules to ensure it reaches the intestines
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons
- Not easily found in stores
We recommend Bio-K Plus Daily Care 50 Billion Probiotic because it contains a combination of three probiotic strains that reduces the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which is supported by research. The capsule is designed to protect the probiotics from stomach acid so that they can reach the intestines. One small capsule of 50 billion CFU prevents imbalances in your microbiome from antibiotic use. This pick is also gluten-free and vegan.
This product contains 60 capsules, which is enough for four rounds of antibiotics or four family members. It is also shelf-stable for six months. For optimal potency, store it in your refrigerator. If you are traveling, you can keep them out of the fridge for up to 60 days.
Best High-Dose Probiotic for Pouchitis: Visbiome Extra Strength High Potency Probiotic
Pros
- High-dose of probiotics in one serving
- Certified low-FODMAP
- Easy to take for those who have trouble with pills
Cons
- Available by prescription only
- Must be refrigerated
The eight probiotic strains in Visbiome Extra Strength High Potency are the most beneficial for preventing pouchitis in people who have had J-pouch surgery. In one pouch, there are 900 CFU of unflavored powder that can be mixed into cold fluid or food. Visbiome Extra Strength High Potency for UC needs to be stored in the refrigerator but can last up to a week without refrigeration. The package also has an indicator that tells you if the product has been exposed to heat and is no longer usable.
People who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease may also have other gastrointestinal conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Monash University has certified that Visbiome products are low in FODMAPs, making this probiotic supplement safe for people with IBS.
Visbiome Extra Strength High Potency does need a prescription. You can either order the medication on their website and they will contact your healthcare provider for authorization, or you can speak to a healthcare provider directly.
What Are Probiotics?
The microorganisms that live inside your body include bacteria, yeasts, and other microbes. Some microbes are beneficial to health while others can cause negative health effects.
A well-balanced microbiome in the body prevents problems like stomach upset, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other health conditions. If you consume probiotics regularly, you will notice better digestive functions, a stronger immune system, more energy, improved mood, and better overall health.
Beneficial microbes are consumed naturally by eating yogurt, kimchi, tempeh, and other fermented foods, but many people don’t get enough good bacteria through diet alone. That’s where probiotic supplements come in.
Probiotics are defined as a live microorganism which, when administered in adequate amount, confers a health benefit on the host. In simple terms, probiotics are living bacteria that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. For a daily supplement to be classified as a probiotic, it must:
- Be alive when it reaches your intestinal tract
- Provide proven health benefits, including mental health
- Be safe to consume.
When making probiotics, manufacturers have to think about which strains of probiotics to use, as well as how to keep them alive during packaging, shipping, storage, and when people take them.
Benefits of Taking a Probiotic Supplement for Gut Health
There are a wide range of benefits to taking probiotic supplements as you can see from the information above. There are many benefits to taking probiotics, including improved gut health, calmer digestion, better mood, and more energy. Some of the benefits of probiotics are that they improve gut health, fighting pathogens and absorbing nutrients.
Balanced Microbiome
A probiotic supplement that is effective does more than just balancing the digestive system. This is because it can also improve the immune system and help with weight loss. It also balances the number and types of microorganisms living in the body, which leads to improved digestive, urological, vaginal, and overall health.
People may find themselves with an unbalanced microbiome due to:
- Stress and other emotional upset
- Smoking or using alcohol or drugs
- Traveling
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Underlying conditions
Probiotics are helpful in maintaining a balance between the good and bad bacteria in the body. They may help with many health concerns, including:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Other digestive conditions
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections
- Gum disease
- Brain fog
- Asthma
- Allergies
Probiotics help balance our body’s microorganisms, which makes us feel better in many ways. General benefits of a balanced microbiome include:
- Calm digestion
- Regular and easier bowel movements
- Reduced stomach upset
- Immune support
- Metabolism support
- Less gas and bloating
- Urological health
- Balanced vaginal flora
- Healthy skin
- More energy and focus
- Better memory
- Better mood
The benefits of the probiotic supplements are listed above. Determine which one will work best for you based on those benefits.
Boosted Immune Health
The body’s immune system is mainly located in the gut, so taking a probiotic supplement can help boost immunity. The gut is responsible for keeping harmful organisms away from the rest of the body, so it’s important that it functions properly to prevent illness.
Eating foods that contain probiotics can help improve your immune system while also fighting off harmful microorganisms. While they do have many benefits, they are not the best option for people who have a weakened immune system, like those receiving chemotherapy.
Restricted Diet Options
There are probiotic supplements available that cater to those who are lactose intolerant, gluten-free, or have other dietary restrictions. Although some brands of supplements include animal products and allergens, there are many that are dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and preservative-free. Make sure you look into things thoroughly before taking any sort of supplement, particularly if you have allergies to certain foods.
Weight Loss
While probiotics are commonly taken in an attempt to improve gut health, many people begin to see weight loss as a side effect of taking the supplement.
Probiotics help you feel full and satisfied, which then helps to control your appetite. Probiotics help keep you from absorbing too much fat, which can help you lose weight or prevent weight gain.
Relief From Brain Fog
Gut health affects more than just digestive health. It also affects the brain. Probiotic supplements are often reported to improve clarity of thought, focus, and reduce mental fog.
This happens because the signals the gut sends to the brain become less muddled. Some people also report less trouble with memory.
Better Mental Health
There is ongoing research regarding the claim that probiotics improve mood, and although more research is needed, there are studies that suggest that taking a probiotic supplement can help ease mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic Supplement
Choosing the best probiotics for you can be difficult with so many products available. Consider the following to choose the best probiotic supplement for your needs:
There are two types of bacteria commonly found in probiotics: Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. When deciding on a supplement, take into account what benefits different strains provide and how it relates to your specific health needs.
When thinking about your supplement, take into account how long it will last and what kind of storage it will need. The microorganisms in probiotic supplements are alive but will eventually die. Some probiotics require refrigeration which some people may find inconvenient.
The best probiotics are those that follow good manufacturing practices and have been recommended by physicians. Only buy supplements from reliable, reputable brands that have been reviewed by medical professionals. Avoid buying supplements from companies that are not well-known or have no positive reviews.
Choose supplements with a high CFU count to ensure you get the benefits you expect. More CFUs (Colony Forming Units) doesn’t always mean more effective, but higher quality supplements tend to have higher numbers.
When looking for supplements, it is best to choose those that are made with natural ingredients and free of any unnecessary chemicals or artificial fillers.
We recommend finding a probiotic supplement that is affordable so that you are more likely to continue using it. There are many brands that offer Probiotics at a discounted price if you order in bulk or sign up for a subscription. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
You should consult your doctor before taking probiotics every day.
You should talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements to make sure they are right for you and to find out which brand would be best. Your doctor may recommend a different treatment that is tailored to your specific health conditions.
Final Verdict
The best probiotic for you will be the one that is most effective for your specific condition. We recommend Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic for Adults to treat Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea because it is a less expensive and easy to take product when traveling. We find VSL#3-DS to be especially effective for pouchitis because it contains all eight strains necessary for prevention.
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