What Are Probiotics For Gut Health
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as germs that cause diseases, but your body is full of them, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
Your gut is home to more than 500 different kinds of bacteria. These bacteria are vital for good health. They help digest food, make vitamins, and protect you from harmful bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit the host organism.
When taken in adequate amounts, they can help with a number of different health problems. Probiotics are available in supplement form and are also found in some foods, such as yogurt.
There are many different types of probiotics, and they have a variety of benefits for gut health. Some probiotics can help with diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome , and inflammatory bowel disease . Others may help improve the health of your gut microbiome, which is the collection of all the microorganisms in your gut.
A healthy gut microbiome is important for many aspects of wellbeing, including digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Probiotics can also help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
There are many different probiotic supplements on the market today. So how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Do Probiotics Improve Your Digestive Health
Researchers have studied the potential benefits of probiotic supplements and other products for decades, with studies looking at their potential for treating common digestive conditions such as diarrhea and ulcerative colitis .
Although we still dont understand the exact role that specific probiotic bacteria play in digestive health, some research does show that they may offer benefits for your digestive system.
For example, existing research suggests that probiotics may help to prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotic use. Theres also some evidence that probiotics may treat gum disease and play a role in controlling the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
An increasing amount of evidence also suggests that probiotics may help to treat issues related to digestion, including lactose intolerance.
However, its important to keep in mind that research into the health benefits of probiotics is still ongoing, and theres a lot that we still dont know, including which specific probiotics are helpful for many conditions.
Still, research into the potential benefits of probiotics is promising, and well likely find out more about how these beneficial bacteria can help with digestive health as studies continue over the next few decades.
How Do I Choose The Best Probiotic And Prebiotic For Me
With probiotics, you need to know what health benefit you want in order to pick the product with the strain that will deliver that health benefit. Plus, you need to get the amount of colony-forming units, or CFUs, that have been shown to deliver the benefit. For prebiotics, you also need to make sure you get the right dose.
Eating foods with prebiotics and probiotics is important to your gut health, but it may not be enough.
Align makes it easy by offering supplements with the right amount of prebiotics and probiotics to ensure you receive the benefits of both. Alignâs DualBiotic Prebiotic + Probiotic Gummies contain prebiotics and probiotics, all in one gummy. It contains the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans LactoSporeî to help support your digestive health* as well as the prebiotic inulin to nourish your good bacteria.*
Even more, Align makes it easy with multiple prebiotic + probiotic gummies plus added benefits to fit your needs:
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Are Probiotic Supplements Beneficial
Much of the information you will find on probiotics is biased, as it is put out by probiotic supplement manufacturers who want you to buy their products. To provide healthcare providers with objective information for their patients, the American Gastroenterological Association published a set of guidelines to help clarify the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. These guidelines form the basis of our recommendations in this article.
“Probiotics” is a general term for many different microorganism species, including different types of bacteria and yeasts. Different strains have different effects in the body, so we can’t make blanket statements about probiotics being helpful or not. It depends on the strain or strains and the health status of the person taking them. It should be noted that there is still a great deal of research to be done on the microbiome and the role of probiotic supplementation. This information may change as new strains are discovered, and new combinations of strains are found to impact our health.
Why You Should Trust Us
Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthlines brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
- Strains:Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Best for: IBS-related symptoms, travel
One capsule of Culturelle Digestive Daily probiotic has 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a probiotic strain that may benefit a number of health conditions like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome , plus 200 mg of the prebiotic inulin, which fuels beneficial gut bacteria .
Culturelle guarantees that the stated number of CFUs on the box is viable through the expiration date of the product, something the NIH recommends customers look out for.
Culturelle products are packaged to maintain viability, and the company is certified through NSF International, an organization that independently tests supplements for quality and potency and inspects manufacturing facilities.
Culturelle products dont require refrigeration.
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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics For Women At A Glance
Strains:Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum
CFU count: 50 billion
- Type: vegetarian capsules
The multi-strain probiotic blend in Culturelle Womens Health Balance works naturally with a womans body to support vaginal, digestive, and immune health.
It also helps to maintain an optimal balance of good bacteria in the body, thanks to the inclusion of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain .
The convenient once-daily capsules are also gelatin-free, vegan-friendly, and made without gluten, sugar, dairy, or soy.
Whats more, Culturelle is certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that tests supplements for strength, safety, and quality.
Choose Reliable Probiotic Brands
Some companies have been around for years, and you may know their names. Those that have made probiotics for a while may be more likely to have tested and studied them over and over. It’s smarter to choose a product from a reputable maker. Check a third-party certifier to see if they have tested the product and found that itâs safe and reliable. If you’re in doubt, ask your doctor.
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The List: Top 4 Probiotic Supplements According To Expert Websites
1. Garden of Life
Garden of Lifes Probiotics Once Daily provides 30 billion CFUs of 14 probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei. Garden of Life ranked high among most experts lists due to its non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and vegetarian formula.
This once-daily, no-refrigeration-needed probiotic packs in 16 strains of friendly bacteria to support good digestion, boost your immune health, and support a healthy environment, Prevention writes.
Customers also particularly like Garden of Life for its a once-a-day pill, requiring just a single capsule in the morning to get your day off to a healthy start.
Now, we are not saying that this is a miracle supplement. But when used in conjunction with other health-boosting measures you can potentially start living a vastly happier and healthier life, Discover Magazine writes in its review.
2. Renew Life
Renew Life is also well known for its top-notch line of probiotics geared toward specific groups based on age and sex, offering the perfect blend of probiotics for a variety of customers. With over 25 billion live cultures and 10 probiotic strains, this probiotic health supplement is perfect for anyone looking to improve their digestive health without having to break the bank, Discover Magazine writes.
3. Florastor
The easy to digest capsules dont require refrigeration and come in a convenient pack of 100.
4. Align
Whats The Difference Between Probiotics And Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are sometimes used interchangeably, but this is not correct. Probiotics consist of live microorganisms that help the body stay balanced. Prebiotics , on the hand, provide food for probiotics and encourage the growth of preexisting positive bacteria.
To find a good probiotic supplement, look for formulas containing both probiotics and prebiotics.
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Best Coated Probiotic Capsules: Jarrow Formulas Jarro
Jarrow
Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus EPS uses a unique EnteroGuard coating to ensure that its proprietary blend of probiotics can survive the stomach acid and make it to the intestines. Their website claims the probiotic aids in supporting intestinal and immune health.
Strains:Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus R0011, Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Pediococcus acidilactici R1001, Lacticaseibacillus casei R0215, Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R1012, Bifidobacterium breve R0070 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis R1058 CFUs: 5 billionDirections: Take one capsule up to four times daily, preferably on an empty stomach.Quality: According to Jarrow Formulas, their raw material suppliers and products are manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities. Storage: Shelf-stable at 77 degrees and come in blister packsCost: $32.55/ 120 capsules
The Science Behind Phillips Colon Health
The product contains quality ingredients, including probiotics and nutrients that are proven effective in multiple scientific studies.
Research has shown the effects of probiotics on digestive and immune health. Phillips Colon Health carries three probiotics that seem to help with several chronic ailments such as helicobacter pylori infection,diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Furthermore, it supports nutrient and lactose absorption. Similarly, it encourages the production of lactic acid during sugar breakdown. It also helps to decrease high cholesterol and allergy development.
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The Vitamin Shoppe Probiotic
The Vitamin Shoppe Probiotic Complete is a probiotic supplement containing 500 billion live cultures in each capsule. The supplement is designed to help restore your bodys natural balance of good bacteria and yeast. This product should be taken daily and not just when you feel like you need it. The vitamin shoppe probiotic comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable, and liquids.
The product is made in the USA and will help you get the most out of your body and health. It is also formulated with no artificial flavors or colors, making it a safe option for those seeking something free from toxins. You can easily find this product in the vitamin section at your local grocery store or drug store, or you can get it online.
Top scientists and doctors have clinically tested this product, so it effectively improves your overall health. This probiotic comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with any aspect of the product. The manufacturer also offers free shipping on orders over $25, making this product even more affordable than other similar products.
Pros
- Features Fructooligosaccharides prebiotic fiber for cultivating healthy flora
- It does not contain gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, salt, preservatives, and artificial colors or flavors
- Best for overall well being
- Enhances the natural immunity of a person
- Good for your respiratory health too
- Packed in a desiccant bottle which helps in maintaining product stability
Cons
What Are The Best Probiotics
The term probiotic has no fixed meaning. People use it to refer to everything from yogurt to bacteria-based dietary supplements. There are more than 500 kinds of bacteria in your gut, so even if we just limit ourselves to those, the number of potential probiotics is vast.
Because the term probiotic doesnt mean anything specific, its impossible to say whether a particular product is or isnt one. At best you can give probiotic a vague definition like live bacteria that have some health benefit, but then you have to spend time testing each product individually to see whether it lives up to your definition.
Since most of these products dont live up to their claims anyway, this is not an efficient use of time. The only way I know of for consumers to tell whether a product is worth buying is for them personally to test it out and see if it works for them.
If you see a particular probiotic advertised on TV or the web, my advice is: dont buy it dont even consider buying it until youve tried a simpler version of the same thing
Theres not a lot of research on probiotics yet, so its hard to say what the best ones are. The best probiotics for digestive problems are the best-known ones and are those that have been tested on humans and found effective:
- Bifidobacterium bifidum W23
- Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730
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Best Probiotic For Gut Health: Supplements Food And More
Probiotics are live microorganisms that support healthy digestion and immune health system function. These beneficial microbes may play a role in preventing certain diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Some studies suggest that these organisms may also reduce inflammation and improve mood.
Did you know that most Americans suffer from gut health issues?
Experts like Dan Peterson from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine claim that over 60 million Americans suffer from gut health problems like irritable bowel syndrome , Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and more.
Whats even more alarming is that these numbers are on the rise, with Peterson predicting that as many as 1 in 3 people will suffer from gut health issues in the next 10 years.
This is a huge problem, considering gut health is linked to everything from immunity and brain function to heart health and weight management.
So what can we do to promote gut health?
The answer is probiotics. Probiotics work by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
Before we dive into the best probiotic for gut health, it’s essential to understand that not all probiotics are created equal.
Most probiotics arent designed with gut health in mind. Theyre just supplements that contain live bacteria.
Can You Take Too Many Probiotics
Taking too many probiotics is not a common issue. For those who have taken too many probiotics , they will likely experience gut disruptions and gastrointestinal side effects.
Probiotics are generally safe regardless of the amount taken, and any side effects are generally mild. It is impossible to take a toxic level of probiotics. The most common side effects of taking more probiotics than you can tolerate are gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These side effects can be treated individually and are generally corrected after 24 to 48 hours and stopping the probiotics until they are resolved.
It can be tempting to discontinue probiotic use altogether after a negative experience out of fear of another bad reaction, but simply reducing your dose and taking your probiotic as directed should prevent further issues. It is important for those with a weakened immune system or serious illness to discuss probiotic use with their healthcare provider before starting a probiotic regimen.
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Probiotics And Ibs In
IBS affects our society in huge numbers – up to 20% of the UK population are sufferers, with women twice as likely to be affected as men. The most used diagnostic method for IBS is the Rome criteria, which classifies IBS into these subtypes:
IBS-D IBS-C IBS-A or IBS-M & IBS-U .
Although there is no clearly defined cause of IBS, many sufferers often report that symptoms are exacerbated by dietary factors such as wheat and dairy products, high FODMAPs foods, and lifestyle factors such as high-stress levels, as well as an imbalance in good and bad bacteria in the gut. It can be a good idea to keep a food and symptom diary for a few weeks to see if you have any dietary triggers.
Recent research may have found a link between IBS-D symptoms and a pathogenic bacterium called Brachyspira. This bacterium hides inside intestinal cells and is unaffected by antibiotic treatment. If more studies confirm this link between IBS symptoms and Brachyspira, researchers believe probiotics may become the future treatment22.
Several studies have documented the link between gut microflora and IBS symptomsSufferers often have lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria e.g. Bifidobacterium species, and increased levels of gut pathogens e.g. Clostridium species. We have seen above how specific probiotics may support the reduction of specific IBS symptoms. Also supplementing with a high-quality probiotic may help to reduce IBS symptoms in the following ways:
How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Work
It depends on the person and the conditions that the probiotics are treating. For frequent diarrhea or antibiotic-associated diarrhea, probiotic supplements can make a difference within two days. For chronic ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome , it may take eight weeks or more for the benefits to become noticeable.
After three months, most probiotic supplements claim noticeable improvements in immunity and gut health.
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What Is A Probiotic
Probiotics are live, good bacteria and yeast found naturally in our bodies. These good strains of bacteria help eliminate the bad strains of bacteria and yeast in our bodies, restoring the correct balance. Some people turn to probiotic supplements to help maintain this healthy balance.
Depending on the strain and potency, each probiotic supplement is labeled with a colony-forming unit, determining the number of bacteria colonies. The higher the number, it is suggested, the higher the chance of the probiotic taking. However, this doesn’t necessarily improve its efficiency.
Probiotics are also found naturally in foods like:
- Sourdough bread
Not everyone needs a probiotic. If you are already obtaining probiotics naturally in your diet and are not experiencing any gut health issues, chances are you don’t need a supplement. If you suspect you are experiencing gut issues, talk to your doctor or primary care physician before beginning any probiotic or supplement.
Not all probiotics are created equal, and not all probiotics will work for you. It is important to find a product that caters to your unique needs.
We reviewed a number of probiotics, along with their prices, ingredients and consumer reviews. Here are our picks for the best probiotics.
