Align Probiotic Extra Strength
Price: $$$
Align is a physician-trusted brand that contains Bifidobacteriumlongum 35624, formerly known as Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, a probiotic strain that has been researched for its role in digestive health, including IBS symptoms .
Aligns Extra Strength probiotic label states that each capsule contains 5 billion live bacteria at the time of manufacturing and 50,000,000 CFUs up until the best by date.
As it doesnt require refrigeration, its a good option if you frequently travel or prefer not to worry about storing your probiotic supplement in the fridge.
Note that Align contains trace amounts of lactose, so it may not be appropriate for those with severe lactose intolerance.
Price: $
Bio-Kult contains 14 probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum.
Each Bio-Kult capsule contains a minimum of 2 billion microorganisms, and Bio-Kult guarantees that the total bacteria count of their products is viable until the end of the products shelf life.
Each probiotic strain in Bio-Kult is microencapsulated and individually freeze-dried, which protects the probiotics from stomach acid and allows the product to be stored at room temperature.
Bio-Kult products are third-party tested by United Kingdom Accreditation Service accredited labs.
Bio-Kult is not appropriate for those with a severe allergy to milk proteins, but it is safe for those with lactose intolerance.
How Do Probiotics Work
Probiotics are believed to work by repairing an imbalance between beneficial and detrimental bacteria in your gut microbiome. By taking a supplement you are essentially flooding your gut with the good bacteria, which in theory works to keep the bad bacteria in check. Your gut microbiome has an effect on both your metabolism and your immunoinflammatory response, meaning its not just your digestive system that is affected by an imbalance, its your whole body.
Not all strains of probiotics work in the same way, which is why it is often recommended to take a combined dose of at least two strains.
Common species of probiotic strains include:
Lactobacillus An essential, dominant bacteria found in your gastrointestinal tract Lactobacillus produce the enzyme lactase, which your body requires to break down lactose in milk. The bacteria are also responsible for converting carbohydrates into lactic acid, which improves absorption of certain nutrients and minerals.
Bifidobacterium A bacteria found in your large intestine that produces lactic acid and fights the growth of yeast and harmful bacteria. Lactic acid powers the cells in your intestinal wall, improving permeability and as a result the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. The Bifidobacterium species also makes vitamin K and B-complex vitamins.
Survivability: Does Your Supplement Survive Stomach Acid
Even ahead of the ingredients, this is probably the most important factor in whether or not a probiotic works.
Anytime you take a probiotic, it has to make a very difficult journey throughout your digestive tract o get o our intestines where they can do some good.
The biggest culprit in destroying probiotics is stomach acid.
And if your probiotics cant survive stomach acid, theyll be dead long before they can start improving your health.
Now, as for what technology companies use to increase the survivability, there are a few options out there.
Some use enteric coated pills, special capsules and even patented systems like Bio-tract .
All of these work in different ways and vary in effectiveness.
As mentioned above, one system, called Bio-tract is actually patented and has had some studies done on it.
It works by forming a protective barrier around the tablet as soon as it gets wet .
You can actually drop one of these special tablets into a glass of water and see the barrier start to form!
This technology isnt the only way to deliver probiotics successfully into the intestines, but its one of the best weve come across.
Read Also: American Health Enzyme Probiotic Complex
Why Probiotics Are Important
Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They can be obtained through foods or via probiotic supplements.
In an ideal world, probiotics wouldnt be needed. Unfortunately, in todays world imbalances in intestinal microbiota are the norm. Why?
- Overuse of antibiotics
- Unhealthy diets low in fiber and high in processed foods and added sugar
- Sedentary lifestyle and poor sleep habits
The above then leads to:
- Robbing your intestines of the sources of healthy bacteria
- Reducing the food needed to feed healthy bacteria
- Reducing the proper development of your intestinal immune system, which regulates bacteria
This creates a perfect storm setting the stage for poor gut health. Lets take a closer look at the storm.
As a child you require colonization with healthy bacteria, you are not born with them. Yes, you pick up some bacteria while in utero but you obtain a mega dose when you pass through your mothers vaginal canal. You get even more through your mothers breast milk. If you were born via c-section, not breastfed these are all lost opportunities for beneficial bacterial colonization.
Feeding Your Microbiota
Proper Immune System Development Which Regulates Bacteria
Culturelle Daily Probioticdigestive Health Capsules
The Culturelle probiotic is made up of Lactobacillus GG, Inulin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sucrose maltodextrin, sodium ascorbate, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. The lactobacillus improves your digestive functionality and has been scientifically proven to maintain a balance in your digestive system by preventing diarrhea, bloating the stomach, and gas. The recommended dose is one capsule a day meant for vegetarians, and it is gluten-free.
Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic Strain For Uti
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Fortiflora Dog Supplement Box Of 30
- From the #1 pediatrician recommended probiotic brand , culturelle kids daily probiotic gummies contain a probiotic strain selected for its efficacy. culturelle stands for quality and taking culturelle daily helps to support your childs lifelong health*.
- Supports a healthy microbiome*: your childs microbiome is essential to their overall health. the bacteria that live in the gut microbiome is linked to digestive health, cognition, mood, and the immune system. culturelle kids daily probiotic gummies are formulated to support a healthy microbiome*
- Helps to keep your kids healthy*: culturelle kids daily probiotic gummies contain 1.5 billion cfus of good bacteria. containing clinically studied probiotic strains, culturelle kids daily probiotic gummies support a good bacterial balance in your childs tummy, which help to keep them healthy*.
- Balance your childs tummy naturally*: culturelle kids daily probiotic gummies work naturally with your childs body to help them maintain a healthy tummy*. make culturelle kids daily probiotic gummies a new habit developed to support your childs health*.
- Great tasting natural berry blast flavor: culturelle kids daily probiotic gummies are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and non-gmo. they are free from caffeine and stimulants.
Intestinal Imbalances: Sibo Leaky Gut Fungus H Pylori & Infection
Certain circles on the internet claim you should not take probiotics for SIBO because in SIBO you already have too much bacteria. However, looking at the research,
we CLEARLY see probiotics help with SIBO
and may even be effective as a stand-alone treatment.
We also have evidence showing that some probiotics are as effective as antifungal drugs in treating fungi and that probiotics are as effective as antiparasitic medications in treating parasites. The antibacterial effect of probiotics can help to reduce bacterial overgrowths, correct imbalances, and clear infections.
Proof
Probiotics have been shown to be effective in treating SIBO , both in improving symptoms and in improving lab values. The clinical trials here were even summarized in a meta-analysis, concluding that probiotics are an effective therapy for SIBO. One study found probiotics to be more effective when compared directly to the antibiotic metronidazole.
Two types of probiotics have been shown effective for SIBO. One, a blend of lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium strains . Two, a probiotic containing bacillus strains, aka soil-based probiotics . More evidence supports a blend of Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.
Data from 18 clinical trials were summarized in a meta-analysis, which concluded that probiotics are an effective treatment for SIBO. Specifically:
A wide variety of probiotic strains were used in these clinical trials, however all of them fall into Category 1 or Category 3.
Read Also: Is Yogurt A Good Probiotic
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Probiotics
Probiotic supplements have been shown to benefit health in a number of ways.
Yet, some of the purported benefits of probiotics arent supported by research, so its important to always consult a healthcare professional before taking a probiotic supplement, especially if youre hoping to improve symptoms related to a health condition.
Best For Hair Growth: Vsl #3 Gastroenterologist Recommended Probiotic
The features department is where the #3 gastroenterologist recommendedprobiotic truly manages to shine. The Vsl #3 Gastroenterologist Recommended Probiotic features 8 individual strains of live, freeze-dried bacteria, including lactobacillus acidophilus, streptococcus thermophilus, bifidobacterium breve, and more. Whether you have an imbalance of flora in the gut or your digestive system needs some extra support, this medical food can help. These supplement capsules dont contain any dairy or gluten, so they are able to be taken by a wide range of patients.
Most importantly, the vsl #3 gastroenterologist recommended probiotics is highly recommended by gastroenterologists and physicians for the dietary management of ibs, uc, and other conditions.
Almost all customers opine that the probiotics reduce abdominal pain with drinking or eating. Further, they strongly agree that probiotics are no longer sold as prescription through insurance. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the probiotics suit the purpose.
Why We Like This:
- High-potency formula: this digestive-health supplement features 112.5 billion calories of probiotics.
- This is great for ibs and it is gentle on your gut.
- This can be hard living with ibs or uc.
- Multi-strain probiotic: it contains 8 individual strains of live bacteria for stomach support.
Recommended Reading: Is It Ok To Take Probiotics With Diverticulitis
What Are Probiotics & How Do They Work
Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide health benefits to their host. Most people have around a thousand different bacterial species occupying their gut, this is collectively known as their microbiota. We co-evolved with bacteria in what is known as a symbiotic relationship we help them and they help us.
How Do Probiotics Help You?
The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and the journal Trends in Microbiology offer insights regarding how probiotics make you healthier.
Probiotics can:
- Increase bacterial diversity, or health, of your bacterial community.
- Fight pathogens and their toxins.
- Promote a more rapid recovery from imbalances in your gut organisms.
- Promote a healthy immune response in your gut.
- Reduce gut inflammation .
- Encourage the growth of healthier microbes in your gut.
- Reduce leaky gut aka damage to your gut lining.
Said simply, probiotics can help improve the balance of organisms in your gut, reduce overzealous immune system activity and reduce the inflammation which many of us suffer with.
An important point to emphasize is that probiotics are antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic. This is, in part, how they help promote a healthier community of organisms in your gut, they clean out the bad bugs.
Probiotics Heal The Gut The Gut Affects Almost Everything
We can boil the impact of gut health down to these root fundamentals:
|
Immune System |
Nutrient Absorption |
Immune System
Inflammation
Nutrient Absorption
Most Probiotics Do Not Colonize You
What About Kijimea And Saccharomyces Boulardii
Kijimea is a popular IBS probiotic pill in the US.
It contains a strain of bacteria called Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMB75 and is the only product with this strain.
Theres been one clinical trial using this strain, which included 122 patients. After 4 weeks, 47% of those taking B. bifidum MIMB75 reported significant improvements in pain, bloating, urgency and digestive disorders . Whereas 11% of patients taking the placebo pill reported benefits .
So Kijimea certainly shows some potential, but the science supporting it is thin. The popularity likely comes from the fact it is easily and has great user reviews.
You May Like: Best Probiotic For Ibs And Gerd
Probiotics Arent Recommended For Most Digestive Conditions New Guidelines Say
In new guidelines, the American Gastroenterological Association says theres no solid evidence that probiotics can treat conditions like Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome .
Everyday Health
If you think taking a probiotic will help relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease, or irritable bowel syndrome , think again. Studies havent proved that probiotics can help people with these conditions or a variety of other digestive disorders, according to new clinical guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association Gastroenterology.
Patients taking probiotics for Crohns, ulcerative colitis, or IBS should consider stopping, says Grace Su, MD, a professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and the chair of the panel that drafted the guidelines. The supplements can be costly and there isnt enough evidence to prove a benefit or confirm lack of harm.
Probiotics are microscopic organisms including certain bacteria and yeast that live in the digestive tract and are also found in a variety of foods and dietary supplements. The new guidelines mark the first time that the AGA has issued clinical recommendations on the use of both single-strain and multi-strain probiotics to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases.
RELATED: 7 Popular Supplements With Hidden Dangers
I Was Doing Great On My Maintenance Dose Until
Life happens and this can derail gut balance. Things like travel, stress or a significant period of poor self-care might lead to a regression. If this happens, its OK. It happens. No one is bulletproof. Simply return to the full Probiotic Triple Therapy protocol, and then later you can again wean your dose.
Recommended Reading: Is Drinking Probiotics Good For You
What Is The Best Probiotic Brand
If youre looking for a great, Probiotic Brand, our top rated pick is the It Works! Probiotic.
There are as many probiotic brands reviews as there probiotic brands probably more and were all aware of how overwhelming and at times, frustrating that can be. Having dealt with the same problem we, at SimplyBestOf, deemed it reasonable to write the ultimate one-stop probiotic brands review.
It can be hard to discern which probiotic brand is the best with so many probiotic brands out there these days.
If you are trying to improve the health of your gut, youve probably asked yourself: Which probiotic is best?
The answer is that the best probiotic brands are those that offer a source of healthier digestion and improved immune systems that work seamlessly with your bodys chemistry.
The best probiotic brand can positively transform your health!
Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Once Daily 30 Billion Cfus
Price: $$$
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily 30 Billion CFUs provides 30 billion CFUs of 14 probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei.
Garden of Life guarantees the CFU count through the end of the products best use date when stored properly. This supplement keeps best in the refrigerator.
This product is dairy-free and makes a good choice for those with lactose intolerance.
While its also made without peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and soy products, the supplement is manufactured in a facility that handles major allergens, so it may not be a good option if you have a severe food allergy.
Also Check: Ultimate Flora Probiotic Women’s Care
Probiotics Arent Tested Like Prescription Drugs
Part of the problem with considering probiotics as a treatment for specific medical conditions is that these products can reach the market without going through the same type of rigorous clinical trials required for prescription drugs, says Robert Britton, PhD, the coauthor of an editorial accompanying the AGA guidelines and a professor at the center for metagenomics and microbiome research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Probiotics typically reach the market because theyve been cleared as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food fermentations, but many of the probiotics on the market were never initially selected on a scientific or medical basis for the disease they are used to treat, Dr. Britton says.
Most probiotics are regulated by the FDA as food ingredients or dietary supplements, and not as prescription drugs. Dietary supplements dont require FDA approval before theyre sold. Companies are supposed to get FDA approval to make health claims about probiotics, such as statements about reducing the risk of disease.
Often, probiotics that the market has certified as safe for use in food fermentation by the FDA are cheap and easy to grow in industrial fermenters, and are viable in pill form on store shelves, Britton says.
Its important to note that no probiotic is approved by the FDA to prevent or treat a disease, Britton cautions.
Probiotics For Fungus Candida And Parasites
We also have evidence showing that some probiotics are as effective as antifungal drugs in treating fungi.
In a study of 181 infants, S. boulardii was as effective as Nystatin in reducing fungal infection and improved food intolerances.
Probiotics have also been shown to have antiparasitic benefits.
- In a clinical trial of 65 adults infected with giardia ,
- One group was given standard treatment with metronidazole.
- A second group was given metronidazole and S. boulardii .
- Results showed full recovery from the infection for patients taking a combination of medication and probiotics.
- In the group taking medication only, 17.1% of subjects were still infected with giardia cysts 4 weeks after treatment.
Another study shows that probiotics can be more effective than standard antiparasitic drug treatment. In this study of children with Blastocystis hominis infection, a comparison was made between treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii and a standard drug .
- After one month, stool samples for both groups showed similar cure rates.
- The children who took probiotics had much better improvement in their gastrointestinal symptoms.
Don’t Miss: Best Probiotic With Prebiotic Supplement
