How To Pick The Best Probiotic For You And 8 Quality Brands To Buy
Probiotics â aka friendly bacteria and yeast â reside in your body, delivering all sorts of health benefits. Add probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kimchi to your diet and you’ll naturally take in these microorganisms.
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But if those foods aren’t appealing, you can also turn to supplements.
“Many of my patients have found benefit with probiotics,” Bryan Curtin, MD, MHSc, director of the Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at Mercy Medical Center, tells LIVESTRONG.com.
“Probiotics cause benefit by multiple mechanisms,” Dr. Curtin explains, adding that this includes suppressing the growth of bad bacteria, improving the gut’s natural defenses and supporting the immune system.
But much more remains to be known when it comes to the positive effects of probiotics. “The major GI societies in the U.S. have made position statements that it is unclear what strains, dosing and regimens are beneficial for the general use of probiotics,” Dr. Curtin says.
- âFor Overall Health: âKyo-Dophilus Max Probiotics
- âFor Women: âRephresh Pro-B Probiotic Supplement for Women
- âFor Diarrhea: âCulturelle Digestive Health Daily Probiotic Capsules
- âFor Constipation:â Gerber Soothe Probiotic Colic Drops
- âFor IBS:â Visbiome High Potency Probiotics
- âFor Weight Loss:â Jamieson Probiotics 5 Billion
- âFor Brain Health:â Natureâs Way Fortify Daily Probiotic
- âFor Immunity:â GNC Probiotic Complex Daily Need
How To Get Started With Probiotics
Think you want to give probiotics a shot? Here are Dr. Crescis take-aways to help you navigate them:
Probiotics are generally recognized as safe, but theyre typically not recommended if you have a compromised immune system. Ask your physician if probiotics are right for you.
It may take some trial and error to find the probiotic that works for you. If you notice no benefits from one product after a few weeks, try a different one with a different strain of bacteria.
Probiotics may cause bloating and gas, as well as changes in your stool patterns all indications that the product is working, Dr. Cresci says.
Prebiotic foods help your good bacteria flourish. Include beans, asparagus, onions, green bananas and other fermentable fiber sources in your diet.
This article originally appeared in Cleveland Clinic Mens Health Advisor.
Tips For Ensuring Your Child Gets The Most Out Of Their Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are believed to have health benefits when consumed. They can be found in foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, or they can be taken as a supplement. Some research has shown that probiotics can help to boost a childs immunity, so they may be worth considering if your child is prone to getting sick.
However, its important to know that not all probiotics are created equal. Here are a few tips to ensure your child gets the most out of their probiotics:
- Look for a product that contains live and active cultures.
- Be sure to give your child the recommended dose. More is not always better when it comes to probiotics.
- Choose a product that has been tested for safety and efficacy.
- Probiotics are best taken with food. Consider adding them to your childs breakfast or snack time routine.
Also Check: Can Probiotics Help With Allergies
Red Flag #: Does Your Probiotic Contain Harmful Ingredients
Many food products today contain huge numbers of potentially harmful chemicals such as colorings, preservatives, and sweeteners.
These may be added to a product in order to increase its shelf life, or to improve taste and appearance. But there is no reason for these to be present in your probiotic supplement!
A good probiotic supplement should contain as few binders, fillers, coloring agents, flavorings, preservatives, tableting aids, or additives as possible.
While additives such as colorants and flavorings may be deemed safe by the FDA, numerous studies have suggested that they may be linked to acute intolerance or allergic reactions, or even may increase risks of serious long-term illnesses such as cancer.
After all, probiotic supplements are taken to improve your health not harm it! Check the ingredients label on a product to see whether it contains any excipients that you dont need.
Solution: Buy a probiotic that doesn’t contain fillers, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Our probiotic contains only naturally-derived ingredients that won’t damage or inflame your gut.
Use the code PROBIOTIC to get 20% off our probiotic. The discount code works on and our website.
Just The Right Amount
Probiotic products contain millions to billions of live bacteria, each of which can form bacterial communities thus, the strength of the probiotic product is given as Colony Forming Units .2
A higher CFU number does not mean it is the most effective probiotic.4 500 million to 50 billion CFU have been associated with various health benefits, depending on the strain used and on the area of health.5
Read more about probiotic strains and their effect in different areas of health, such as respiratory health, occasional diarrhea and excessive crying and fussing.
Recommended Reading: Garden Of Life Probiotics 5 Day Maxcare
Reputation Of The Brand
Consumers’ purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by the best vegan probiotic supplements brand’s reputation. Your e-previous store’s customers’ reviews or the brand’s longevity are both taken into consideration while making this decision. More than 60 percent of buyers will abandon their shopping carts if the quantity of bad reviews on their best vegan probiotic supplements product or service is significant. As a result, it is critical to keep an eye on the online store’s reputation.
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Choosing A Good Probiotic
Many patients arrive in my office who want to improve their gut health. When I say gut health, Im talking about the more than 500 different speciestrillions of microorganisms altogetherresiding in your gut, whose delicate balance influences gut function, your metabolism, your hormone balance, and your overall health.
Suboptimal gut flora opens the door for unfriendly microbes to step in and disrupt balance. One targeted strategy I leverage to help restore and promote gut balance is probiotics*and when it comes to this supplement, its important to choose the best option for your body.
Among probiotics numerous health benefits, research shows these friendly microorganisms support a healthy bowel and immune system promote a healthy gut and regularity during travel help you maintain a healthy weight, support healthy skin, ease bloating, and help to reduce the effects of stress.*
Think of probiotics as your little helpers that restore order and help maintain harmony in your gut ecosystem.* You want them to outnumber and antagonize the unwelcome bugs, including unfavorable bacteria, yeast, and parasites.*
Recommended Reading: Lettuce Causes Diarrhea
Read Also: Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Masque
Probiotics Are Not All The Same
Health benefits supported by human clinical studies are explicitly connected to the specific probiotic strain that was studied.
For example, the health benefits associated with our Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG®1 strain does not extend to other, generic Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains.
More than one probiotic strain in one product does not mean it will provide increased health benefits. Specific combinations must have been clinically studied and supported.2 The clinical results of a probiotic strain are specifically related to the subjects in the particular study .3 The clinical results of a probiotic strain are specifically related to the health area investigated .3
Diversity Is Your Best Friend
Your gut is diverse, so your probiotic should be too. Look for a supplement that contains multiple strains. This is sometimes listed as a proprietary blend, although with blends, you lose the transparency of knowing how many CFU each strain contributes.
Inferior brands might contain only one probiotic species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Look for the beneficial strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and you may also see species like Streptococcus thermophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii, among others.
Also Check: Is Culturelle Probiotic Good For Constipation
Can Probiotics Heal Your Gut
Probiotics dont directly heal your gut, but can work by changing and improving your microbiome, which in turn produces good amounts of short-chain fatty acids and other compounds that support a healthy digestive tract. A healthy microbiome can also fight off pathogenic bacteria, and reduce the production of inflammatory compounds, both of which can affect the health and structure of your gut.
These are some of the probiotic species that have been tested and show various benefits for gut health, including reducing diarrhea, constipation, and strengthening the gut lining:¹
- Lactobacillus species
- Bifidobacterium species
- Saccharomyces species
Changes to your microbiome and your gut health may take several weeks or months, but taking the right probiotics, supported by prebiotics, is an important first step toward a healthier digestive tract.
Whats The Best Source Of Probiotics
There are three main sources of probiotics: supplements, yogurts, and fermented foods. Of these three types of probiotics, there are advantages and disadvantages to each.First it is important to understand not all yogurts and fermented foods are probiotics. Only yogurts and fermented foods that have been proven in scientific research to provide a health benefit are probiotics. Many yogurts and fermented foods contain bacterial strains that have not demonstrated a benefit. Additionally, refrigeration to protect the microbial populations may be required.Supplement type probiotics most often come in chewables, powders, or capsules. With these products personal preferences regarding tastes, swallowing pills, convenience, and packaging to protect the CFUs are important. Choosing the product that provides the desired strain is most important in determining the health benefits you can expect.
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Live & Viable Bacteria
When deciding what probiotics to take, another important concern is the condition of the bacteria in the supplement. The supplement may not do you much good if it does not contain live organisms that will remain and thrive in the digestive tract. Be careful to read the label to make sure the product you are buying contains live organisms. This is definitely a case where it does not make sense to bargain hunt. Less expensive brands may not be able to invest in the proper handling procedures to ensure the organisms remain viable. Also, be sure to check expiration dates.
Dr. Ohhiras Probiotics contain only live and active bacteria not freeze-dried or damaged by being centrifuged. Many other freeze-dried probiotic supplements must be refrigerated to preserve the viability of the bacteria due to the aggressive processes used to manufacture them. Dr. Ohhiras probiotics are fermented over three years at seasonal temperatures. This allows them to remain stable at room temperature. The individually packaged, blister-packed capsules remain fresh, potent, and pure and are easy to take along with you wherever you go.
Check That It Will Make It Past The Stomach
When you hear gut health, you might picture your stomach, but a healthy stomach is far too acidic to be colonized by microbes. This is the same for probiotics. If they are exposed to the acidic environment of the stomach, the living probiotics will be killed before they even have a chance to do their job in the lower gut. To ensure that your probiotic will actually make it to where it needs to be, check the label to ensure it has an enteric capsule. An enteric capsule will protect the probiotic strains as they pass through the more acidic regions of the stomach and gut and make their way to the lower small intestine and large intestine, or colon.
Recommended Reading: Which Probiotic Strains Are Best For Weight Loss
More Doesnt Always Mean Better
Certain brands will try to sell you on the ultra-mega dose with 60 or even 100 billion CFU , which come with a hefty price increase. The good news for your budget is right now we dont have evidence that more is necessarily better. The number of CFU is typically what was present at the time of manufacture, and not what is present when you buy it which means you could be wasting your money in more than one way. Experts recommend to look for at least 1 billion CFU per daily dose. No need to shell out extra $$ for the 100 million billion CFU product.
How To Choose The Best Vegan Probiotic Supplements On Customer Reviews In 2022
With the development of the internet, online platforms offer a variety of products to their audience. Among so many products, it is important to know how to sort, recognize and choose the best best vegan probiotic supplements for you. What are the criteria for choosing the best vegan probiotic supplements?
Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic For Toddlers On Antibiotics
Don’t Waste Your Money Choose A Probiotic That Actually Works
Choosing the best probiotic for you is simply a matter of knowing what to look for. Dont automatically pick up the first one you see, the cheapest one, or the one your friend recommended.
The right probiotic supplement will boost your immunity, support healthy digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and boost your energy levels.
Look carefully at all the ingredients. Find one with a high CFU count, lots of probiotic strains, and a delivery system that will get those bacteria to your gut.
If you want a probiotic that fits all these criteria, our probiotic is just for you.
Our Balance ONE Probiotic has 15 billion CFUs of bacteria, 12 potent strains, and no harmful fillers or additives. Most importantly, it uses the BIO-tract delivery system to get those bacteria where they’re needed.
You can find it on , or on balanceone.com. Shipping within the US will be free, and you can rest assured that you’re buying a high-quality, made-in-the-USA probiotic.
Remember: Use the discount code PROBIOTIC to get 20% off our probiotic. It works on and our website.
Katie Stone, ND
Best Probiotic For: Anti
A pilot study found that B. breve was effective in increasing stool frequency in children with functional constipation. These researchers also found a positive effect in stool consistency and relief in abdominal pain, making B. breve a promising addition for easing digestive woes like constipation .
Other studies looking at the benefit of probiotics on skin ailments found a fascinating trend. B. breve B-3 could potentially be used to prevent photo-aging induced by chronic UV irradiation . This ability to mitigate the detrimental effects of UV exposure in sun damage is great news for keeping skin plump, hydrated, and youthful.
Not to be confused with streptococcal infections or the bacteria that causes strep throat, some species and strains of streptococcus have promising research on the benefits for health and well-being.
Recommended Reading: Is It Healthy To Take Probiotics Daily
Additional Tips To Improve Gut Health
Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that stimulate growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Basically, these ingredients act like nutritious food for healthy gut bugs! Foods naturally high in prebiotics include artichokes, garlic, onions, chicory root, asparagus, green peas, watermelon, grapefruit, nectarines, and cashews. *Of note, some people with irritable bowel syndrome may not tolerate prebiotic foods if you have not completed a healing gut protocol.
Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, and promotes the growth of good bacteria. Only taking a probiotic will not beat out a poor diet. So, make sure to include at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The more colorful, the better. Some of the highest fiber containing foods include raspberries, beans, sweet potatoes, pears, and avocados.
Some of you may be thinking: But I do all of that already. Many times, even a healthy diet with fiber and probiotics isnt enough. If you find that you are still struggling with symptoms , then you may be suffering from food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can wreak havoc in your intestine, causing inflammation that may lead to symptoms in various areas of your body.
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Safe To Consume Confidently
People in good health may consume probiotics at the studied CFU level as a daily supplement.4
Health care professionals should be consulted when considering probiotic supplementation for babies, women who are pregnant, individuals with a weakened immune system, or people with short bowel syndrome.4
The probiotic should be approved for human consumption by a recognized regulatory or food safety authority:
- GRAS notified to the FDA in the US 6
- QPS granted by EFSA in Europe.7
LGG® is a registered trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S.
The article is provided for informational purposes regarding probiotics and is not meant to suggest that any substance referenced in the article is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
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Best Probiotic For: Gi Support Brain Function
Studies show some promising results with L. casei for digestive support and regulating diarrhea. One study on the effect of milk fermented by L. Casei strain DN-114 found that supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea .
L. casei also made headlines when a study found it beneficial in relieving anxiety. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study found supplementation with 24 billion units of the L. casei strain Shirota led to a rise in probiotics lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, as well as a significant decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression .
Now lets take a look at a separate class of probiotics, bifidobacterium.
How To Choose A Probiotic Supplement
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When choosing a probiotic supplement, consider your health needs, the number and type of strains, clinical studies available for the product, the colony forming unit count, other information such as the expiration date, whether the product must be refrigerated, and if the product contains allergens.
Probiotic supplements are known for their many health benefits, including supporting digestive health, immune function, healthy skin and even mood. They come in many different forms, including capsules, powders, liquids and gummies. Then there are also the bacterial strains, CFU counts and other factors that differentiate probiotics in the market today.
So, what is the best probiotic out there, and whats a good approach to choosing the best product for your needs?
In this blog post, we will dive into how to choose the right probiotic supplement for your needs.
Recommended Reading: How Many Probiotic Pills Should I Take A Day
