Taking Probiotics With Antibiotics
Many people experience nausea, diarrhoea, tummy upsets, bloating, and even vomiting when taking antibiotics. Some doctors recommend taking a probiotic supplement at the same time to help with these digestive side effects.
Even after taking antibiotics, you can boost your own beneficial bacteria with probiotic foods and supplements. They contain microbes that maintain your gut environment and help regulate your microbiome, keeping opportunistic pathogens at bay and beneficial ones thriving.
Our Ranking And Reviews Of The 10 Best Probiotics Supplements For 2022
Everyone knows the health benefits of probiotics these days.
The hard part is figuring out exactly which probiotic supplement will work best for you
With hundreds of different brands out there in dozens of different forms such as capsules, tablets, powders, liquids, gums, shells, beads, and lozenges, how can you possibly know which one is right for you?
If thats the issue youre facing, youre going to be glad you found this site! Our probiotics experts continually rank, review and test just about every popular probiotic supplement on the market today.
Well tell you which ones we like and which ones wed avoid. Well tell you whats in them, how they work, how much they cost and what theyre best used for. In a nutshell, well tell you everything you need to know to find the best probiotic supplements for your particular situation.
So if youre looking to get all the health benefits that these provide, the following list of the best probiotics should point you in the right direction!
Should Healthy People Take Probiotics
You may have heard that all people should take a probiotic supplement. However, research suggests that generally healthy people do not attain a benefit from probiotic supplements. A few specific supplements are clinically recommended for a few specific medical conditions, but you can otherwise obtain the most benefits from nourishing the microbes already in your gut, says Finkel.
She uses the analogy of a garden. Imagine you have a beautiful garden with a wide variety of plants that are not getting enough water and sunlight. Rather than uprooting and replacing every plant in your garden, why not take better care of the garden you have? Finkel recommends “nourishing the garden” of your microbiome by eating fiber-rich foods that will feed your microbiome, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Read Also: Is It Healthy To Take Probiotics Daily
How We Select Supplements
At mindbodygreen, our expert-vetted dietary supplement product selections and recommendations in the supplement space elevate quality, efficacy, innovation, and safety.
Our team ensures that each supplement product is thoughtfully formulated–from the active ingredients to those “Other ingredient” excipients too. We are highly preferential towards clean formulas that are plant-centric as well as free of GMOs, gluten, soy, dairy, major food allergens, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, synthetic dyes, and more.
Overall, we recommend products with clean ingredients at efficacious doses in bioactive forms. Whenever possible, we celebrate and elevate plant-origin ingredients from a variety of botanicals.
Ingredient source and innovation are top of mind for our critical reviews and selection of supplement products. We prioritize forward-thinking formulations and delivery formats that are genuinely helpful in transforming your health.
We include supplement brands and products that prioritize quality. This includes robust manufaturing practices and comprehensive purity and potency testing.
You can learn more about mindbodygreen supplements+ manufacturing and quality testing practices here.
What Should I Look For In A Probiotic
Try not to be swayed by packaging or commercials. Before you decide what is the best probiotic for you, we recommend considering three factors:
- Strain: The individual bacteria strain determines the health benefits you should expect from the probiotic.
- Proof: Any claims about health benefits should be backed up by scientific studies on that product and the probiotic strain in it.
- Transparency: The packaging should provide you with clear information about the number of live microorganisms in each serving, the strains or specific strain in the product, the suggested daily serving size, the expiration date, any storage instructions, and corporate contact information in case you have any issues or questions.If you donât see this information readily available, try to look for a product which does provide it.
Read Also: When To Take Probiotics After Antibiotics
Best Powder: Garden Of Life 5
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Contains 34 studied probiotic strains for digestive health
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Also made of prebiotics, fiber, and enzymes
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Can be added to your smoothies or shake
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Only five servings per package
Looking for a powerful probiotic solution without adding a new daily supplement to your routine? If so, Garden of Lifes 5 Day Max Restore is a potent, fast solution.
This probiotic blend in powder form is rich in different Bifidobacterium strains which have been studied extensively for their effect on the gastrointestinal tract. One daily serving contains 400 Billion CFU of 34 different probiotic strains, 100 milligrams of digestive enzymes, and a rich prebiotic blend from Jerusalem artichoke and banana powder. This powder alone contains 10 grams of fiber per serving, a bonus for anyone seeking to increase their fiber consumption.
Certified organic, non-GMO, and featuring an NSF certificate, this supplement has been independently tested and evaluated against a rigorous set of quality and material safety requirements.
Type: Powder | Colony Forming Units: 400 billion | Dosage: 2 tbs. daily | Certified: Organic, gluten-free, NSF
Price at time of publish: $32
Probiology Gut+ Supplement Facts
Each serving of ProBiology Gut+ provides a powerful proprietary blend of probiotic bacteria that delivers 40 billion culture-forming units .
The bacteria profile consists of the following four strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillius paracasei
As we already pointed out, the capsules also contain FOS and have the MAKtrek special coating.
Most of the strains from the Lactobacillus acidophilus species are associated with improvements in the immune system. However, research suggests LA-14 is one of the best strains for enhancing the respiratory immune response.
Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 also appears to offer benefits to the liver. Research suggests it may even help alleviate liver injury.
Although this may seem a little off-topic, its worth mentioning because the liver is a key player in the human immune response.
Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04 also has good credentials as an immune system enhancer.
Data from a study investigating the immunomodulatory properties of seven probiotic strains show this particular Bifidobacterium lactis strain, together with Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 produced a humoral response after polio vaccinations.
At this point, it may be helpful if we explain how the humoral immune response prevents pathogens from spreading from cell to cell via extracellular fluids.
Lactobacillus plantarum LP-115 and Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-37 are proven immunity enhancers too.
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Does How Many Cfus A Probiotic Have Really Matter
This is a very interesting question that has a fairly simple answer.
You see, most people think that more of something is ALWAYS better.
Thats a fact that marketers have taken advantage of for centuries.
If one is good, two must be better. If five is good, ten must be better. If 1 billion is good, 100 billion must be better!
The truth of the matter, with regards to probiotics is the amount of CFUs isnt as big a deal as most brands make it out to be .
Theres still a lot of research being conducted on this very issue, but the most recent data suggests 5-10 billion CFUs if youre taking a daily, general probiotic.
And 15-45 billion seems to be ok if youre taking them for a specific ailment.
Anything more than that seems to be overkill.
But again, if low dose products dont work for you, talk to your doctor and see what he or she has to say.
If youd like to read more about this, check out our more detailed post here.
Natures Bounty Ultra Probiotic 10
The ubiquitous and trusted Natures Bounty brand delivers when it comes to probiotics. Their Probiotic 10 supplement contains 20 billion colony forming units and, as the name suggests, ten different strains of bacteria.
The capsules are vegetarian, and there arent any extraneous ingredients included either, so this ones a very solid choice.
Don’t Miss: Sedona Labs Iflora Multi Probiotic 60 Cap 2 Pack
How We Ranked The Best Probiotic Supplements
Choosing the right probiotic supplement for you can be difficult because there are many options. To help you decide which probiotic supplements are right for you, consider these factors:
Strains: Probiotic supplements usually contain both bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. However, some products only contain one or the other. Check the supplement facts panel to see which strains are included in the product.
CFUs: CFU stands for colony-forming units. This measures how many live microorganisms are in each dose of probiotics. The higher the number of CFUs, the more effective the probiotic is likely to be.
Delivery system: Probiotics are live microorganisms, so they need to be delivered in a way that protects them from stomach acid. Some probiotic supplements come inenteric-coated capsules, which dissolve in the intestines instead of the stomach. This delivery method is thought to be more effective.
Shelf Life and Storage: Consider your supplements’ shelf life/time and storage needs. Some Probiotics need to be refrigerated a short time after opening.
Brand: Good quality probiotic supplements adhere to good manufacturing practices and boast physician recommendations. You should look for well-established brands trusted by medical professionals while avoiding fly-by-night companies with no reviews.
Price: Probiotic supplements can vary significantly in price. Be sure to compare prices and choose a product that fits your budget.
How To Use A Probiotic
Most probiotics are nutritional supplements that you take daily, either as a capsule or a powder. Some brands recommend taking them with a meal while others advise taking your probiotic before eating. Almost all are best taken with a full glass of water. Many people take probiotics year round to support ongoing gut health, while others take them for a certain period of time to help rebalance their microbiome. Probiotics can also be good for travel if you suffer from digestive issues while on the road or flying.
Read Also: What Do Probiotics Look Like
Q: What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics
A: Probiotics produce a number of different benefits and this is true whether you obtain them from the food you eat or from the kind of supplements profiled above. Those benefits include:
More efficient digestion – The average man passes a lot of unprocessed nutrients from his body with every bowel movement. As such, either they need to eat more to get all the nutrients they need or seek out a probiotic supplement like one of the ones listed above. Failure to do either will result in a lower level of overall health.
A stronger immune system – Without our immune systems people wouldnt last more than a couple of days outside the womb. But for many men, their diet is such that it undermines the ability of their immune system to do its job. Probiotics, because they assist the body in gleaning greater nutritional value from everything you eat, have the much-appreciated side effect of naturally boosting immune system health.
Enhanced cardio health – Heart disease is one of the leading killers of men worldwide. Many heart conditions are related to having excessive amounts of bad cholesterol in your system. Probiotics have been shown to reduce the amount of unhealthy cholesterol by stunting its production in the liver. The result is cleaner arteries, less strain on your heart, more efficient oxygen absorption and distribution and a lower likelihood of developing heart problems.
These Are The 7 Best Probiotics That Actually Work
Probiotics are nutritional supplements that contain one or more live organisms.
They help boost immunity, lose weight, improve digestion, elevate your mood, and make your skin look nicer.
But with so many of them for sale, which one should you buy?
For the past few years, Ive been testing various probiotics, and while many of them didnt do anything, Ive managed to find seven that work:
Keep reading to find out why I think these are the seven best probiotic supplements you can buy.
Read Also: What Is The Best Probiotic Pill
Who Should Not Take Probiotics For Gut Health
While probiotics are generally safe, they can cause side effects such as diarrhea and gas. People who have had problems with yeast infections or ulcers shouldn’t take probiotics without consulting their doctor.
Those who have allergies to dairy or soy should check with their doctor before taking probiotics. And those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease should avoid probiotics containing gluten.
What Do Probiotics Do
Probiotics are living microorganisms that may provide health benefits when people consume them. Typically, they come in yogurt form or specifically formulated drinks and supplements. They are also available in fermented foods such as kefir, tempeh, kombucha, miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Probiotics can manipulate the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome refers to the collection and activity of microorganisms, including bacteria, that reside in the gastrointestinal tract.
Dietary choices can influence the gut microbiome in helpful or harmful ways to overall health. People can add beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli or bifidobacterium, to their gut microbiome by using probiotic supplements or formulated foods.
Also Check: Nature Made Ultra Strength Probiotic
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Gut health, a domain once the reserve of nutritionists and alternative therapists, has gone mainstream. The trend can be seen playing out on supermarket shelves with an explosion in the number of foods with added good bacteria and on social media, #Guttok has more than 500 million views on TikTok.
So, what is it all about, and how can we achieve good gut health? We asked an expert to find out. Dom Kristy, a nutritionist and the founder of Evolved Foods, tells us that our gut microbiome is made up of trillions of active microorganisms that help us stay happy and healthy.
When we look after our microbiome, in return, it looks after us, he says. The science between our gut and immune health, mental wellbeing and longevity is well documented, and a strong link is clear.
As a nutritionist, Kristy recommends looking at what we eat first and ensuring we are getting a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables and whole foods such as beans, legumes and pulses and low on ultra-processed junk food. Adding probiotics a group of bacteria-containing foods that may help our gut microbiome, and prebiotics, which supply our existing bacteria with the fuel they need to flourish to your daily routine in supplement form can also help.
Swansons Probiotics For Daily Wellness
Image Courtesy ofSwanson Vitamins
Having trouble finding the right brand of probiotic for you and your family? Swanson Vitamins has decades of experience crafting amazing health supplements perfect for every need.
One of their most well-reviewed products happens to be their probiotic. And the reason is quite clear all you need to do is take two very small capsules when you wake up in the morning and start enjoying a day filled with the simple joy of not having to worry about your digestive health.
Swanson Vitamins is proud to offer one of the best probiotics on the market. And at an affordable price as well, offering a 30-day supply for only $3.91. We strongly recommend this brand for anyone looking to get started on their health supplement journey. The reason is simple: it is the best value proposition among any of the supplements we have reviewed.
Our team was skeptical of this product at first. After all, with such a low price there just had to be something wrong with it. We took several bottles home and tried them out for a fortnight. During that two-week period, we noticed many of the same benefits that come with more expensive options, including better trips to the bathroom and fewer incidents of bloating/gas.
Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic Yogurt For Toddlers
You Have To Keep This In Mind
Its simply thiseveryone reacts differently to probiotics.
I know, big shocker.
But youd be surprised how many people try out one supplement, dont get the results they want, get angry and give up!
The fact of the matter is, every person on Earth has a unique digestive tract composition.
Even the organisms within each persons body can be vastly different.
All that means is a particular probiotic may work great for me, but not do anything for you.
And what works well for you, might give me uncomfortable side effects.
Its just the way things work.
So if you try a particular brand we recommend, and it doesnt work for you, dont freak out! It could be a crappy product, or it may just not work for your unique situation and body.
Either way, just pick out another one from our list until you find one that works.
Keep in mind youll also want to confer with your doctor or medical provider about all this as well.
Ok so now that we got that out of the way, lets move on to what exactly makes a good probiotic supplement.
What Research Says About Probiotics And Women’s Health
Probiotics can provide the diversity and balance needed for a healthy gut, something especially crucial for womens health. Not only are women more likely than men to experience digestive gut issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome , but our microbiome is also linked to vaginal health and hormone regulation. Dysbiosiswhen your gut community is imbalanced or potentially overrun with harmful bacteriacan seriously affect everything from mood to menstruation.
Wait menstruation? Yep, a healthy gut is a major factor in balancing your hormone levels.
Read Also: Best Probiotic Strain After Antibiotics
How Do They Work
Probiotics perform abalancing act as they knock out the accumulated bad bacteria , thus ensuring a healthy balance in your body. The main job of these probiotics is to fight the harmful toxic microbes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Health experts all over the world have been searching how probiotics work and how they can promote better health lets see some of them-
- Your body can become deficient in good bacteria for various reasons probiotics can be quite useful in this case as they can help you feel better by releasing good bacteria in your body.
- In addition, probiotics can promote overall well-being by regulating inflammation in the body and providing additional backup to the immune system.
- Probiotics ensure better absorption of medications in your body.
- There are chances that while eating food or consuming drinks, harmful bacteria may have gotten into your body. Well, thats when probiotics can play a significant role in supporting your gut health by draining out these bad bacteria, thus protecting the cells that line your gut.
- As mentioned earlier, probiotics also encourage the production of vitamins.
