Gut health is an important aspect of overall wellness. It's easy to forget that the majority of your body lies beneath your skin, but it's true! And what happens in your gut can have a huge impact on the way you feel.
The bacteria in your gut are crucial for helping you digest food and absorb nutrients, as well as keeping you regular and preventing digestive issues like bloating and constipation. When this delicate balance of healthy bacteria gets thrown off by stress or diet changes, probiotics—what we call “good” bacteria can help bring things back into line.
Probiotics come in many forms, from cultured foods like yogurt to supplements and even sprouted seeds and greens. Each one offers different benefits based on the strains being delivered and how they're delivered (some go right through you, while others need to be fermented first).
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. ConsistentReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). We hope you find your next favorite thing!
How We Choose
There are a lot of probiotics on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Our team did extensive research before coming up with our top picks. We looked at things like:
The strain of bacteria that is included in the product (some strains are more effective than others) The time at which the product expires (products with longer expiration dates tend to be higher quality)
We also considered customer reviews when making our selections. Overall, we feel confident that our readers will be happy with their purchase!
Physician's CHOICE Probiotics 60 Billion CFU
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Physician's CHOICE Probiotics 60 Billion CFU
Max Strength General Probiotic 2-Month Supply
Why We Love It:
The Physician's Choice Probiotics 60 Billion CFU is a great option for anyone looking to support digestive health and gut health. This probiotic contains 10 unique strains that are carefully selected based on scientific research. The capsules are made with acid-resistant gelatin, ensuring they survive the stomach and travel intact to your colon where they can do their job of supporting gut health.
What You Should Know:
This product also contains organic prebiotics, which help nourish the good bacteria in your gut and promote overall digestive health. It comes in an easy-to-take bottle that has 60 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per serving, making it one of the highest doses available. Additionally, this probiotic is crafted based on expert physician input, so you can trust that you're getting high-quality ingredients at a reasonable price point.
While this product does not contain any dairy or gluten, it does contain some artificial colors and flavors which may not be suitable for everyone depending on their diet restrictions or preferences. Overall we think this is a great option for anyone looking to support digestive health and gut health - particularly those who experience occasional constipation or diarrhea issues.
Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women & Prebiotics, 50 Billion CFU
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Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women & Prebiotics, 50 Billion CFU
Keep Your Standards and Strains High in a Once-Daily
Why We Love It:
The Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women 50 Billion is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their digestive health and boost their immune system. It comes in vegetarian capsules that are easy to take on the go, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.
What You Should Know:
This probiotic contains 16 different strains, including lactobacillus reuteri and lactobacillus fermentum, which have been clinically studied for vaginal health. The prebiotics in this formula also help feed the good bacteria in your gut so you can feel more comfortable when it comes to your digestive issues.
It offers over 50 billion CFUs per serving, which is higher than most other brands on our list of best probiotics. This makes it a great option if you want to support your microbiome with as many beneficial bacteria as possible.
Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotic
Why We Love It:
The Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotic capsules are a great pick for anyone looking to support digestive health and immune function. These vegetarian capsules contain the clinically studied probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) and in addition, they also contain prebiotic fiber to help keep things moving along smoothly.
What You Should Know:
They're formulated with 12 billion colony-forming units of the most clinically studied probiotic strain, which has been demonstrated to provide digestive and immune support. They're gluten-free and free from preservatives too, making them a safe choice for anyone with allergies or food restrictions.
The capsules are easy to take on their own or can be added to your daily supplement routine if you prefer a more traditional approach. They come in 60-count bottles so you'll have plenty on hand for any busy schedule you might find yourself under.
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy, Digestive Support and Gut Health
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OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy, Digestive Support and Gut Health
Keep Your Natural Flora and Digestion Balance
Why We Love It:
Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies are a great choice for anyone looking to support digestive health and boost immune function. The gummy bears are packed full of probiotics and fiber, making them an ideal way to nourish the gut bacteria and keep things moving along smoothly.
What You Should Know:
The peach flavor is not only delicious but also contains prebiotic fiber that helps feed the good bacteria in the gut. These gummies are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan, and contain no artificial colors or flavors. They're also free from added sugar so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body when you take these supplements.
They come in a 30-day supply per bottle which means they last a while before needing to be replaced - perfect if you want to try them out without committing to a big purchase upfront.
Renew Life Probiotics for Women, 25 Billion CFU Guaranteed
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Renew Life Probiotics for Women, 25 Billion CFU Guaranteed
Non-GMO Project Verified Probiotic
Why We Love It:
Renew Life Probiotics for Women is a great choice if you're looking for a probiotic supplement that's specifically designed to support women's health.
What You Should Know:
This product is loaded with 25 billion active cultures of 12 different strains, which have been clinically tested on women. The unique formula includes lactobacillus acidophilus to help maintain vaginal health and balance the pH so it doesn't become too acidic or too alkaline. It also contains Bifidobacterium longum, which helps support digestive health and immune function.
The capsules are vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, making this an excellent option for anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary additives in their supplements. The price is reasonable considering the high-quality guarantee that comes with each bottle as well as the shelf stability of these capsules.
Dr. Formulated Raw Probiotics for Women 100 Billion CFUs
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Dr. Formulated Raw Probiotics for Women 100 Billion CFUs
100 Billion CFU's, Shelf Stable, 34 Strains
Why We Love It:
Wholesome Wellness Probiotic for Women is a high-quality probiotic supplement that's designed specifically for women. This product features 34 strains of good bacteria, including acidophilus and lactobacillus acidophilus. It also contains prebiotics to nourish your digestive system and digestive enzymes to help with digestion and absorption.
What You Should Know:
The capsules are vegetarian-friendly, non-GMO, vegan, and contain no binders or fillers. They're also gluten-free and contain only organic ingredients. The probiotic supplement comes in a bottle containing 60 billion CFU per serving, which is more than enough to support your gut health without causing any bloating or discomfort.
This product has received the Dr Formulated Satisfaction Guarantee from Wholesome Wellness so you can rest assured that it works as promised. Overall, this probiotic supplement is a great choice if you're looking for a high-quality option that's specifically designed for women's needs.
Renew Life Adult Probiotics, 30 Billion CFU Guaranteed
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Renew Life Adult Probiotics, 30 Billion CFU Guaranteed
Immune & Respiratory Support
Why We Love It:
Renew Life Probiotic is a high-quality probiotic supplement that provides 30 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per serving. This product has been designed to support digestive and immune health in both men and women.
What You Should Know:
The capsules are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and non-GMO Project verified, which makes it suitable for those with specific Dietary Supplements restrictions. The blend of 12 different strains includes the number one most studied strain - gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO Project Verified.
This supplement also contains rhamnose which may help to increase gas production in some people. However, this can be a positive side effect or simply a sign of good digestion if you have normal bowel movements anyway.
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It's estimated that 50% of people are walking around with a stomachache, but they don't know why.
While some people think it's just a part of life, the truth is that feeling bloated and having tummy troubles isn't normal. It could be something more serious like an infection or cancer, but worry doesn't have to be part of the equation when choosing the best probiotic for your needs.
With so many options available and not enough time to sift through all of the information yourself, we've done the heavy lifting for you! After looking at all of the most Frequently Asked Questions about probiotics, we have answered each one below to help you make an informed decision.
What Probiotic Is Best For Gut Health?
The majority of probiotic supplements on the market contain blends of different strains. While some manufacturers claim that their products are more comprehensive and better for overall gut health, a good all-rounder is one containing lactobacillus acidophilus Bifidobacterium animalis or lactic.
It's important to note that not all strains of bacteria within these species have equal benefits. For instance, lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to help prevent diarrhea while bifidobacterium animalis is thought to be better for maintaining regular bowel movements. The former also appears to be more effective against stomach upset and gas compared with the latter. Therefore, you must choose a supplement containing both if you're struggling with digestive issues due to a lack of dietary fiber or other reasons such as taking antibiotics – which can kill off helpful bacteria in your gut.
It would be best if you also looked at how the probiotic is delivered when assessing your options. Capsules tend to be best suited for long-term use because they're convenient and easy to take but they don't deliver large quantities of bacteria directly into your system like powders do. Most importantly, any product you buy should adhere strictly to FDA guidelines so it's safe for human consumption regardless of what brand it is or what type you buy.
Do Probiotics Improve Gut Health?
Probiotics are an excellent way to help your digestive system and overall health. The bacteria in probiotics help break down food and balance out stomach acid pH levels, which can prevent constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and other common digestive issues. They also strengthen immunity by fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses like E coli and Salmonella, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
There's a lot of confusion surrounding what exactly a probiotic is. Many people use the term to describe any type of beneficial bacteria, but several different types have specific benefits. The two most common types found in supplements are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium; they're often combined with prebiotics such as fiber or inulin to promote better absorption. You can find probiotics containing just one bacterial strain in some products as well.
The evidence behind whether or not probiotics improve gut health is conflicting; it depends on the type you take as well as many other factors such as dosage, duration of usage, your underlying medical conditions (like IBS) if you're taking antibiotics or have had surgery recently, etc. Regardless though (their name), probiotics aren't considered a replacement for healthy eating practices like eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with foods high in fiber to keep your microbiome balanced all year long!
What is the best probiotic?
It depends on what you're looking for. If it's the cost you're concerned about, then look no further than the Renewaphilis Probiotics 100-Count from Costco. This product scores well in all areas, including capsule size and lactose content, but it also offers some of the highest CFUs (colony-forming units) at a very low price point.
If taste matters most to you, then we recommend any of our top 10 picks from BioNature or Anima-Culture. These products offer great flavor choices that many users prefer over bland generic capsules. If you want to promote better digestive health for your pets, then consider choosing an animal probiotic like Pet Digestif or Pet Organics.
What Are The Top 5 Probiotics On The Market?
Of all the available probiotic products, some stand out as having a greater impact on your gut health. As we explore in our buying guide, it's important to look at the quantity of live cultures included, as well as any additional ingredients or strains included.
The top five best-selling products on Amazon include 5.1/5 Editor's choice: Renew Life Ultimate Care It's no surprise to see Renew Life topping our list of best probiotics - this is one of the most reliable brands in the industry, and one we consistently recommend across our guides.
This product provides 50 billion CFUs (colony forming units) worth of strains including lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus - making it ideal for overall digestive health and promoting healthy immune function too.
We love how this product comes in capsules so you don't need to worry about taste, especially if you're an adult who struggles with spoonfuls of powder! The high quantity of live cultures stands out here too - many brands give far fewer bacteria compared with other options featured on our list, but when they are alive they can have a much more beneficial impact on your gut health!
Plus there are no artificial flavors or preservatives included either which makes this an even healthier option for people wanting to avoid chemicals added to their supplements and foods alike.
What Are The Signs You Need Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial in addressing various digestive issues, particularly when your system has been disrupted by antibiotics. Antibiotics effectively eliminate harmful bacteria, but in such cases, probiotics come to the rescue.
If you take an antibiotic for a bacterial infection and then start experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting a probiotic: Bloating, Diarrhea, or constipation.
Is There A Downside To Taking Probiotics?
Like any supplement, probiotics can have side effects if you're taking too high a dose or if your particular system isn't used to having them. These capsules are made with non-harmful bacteria strains that are similar to the ones found in your digestive tract, so most people tolerate them well.
Probiotic side effects may include gas, bloating, and diarrhea – which is why we recommend starting with a lower dose and working up to the maximum amount per day. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking a probiotic for several weeks, stop taking it until the symptoms subside and contact your doctor if they don't go away within a few days.
Some people also experience an allergic reaction to certain strains of probiotics, such as dairy or wheat products. If you have celiac disease or another intolerance or allergy and want to take probiotics anyway, make sure you choose one that contains no ingredients from those sources.
How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Heal Gut?
After taking probiotics, you may feel better fairly quickly. However, it can take months for your microbiome to fully recover from damage caused by stressors like antibiotics or poor diet.
Most studies find that symptoms improve within a few days of starting a course of probiotics but maximum improvement usually takes three to four months and sometimes even longer.
Many doctors now recommend that people with irritable bowel syndrome start taking probiotics at the first signs of symptoms and continue treatment for several months after their gut has healed.
How Long Does It Take To Heal The Gut?
There's no simple answer to this question. For some people, their guts may heal up in as few as four weeks. But for others, it could take months or even years before the gut is completely healed and operating at a normal capacity. It depends on the severity of the damage and how well you follow your doctor's instructions about diet, exercise, and stress management.
It also depends on what type of injury it is – many different types of intestinal problems can occur! Some of these include bacterial infections (from bacteria like Salmonella), viral infections (like rotavirus), protozoal infections (like giardia), and parasitic infections from flatworms or roundworms.
If you have Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, healing your gut means finding ways to manage your allergies or cravings for gluten-rich foods. This can be challenging if you live in a household with non-GF family members! If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), getting healing comes down to identifying what specific trigger foods cause flare-ups for you and learning how to better manage stress so your bowels can function more smoothly overall.
What Kills Good Gut Bacteria?
Aside from antibiotics, several things can kill off good gut bacteria. These include stress, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol.
Processed foods also lack the nutrients that feed your beneficial flora so it's important to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit to keep a diverse range of good bacteria in your digestive system. Recent research has suggested that taking probiotics helps promote better mental health by promoting healthy gut bacteria.
What Is The Most Powerful Probiotic?
There are a few ways to measure probiotic strength. Some probiotics offer the same number of colony-forming units (CFUs) but in different strains, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Others may include prebiotics as well to support the growth of beneficial bacteria within your digestive system.
Some of the best probiotics have high numbers of live bacteria guaranteed through the expiration date, with at least 100 million CFUs or more per dose. Choose a brand that includes multiple strains for broader coverage and better overall health benefits. All reputable brands test their products for potency and purity, so look for third-party certifications when choosing a product that fits your needs and budget.
Do Probiotics Help Gut Inflammation?
While the research is still in its infancy, some studies have suggested that probiotics may help to reduce gut inflammation. There are several ways in which this can happen, including:
Modifying the microbiome: As we've already discussed, probiotics can play an important role in maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome. In doing so, they can prevent pathogenic bacteria from overpopulating and causing damage.
As we've already discussed, probiotics can play an important role in maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome. In doing so, they can prevent pathogenic bacteria from overpopulating and causing damage. Modifying the immune response: The majority of the cells found within our gut belong to our own body's tissues rather than microbes.
This tissue is known as “epithelial lining fluid” or ELF for short – it lines our intestinal walls and plays an essential role in protecting us against disease-causing pathogens like E coli or Salmonella by creating antibodies against them.
Some probiotic strains are known to stimulate these antibodies (known as immunoglobulin A or IgA) while others seem to suppress them (such as Lactobacillus species). If you're suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as urinary tract infections, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease then it could be helpful to take strains that encourage ELF production while avoiding those that suppress it.
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We hope our guide has helped guide you toward making an informed decision when choosing the best probiotics for gut health. We understand that there is a lot of information out there and it can be difficult to know where to start. Our goal was to provide you with key points to look for when shopping around so that your purchase helps promote a healthy balance of bacteria within your digestive system. Thank you again for taking time out of your day to read our content!