We can all feel a little sluggish or experience gastrointestinal issues from time to time. This can be a result of an imbalance in the vast colony of bacteria that lives within our gut. How can we restore this balance?
This is where probiotics come in.
Probiotics are supplements containing live microorganisms — typically beneficial bacteria and yeasts — that already live in your gut. Taking a probiotic can help restore a positive balance in the gut microbiome, which can promote regularity, ease bloating, relieve constipation, and improve digestion.
We’ve researched dozens of supplement brands to find the best gut health supplements on the market today. We looked for those that contained proven probiotic strains, to help optimize your gut health and boost overall health and wellness.
- Overall Best Gut Health Supplement: Onnit Total GUT HEALTH
- Best Gut Health Supplement for Digestion: Oweli Probiotic
- Best Gut Health Supplement for Supporting Weight Management: BIOptimizers P3-OM Probiotics
- Best Gut Health Supplement for Bloating: MindBodyGreen Probiotic+
- Best Gut Health Supplement for Everyday Support: Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotics Ultimate
Potential Benefits of Probiotics
There is an increasing body of research that shows a balanced microflora (internal bacteria) can influence overall health and wellness, as well as play a role in the prevention and management of certain medical conditions.Balance gut bacteria
Poor diet, illness, certain medications, and even stress can cause an imbalance in the microflora, with “bad” bacteria outnumbering the “good” bacteria. The effects of this imbalance can be widespread throughout the body in the form of weight gain, mental health issues, allergies, increased infection, gastrointestinal distress, and more.Probiotic supplements may help restore a healthy balance in the gut microflora by restoring and supporting good bacteria. This in turn may help protect against certain conditions, improve symptoms of pre-existing conditions, and support overall wellness.
Support gut health
Research suggests that regularly taking a probiotic supplement can help reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions, such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii are the probiotics often associated with relieving digestive distress, particularly diarrhea.Furthermore, certain probiotics may improve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease including in those with mild ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disease.
Improved vaginal health
Lactobacilli, a common probiotic strain, may be beneficial in treating and preventing vaginal infections, urogenital infections, and yeast infections, according to studies.Furthermore, studies show probiotics can reduce the risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis (BV), by maintaining the balance of natural bacteria in the vagina. BV is a common cause of vaginal discomfort, but it can also cause inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications. Therefore, if you’re prone to BV, taking a daily probiotic supplement may be beneficial.
Other potential benefits
Additional potential benefits of probiotics include:- Boost mood: Research suggests a healthy gut microflora can help support good mental health. For example, a review study found supplementing with lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains for three months can improve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, and more. This is potentially due to gut bacteria influencing and mimicking hormones responsible for mood regulation.
- Protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs): Evidence suggests that probiotic suppositories can help clear UTIs and ease the discomfort and symptoms associated with UTIs.
- Promote heart health: By reducing the levels of LDL (i.e. “bad”) cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and breaking down bile in the gut, probiotics may help promote heart health.
- Support weight loss: When combined with lifestyle changes, certain probiotics may aid weight loss by preventing the absorption of dietary fat in the gut.
Best Gut Health Supplements in 2023
These are some of our favorite gut health supplements that you can try.Of course, like with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before starting probiotics.
Overall Best Gut Health Supplement: Onnit Total GUT HEALTH
This advanced gut supplement contains everything you need to support gut health — prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and betaine HCl — allowing you to get more out of the good food you eat (and not suffer as much when you have something you’re sensitive to).
Packed with five strains of acid-resistant probiotics, this gut health supplement also contains organic Jerusalem artichoke and organic dandelion root that act as prebiotics to feed the probiotic strains, helping to achieve a positive balance in the gut flora.
Total GUT HEALTH also contains Digestech, a full-spectrum enzyme supplement that aids the digestion of fats, lactose, carbs, fiber, and protein. Plus, betaine HCl helps promote stomach acid production to break down food.
Pros:
- A blend of probiotics and prebiotics
- Dairy, soy, and caffeine-free
- Subscribe and save 15%
- Best to take capsules before your largest meal so it might take time to get into this cadence
- Size:15 or 30 servings
- Strain(s): L. acidophilus DDS-1, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, B. infantis, and B. lactis, and the yeast saccharomyces boulardi
- Additional active ingredients: Digestive enzymes, prebiotics, betaine HCl, fennel, and ginger
Best Gut Health Supplement for Digestion: Oweli Probiotic
The probiotic supplement from Oweli contains multiple probiotic strains to help support gut health, immune response, and overall wellness. The blend of probiotics may also help aid in weight management, boost mood, and promote healthy, supple skin.
Additionally, Oweli Probiotic uses a patented MAKTrek delivery system, which allows the live-culture strains to survive the stomach acid to reach the intestines alive. This helps ensure the delivery of healthy bacteria to the gut with maximum efficiency.
The brand is committed to safety, and manufacturing in FDA-registered facilities that are CGMP-compliant. Furthermore, they ensure their products are free of pesticides, heavy metals, and any other potentially harmful pathogens. But, if you don’t get the results you’re hoping for from the Oweli Probiotic, you’re protected by a 100-day guarantee.
Pros:
- 40 billion CFUs
- All-natural
- Buy more, save more
- It’s best to take one capsule during the day and another in the evening which can make it hard to stay consistent.
- Size: 60 capsules
- Strain: Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis, and lactobacillus paracasei
- Additional active ingredients: Marine polysaccharide complex and fructooligosaccharide
Best Gut Health Supplement for Supporting Weight Management: BIOptimizers P3-OM Probiotics
The patented super-strain of BIOptimizers’ P3-OM Probiotics may help eliminate “bad” bacteria in the gut and fortify the levels of “good” bacteria. This, in turn, can have numerous benefits including:
- Supporting weight management (when combined with a caloric deficit)
- Boost energy levels (in combination with a balanced diet)
- Contribute to mental clarity and focus
- Reduce gas and bloating
Pros:
- Freeze-dried culture
- 100% plant-based
- Buy more, save more
- Recommended to take 4–8 capsules per day, so may go through bottles quickly
- Size: 60 capsules
- Strain: Lactobacillus plantarum
- Additional active ingredients: N/A
Best Gut Health Supplement for Bloating: MindBodyGreen Probiotic+
MindBodyGreen’s Probiotic+ features 32 billion colony-forming units of four shelf-stable probiotics:
- L. acidophilus NCFM: Supports a healthy frequency of bowel movements and eases abdominal discomfort.
- B. lactis BI-07: Clinically proven to ease bloating and support healthy immune function.
- B. lactis B420: Supports the gut barrier and may encourage maintenance of a healthy weight by reducing calorie intake and abdominal fat mass.
- B. lactis HN019: Known to promote healthy daily functions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, whilst also improving gut transit time and reducing gas.
Pros:
- Shelf-stable bacteria
- Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO
- Subscribe and save
- May take a few weeks to see results
- Size: 30 capsules
- Strain: L. Acidophilus NCFM, B. Lactis BI-07, B. Lactis B420, and B. Lactis HN019
- Additional active ingredients: N/A
Best Gut Health Supplement for Everyday Support: Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotics Ultimate
Providing all-around support for gut health, SBO Probiotics Ultimate from Ancient Nutrition contains a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fermented botanicals.
This supplement also contains a blend of superfoods including balk pepper, ginger root, and turmeric root, which are fermented to maximize the absorption of nutrients.
The combination of probiotics and superfoods may help support immune function and maintain good digestive health, by promoting regularity and reducing occasional bloating, gas, and constipation.
Vegan, dairy-free, grain-free, nut-free, and soy-free, SBO Probiotics Ultimate is suitable for most dietary requirements. Plus, it’s made with organic ingredients, so you can be confident in the quality.
Pros:
- Organic ingredients
- Boosted with therapeutic botanicals
- Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free
- Capsules should be taken on an empty stomach
- Size: 60 capsules per container
- Strain: Saccharomyces boulardii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus clausii
- Additional active ingredients: Turmeric, ginger, and black pepper
How We Picked the Best Gut Health Supplements
Dietary supplements — including probiotics — are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it’s not always apparent if a probiotic contains a sufficient amount of bacteria to have an effect or if the microorganisms can reach the gut alive.That being said, there are some criteria we can research to determine which probiotics deserve a place on our list of the best gut health supplements.
Production Process
How a dietary supplement is manufactured can have a significant impact on its overall quality. We only chose gut health supplements from brands that manufacture in Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) compliant facilities. CGMPs are regulations set by the FDA to provide the minimum requirements for procedures and systems to ensure safe and quality products.Quality Ingredients
High-quality, evidence-backed ingredients are a must in a probiotic supplement. For a probiotic to make it onto our list, the formulation had to be made with natural ingredients, proven strains, and free of preservatives, fillers, or other ingredients. Also, we favored brands that third-party test their supplements to verify microorganism content is as advertised and that they’re free of contaminants.What to Look For When Buying Gut Health Supplements
The best gut health supplements can help replenish and support the “good” bacteria in your body’s microflora. However, not all probiotics can offer what they promise, and choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake. So, here are a few things to consider when buying a probiotic:Strain
Different probiotic strains are often associated with specific health concerns. For example, bifidobacterium lactis can help with occasional constipation, while the yeast saccharomyces boulardii may be beneficial in easing short-term diarrhea. Therefore, a little research into probiotic strains before buying can make sure you’re getting the best supplement for your needs.Shelf life
As they contain live microorganisms, probiotics have a shelf life, after which their effectiveness drops dramatically. Make sure the shelf life of your chosen probiotic extends your intended use. However, this is not a major concern as most probiotics have a shelf life of one to two years, and storing properly in original packaging can maximize the lifespan.While most probiotics are shelf-stable i.e. can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, some require refrigeration due to heat and light sensitivity.
Targeted formulation
Often you’ll find probiotics that target specific health and wellness concerns. Look for probiotics that are formulated with improving gut health in mind. For example, the strain lactobacillus acidophilus has the potential to balance out potentially harmful bacteria in the gut and ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.Price
Probiotics supplements can vary widely in price and it’s difficult to determine the ones that offer good value for money. However, there are a few things that can help you figure out if you’re paying for quality:- Variety of probiotic strains
- Number of CFUs
- Natural formulation
- Third-party testing
What Are Probiotics?
There are constant colonies of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the body — including in the gut, mouth, vagina, and urinary tract — which is known as the microflora. When you get an infection or make poor lifestyle choices (such as eating too much processed foods) the balance of the microflora shifts in favor of the bad bacteria.Prebiotics are dietary supplements or food that contain microorganisms — primarily bacteria, but also yeasts — that flood the microflora with good bacteria, helping to restore balance. For a microorganism to be considered a probiotic, it must:
- Be isolated from a human i.e. be found naturally in the human body
- Survive in the gut after being consumed
- Be backed by evidence i.e. have a proven benefit to humans
- Be safe to consume
Research indicates probiotics may have numerous potential health benefits including, easing gastrointestinal issues, reducing the frequency of infections, boosting immune function, and supporting vaginal health.
The side effects of probiotics are usually mild and temporary and can include bloating, constipation, and excess gas. However, in rare cases, probiotics can increase the risk of infections, particularly in those with compromised immune function or who have recently undergone surgery.
Other Sources to Get Probiotics
In general, using a probiotic supplement is only recommended for people who struggle to get their required amount via fermented foods.If your doctor recommends adjusting your diet to try to naturally improve your gut health, they may recommend the following foods that are high in probiotics:
- Buttermilk
- Cottage cheese
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Sour cream
- Tamari
- Tempeh
- Yogurt
Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Probiotics are foods or dietary supplements that contain live microorganisms designed to support the body’s microflora i.e. “good” bacteria. Prebiotics are foods and supplements — usually with a high fiber content — that provide nutrition for the microflora. Foods high in prebiotics include:- Whole grains
- Flax
- Honey
- Oats
- Soy
- Raw garlic and onion
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Beans
- Leaks
- Cocoa
- Seaweed
FAQs:
How do probiotics work?
The likes of pollution, stress, lack of exercise, and a highly processed diet can cause an excess of “bad” bacteria within the body’s microflora. Probiotics provide several helpful bacteria, which can help restore balance to disrupted flora in the gut and vagina.This restoration of a healthy microflora may improve immune function, boost metabolism, increase energy levels, and support overall health and wellness.
Are there any side effects of probiotics?
Generally speaking, probiotics are safe for use for most people, however, they do have some potential side effects. The most common side effects include constipation, gas, bloating, and excess thirst.In rare cases, people with compromised immune systems or in recovery from recent surgeries can develop an infection from the bacteria in probiotics. If you fall into one of these categories, we advise speaking to your doctor before taking a probiotic supplement.
Additionally, some probiotics may contain allergens, so check the ingredient list carefully if you suffer from allergies.
Can probiotics help with digestive issues?
The best probiotics with multiple strains of bacteria can help improve minor gastrointestinal issues — such as bloating, constipation, and general discomfort.When is the best time to take probiotics?
Probiotics are believed to work best when taken between 30 minutes before a meal, or atleast 2–3 hours after your last meal. You might get the most out of a probiotic before your first meal of the day as the digestive system has been dormant for some time, resulting in less resistance for the probiotic on its journey to the intestines.Can probiotics be taken with antibiotics?
Yes, clinical studies indicate that it’s okay to take probiotics alongside antibiotics. It’s recommended that you wait between one and two hours after taking an antibiotic before taking a probiotic to ensure sufficient levels of the microorganisms reach the intestines alive.Do I have to have probiotics forever?
For short-term issues — such as constipation or diarrhea — probiotics can get to work easing your symptoms in just a few days. However, for long-term problems, like bloating, it’s more beneficial to take probiotics for weeks or perhaps months for when you stop taking probiotics your microflora gradually returns to its pre-supplementation condition. For more sustained results, continued “feeding” of the “good” bacteria with probiotics may be beneficial.In Summary
Probiotics are designed to boost and support the populations of “good” bacteria that live in the body. By maintaining balance in the microflora, probiotics can help promote good digestive health, reduce bloating, relieve constipation, and ease the symptoms of inflammatory bowel conditions.The health benefits of probiotics don’t end in the gut. There is evidence to suggest that probiotics can support heart health and immune function, prevent urinary tract and vaginal infections, boost mood and reduce anxiety, and aid in weight loss.
Side effects of probiotics are typically mild and temporary, with common ones including excess thirst, and bloating. However, in rare cases — particularly in those who are immunocompromised — probiotics can increase the risk of developing infections. Therefore, we always recommend speaking to your doctor before you start taking a probiotic.
