In this new guide on supplements, we will deal with a very topical topic: the use of probiotics. These supplements can be found in the supermarket, pharmacy, herbalists and are often recommended for people suffering from intestinal disorders, such as abdominal bloating and flatulence. Do you know how they really work?
Probiotics promise to restore the balance of the microbial “flora” of people under stress, who follow inadequate diets or who abuse antibiotics. However, these supplements are particularly delicate and require some knowledge to be used successfully.
Here we had listed out the 11 best probiotics that are present below.
- Max Strength General Probiotic 2 Month Supply (60ct) : Our probiotic is designed to support digestive health & gut health. A great...
- Support Your Gut: Our probiotic contains 10 diverse high-quality probiotic strains and organic prebiotics - synergistically...
- Survives the Gut: From start to finish - this probiotic is designed to survive the gut & maximize the colonization of our strains....
- Backed By Science - Our probiotics are crafted based on scientific research. We have partnered with a network of expert physicians...
- Safety Assured Standard of Quality: Our 60B probiotic is 3rd-party tested for purity and potency. Each bottle is manufactured with...
- THE GUT STUFF: Once Daily Women’s is formulated for her unique needs with 50 Billion CFU of 16 diverse probiotics for optimal...
- HIT REPHRESH: Girls just want to have pHun; Our doctor formulated daily probiotic has clinically studied strains, L. reuteri and...
- BACKED BY SCIENCE: As a 4x Award Winning #1 Probiotic Brand, our probiotic is made with a great deal of research to ensure you are...
- CONVENIENCE IN MIND: Keep your standards and strains high in a once-daily, easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsule; If you prefer...
- EXPERTLY FORMULATED: Our once daily probiotic supplement for women is proudly Dr. Formulated by David Perlmutter, MD for women’s...
- 51 Billion Powerful CFUs Per Capsule: Live, colony-forming units of bacteria help support proper digestion and whole body health....
- 11 Robust Probiotic Strains: 1MD Nutrition’s scientifically-formulated probiotic solution is a blend of 11 bacterial strains,...
- Broad-Spectrum Digestive Health: This probiotic blend helps encourage the digestive tract's normal microbial balance. This...
- Immune System Support: 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. By helping to promote the body’s natural microbiome...
- Probiotics That Get Where They Need To Go: Each vegetarian capsule is specially made to resist stomach acid to ensure safe...
- Research-backed formulation: other brands compensate for low-quality strains with inflated CFU counts, but their formulas lose...
- Full benefits with UNI-BACT CF15: most probiotics use Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are solid choices—until they...
- 62%+ longer stability: CFUs decline by 5% per month when probiotics are poorly packed in transparent glass. We counter this with a...
- Kinder on the gut: our formula undergoes in-vitro pH testing to help prevent stomach irritation. Our dietary fiber prebiotic...
- Made in the USA and independently tested: producing in the USA means our probiotics undergo stringent checks. Every batch is...
- PROBIOTIC FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Culturelle probiotics are naturally sourced with scientifically proven ingredients to keep your...
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE STRAIN: Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics for Men & Women are formulated with the clinically studied...
- PROBIOTIC POWER: Culturelle Pro Strength is formulated with 12 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of the most clinically studied...
- SAFE & BACKED BY RESEARCH: Over 1,000 scientific studies and 30 years of research have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of LGG...
- NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED: Every package of Culturelle Probiotics meets the highest standards for purity and potency when...
- 🍀 300 Billion CFU Daily Probiotic Support Your Gut - Gifinary triple strength Once Daily Probiotics for Women and Men, with...
- 🍀 Backed By Science, Powered By 15 Organic Herbs - Our probiotic supplement is entirely herb-based, Science-Backed probiotics...
- 🍀 3-IN-1 Powerful Combination for Max Results - 24 Broad-Spectrum Probiotics strains Probiotics + 15 Organic Prebiotics + Herbs...
- 🍀 Convenient & Great Value - Gifinary Once Daliy 300 Billion CFU Probiotic, the Powerful Probiotics for Women & Men....
- 🍀 Premium Quality You Can Trust - Our probiotics are crafted based on scientific research. Every Gifinary Probiotics capsule...
- COMPLETE NUTRITION FOR YOUR BODY – At over 300 Billion CFU per serving with 11 clinically studied strains plus organic herbal...
- THE HIGHEST VERIFIED CFU COUNT - Contains 300 billion CFUs per serving(2 capsules), from 11 powerful Lactobacillus and...
- GOODBYE HARD-TO-DIGEST FOODS - It is hard to quit fry-up, processed food, spicy, dairy, or alcohol for most people. But they are...
- 3 KEY DIGESTIVE ENZYMES - Our digestive health formula contains a blend of 3 key digestive enzymes: Cellulase, Protease, and...
- HIGH QUALITY - Proudly made in the USA in a certified manufacturing facility, 3rd party tested. GOGOSATIS supplement is vegan and...
- IMMUNE AND DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Did you know your gut is home to 70 percent of your immune system? With 25 billion cultures from 12...
- SUPPORTS VAGINAL HEALTH: Made with clinically tested strains shown to balance healthy pH and yeast levels, and includes the potent...
- HIGH-QUALITY GUARANTEE: Guaranteeing quality, purity and potency through expiration; Made in the USA using only the highest...
- SHELF STABLE PROBIOTIC: For this ultimate flora probiotic supplement for women, refrigeration is recommended, but not required,
- RENEW LIFE BRAND: We put women’s wellness first with supplements that are backed by over 25 years of clinical trials with women
- DIGESTION SUPPORT: Primal Defense 15 billion CFU probiotic supplement contains Lactobaccilus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, and...
- SOIL BASED PROBIOTICS: The only shelf stable probiotic powder formula containing a unique whole food blend with Homeostatic Soil...
- IMMUNE SUPPORT: This dietary supplement has 15 billion CFU and 13 hardy beneficial strains for immune system health. Supports...
- COLON HEALTH SUPPORT: These probiotics for constipation promote regular, healthy and comfortable bowel movements
- VEGETARIAN PROBIOTIC: Whole food, gluten free, vegetarian probiotics supplement for a balanced, health internal environment
- 10 PROBIOTIC STRAINS: Offers a balanced spectrum of live organisms consisting of acid-resistant probiotic bacterial strains that...
- CLINICALLY VALIDATED STRAINS: Utilizes bacterial strains that have been clinically validated for their support of healthy immune...
- HEALTHY INTESTINAL FLORA: Probiotic bacteria are critical for healthy digestion, helping maintain the integrity of the intestinal...
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined,...
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
- THE PROBIOTIC PHYSICIANS RECOMMEND MOST: Align Probiotic is the #1 probiotic recommended by Gastroenterologists for over 14 years...
- WELL-STUDIED STRAIN: Discovered by Gastroenterologists and backed by 20+ years of research. Align contains the unique strain...
- CLEANER FORMULA & CAPSULE DESIGN Align Pro Formula uses the Bifidobacterium 35624 strain, a formula designed to deliver an...
- NATURALLY HELPS BUILD AND SUPPORT A HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: 4 out of 5 people felt more confident with their digestive health...
- SUPPLEMENT YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM WITH HEALTHY BACTERIA*: Align Probiotics contain guaranteed potency and each lot is DNA tested to...
Buyer Guide to Choose Probiotics
Which and How Many?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that exert a positive effect on the health of the person, strengthening the intestinal ecosystem. They can be found directly in food or can be taken in the form of supplements, to make your immune system even more valid.
Since the intestinal bacterial flora colonizes with the first feed, when you are newborn, its constitution is very subjective: for this reason, it is good to choose a multipurpose probiotic, which contains many different strains.
Only in this way will you be sure to integrate the missing ones and that the unsuitable ones will be repressed by your immune system.
In the same way, it is good to opt for supplements that contain very high dosages (we are talking about billions and not millions), given that the percentage of bacteria that manages to survive and reach the intestine is less than 40%.
Their Properties
If you are used to comparing prices, you always want to make a purchase that takes into account your wallet. Then consider that taking probiotics for a week or two will not solve the situation: the cure must last at least a month.
For such a short time, the share of microorganisms that would reach the colon would not be enough to give it the right amount.
In addition to adding them to normal nutrition, it is good to use them in conditions where the body is subjected to stress: when taking antibiotics, for urinary tract infections, for irritable bowel syndrome and candida.
In particular, it is good to focus on lactobacilli in case of diarrhoea caused precisely by antibiotic therapy, while on bifidobacteria for other gastrointestinal disorders not due to external factors.
These supplements should not be ingested with hot liquids, which would cause them to die before they reach the intestine. They must also be taken on an empty stomach to prevent gastric juices from interfering with their composition.
Who is vegan may not want to take substances derived from milk: no problem, because on the market they are also present in the lactose-free variant, to meet the needs of all users.
If you are undecided between one brand and another, consulting the reviews of other buyers can be helpful in understanding which format and type is best suited to your situation.
Excellent Composition
The number of active strains inside the capsules has 50 billion lactic ferments and, considering that one billion UFC is enough to produce results, the quantity contained in this product is definitely above average.
You won’t have to be afraid to spend a few euros more, but considering the reviews left by users with a verified purchase, these probiotics are among the best on the market. Made in the UK, they are GMO-free and rich in beneficial enzymes to rebalance the intestinal flora.
For Vegans and Gluten-Free
A great advantage of these lactic ferments consists of being suitable also for vegans and intolerant to gluten and soy, therefore a versatile product that adapts to all needs. They are also free of artificial colours and flavours and without the addition of yeasts.
One capsule a day for a month of treatment and the results are seen and heard, according to what users who have tried them declare.
They strengthen the immune system and support the proper functioning of the bacterial flora, alleviating ailments such as colitis or gastritis. Their intake is also indicated after antibiotic treatments.
Good Value for Money
We have said that they are not the cheapest probiotics on the market, but considering the high dosage of ferments derived from different strains within them and the composition of the product.
We value their value for money very well. Inside the bottle, there are 30 capsules that allow treatment of about a month, therefore sufficient for those who do not have big needs. On the contrary, if you need a longer cure you will have to buy two or more boxes according to your needs.
How to Use Probiotics?
Probiotics are microorganisms capable of promoting the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora, helping to prevent gastrointestinal disorders, with numerous beneficial effects on the immune system.
Commonly known as lactic ferments, they are already present in our intestine from the first months of life, thanks to breast milk that contributes to the formation of the intestinal microflora of the newborn.
They are also contained in many fermented milk-based foods (such as yoghurt, kefir, cheese, sourdough, etc.) and also available in the form of supplements whose intake, often associated with pharmacological treatments, helps to combat all those symptoms caused by attack of pathogens.
What They Are for And when To Take Them?
Probiotic-based therapy is especially useful for strengthening the immune system and for treating multiple diseases, such as constipation, diarrhoea, excess cholesterol, intestinal swelling, cystitis, and so on.
By virtue of the fact that the bacterial flora of each individual has different characteristics depending on genetics, lifestyle or nutrition, it is always better to seek advice from your pharmacist or family doctor, who will be able to show you the product suitable for the symptoms that you present.
In addition, it is advisable to always take them on an empty stomach, so that they do not undergo excessive alterations caused by gastric acids, and for a period of at least three weeks, to guarantee the body sufficient quantity to obtain the necessary benefits.
Why Supplements?
If probiotics are already naturally present in our body, why should we take supplements?
In reality, modern lifestyles, associated with poor nutrition, often lead to the destruction of a good part of the “good” bacteria present in our intestine, making it necessary to reintegrate them through specific products in the form of capsules, ampoules or sachets.
These supplements are particularly recommended during antibiotic and cortisone therapies, since many drugs significantly alter the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora, causing additional symptoms to be added to those of the flu, such as joint pain or diarrhoea.
However, these supplements can also be used simply to strengthen their immune defences, thus preventing seasonal influences and other common ailments, such as fatigue, abdominal bloating and constipation.
Which to Buy
In recent years, science has made significant progress in the field of food supplements, so much so that many products with different characteristics and benefits are available on the market today.
First of all, it is always good to opt for multi-purpose products, that is, containing different species of bacteria, so as to always be sure to ingest the strains that are missing from our intestines; and which contain a number of microorganisms of not less than one billion CFU (colony-forming units).
It is also important that the bacilli are able to overcome the gastrointestinal barrier and that they are able to survive the action of any bactericidal drugs (if the supplements are taken during or immediately after antibiotic therapy), thus arriving intact in the intestine, without losing their properties.
Finally, probiotics must be available in bottles or packages that favour their natural storage conditions and, before taking them, it is good practice to carefully read the package leaflet, which must always be available inside the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Probiotics and What Do They Do?
Probiotics are nothing but bacteria defined as “good”, that is, capable of helping and rebalancing the intestinal flora.
Their main function is to reduce phenomena such as abdominal bloating, speed up digestion and even strengthen the immune defences thanks to their resistance to gastric acid and bile juices, which are used to break down food.
In Which Foods Are Probiotics Found?
If you do not want to take medicines that contain probiotics, you can include foods that contain them naturally in your diet.
Among these are mainly oriental foods that go through a period of fermentation which leads to the development of such bacteria as kombu tea, seaweed consumed in China and Japan with a very strong flavour but considered a real cure-all or even miso, a fermented paste soy-based, usually used for making soups.
In Europe too, however, we have some products, the result of fermentation, which contain probiotics, first of all, sauerkraut, deriving from the fermentation of cabbage.
Inserting these foods into your diet, without naturally exaggerating, can lead to benefits for the body and especially for your intestinal flora. Be careful though, if you have problems of a very serious nature it would still be better to contact your GP to discuss the issue in more depth.
What Is the Most Suitable Probiotic to Prevent and Treat Candida?
Candidiasis, commonly called candida, is a fungal infection that mainly affects women, causing vaginal mucosa disorders whose microflora is altered by the proliferation of the bacterium.
The best method to combat the infection is through a pharmacological treatment prescribed regularly by your doctor, however, this may be associated with an intake of probiotics that could prevent recurrence in the future.
The most effective way is not the oral one, in this case, but the application of capsules on the spot to make the lactobacilli act immediately.
When Should You Not Take Probiotics?
Probiotics can also have side effects, especially if you have allergies or intolerances of various kinds. In general, it would be better to avoid the casual intake of these microorganisms and always evaluate together with your doctor which strains and which doses to take.
In fact, only an expert in the medical sector can decide which are the cases in which it is necessary to adopt probiotics and which instead could cause more harm than good.
What Is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?
Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics at all, they are in fact two different things. The first are living microorganisms that already live in our body and are considered “good” bacteria, capable of rebalancing the intestine.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the elements necessary to guarantee the life of these bacteria, therefore they are found on the market in the form of supplements or even in various foods such as dried fruit, garlic and legumes.
If you do not have intestinal problems, it is good to introduce a right source of prebiotics into your diet, in this way you will give support to the bacteria of your body without necessarily having to take probiotics.