Probiotics and probiotic supplements have been in the lime light for some time now for all the good reasons. But what are probiotics? And how are they beneficial to the human body?
Well, probiotics are an umbrella term for all the beneficial microorganisms that are required by the body for healthy functioning of the digestive system and immune system. These microorganisms crowd out pathogens such as yeast, viruses, fungi and harmful bacteria that would otherwise cause disease.
Our intestines are home to billions of microorganisms – both good and bad. But a problem arises when the healthy balance of these microorganisms is disrupted due to some illness, changes in the diet or excessive consumption of antibiotics. In, such situations, the pathogens overpower the good bacteria which results in digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, etc.
Taking a probiotic supplement can help to restore the perfect balance of microflora in the intestine and relieve these digestive disorders without causing any side effects.
Best Probiotic Supplements For Digestive Health: Our Top 10
[table id=31 /]Are Probiotics Good for Digestive Health?
1. Treat Diarrhea
Probiotics are capable of treating both infectious diarrhea (caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites) and antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Travellers often suffer from diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water and traveller’s diarrhea can last for weeks or months. Although, there is no solid proof that probiotics work for traveller’s diarrhea, but a 2007 report shows that probiotics can help avoid traveller’s diarrhea. The strains Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum are most beneficial in this kind of diarrhea (1).
Kids often suffer from bouts of infectious diarrhea caused by rotavirus and some of the probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri and Saccharomyces boulardii can help to treat this type of diarrhea in kids. The mix of these probiotic strains can reduce the bouts of infectious diarrhea in kids by almost half a day to 2 days (2).
2. Relieve Constipation
Probiotics work far more effectively than commercial laxatives to relieve constipation. Probiotics improve digestion and enhances the absorption of nutrients from foods and while they break down food, they produce lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids that lower the pH of the intestine which in turn promotes muscle contractions in the colon and improve bowel movement and regularity.
In a study published in the 2010 Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology a team of Italian researchers found that artichokes enriched with probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei reduced abdominal distension and the felling of incomplete elimination (3).
3. Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Probiotics may help to relieve Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease, two forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Although, researchers don’t yet know for certain what causes Inflammatory Bowel Diseases but there is increasing evidence which suggests that the microbiota in the intestine plays an important role in initiating and determining the development and characteristics of IBD. There are a number of studies that reveal the effectiveness of probiotics in alleviating the symptoms of IBD.
In a study conducted at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the researchers tweaked a version of the common probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus and fed it to mice with two different forms of colitis. After 13 days of treatment it was seen that the novel probiotic strain almost completely healed colon inflammation in the mice and stopped the progression of the disease by 95% (4).
4. Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common intestinal disorders that can cause a number of symptoms such as bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Probiotics can help to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a number of ways. Probiotics coat the surface of the GI tract and stop the harmful pathogens from inflaming it. It strengthens the tissues of the bowel wall and regulates immune system response.
Saggioro performed a study with 70 IBS patients. In this study, the candidates were divided in 2 treatment groups for improvement of abdominal pain and severity scores of 7 other IBS symptoms. Group 1 was given L. Plantarum LP01 and B. Breve BR0, Group 2 was given L. Plantarum LP01 and L. acidophilus LA02. Both the treatment groups showed significant decrease in abdominal pain and severity of other symptoms in 2 to 4 weeks (5).
Best Probiotics for Digestive Health
1. Digestive Advantage Intensive Bowel Support Probiotic
This probiotic supplement is targeted at supporting and improving overall digestive health. It also helps to prevent specific digestive issues such as gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Each serving of this supplement provides 1 billion viable cells of Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30 to the intestine.
The Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30 is a unique probiotic strain that supports long-term digestive health and boosts the immune system function.
It also contains enzymes amylase, lipase, etc. that support the breakdown of proteins, carbs and fats in the intestine and aid the digestive process.
This is a specially formulated probiotic supplement that survives the harsh acidic environment of the stomach 10 times better than yogurt or any leading probiotic supplement.
This is a high quality supplement with guarantee of purity, freshness and potency. It does not contain any preservatives or artificial flavours.
Pros
- Comprehensive digestive support formula
- Provides 1 billion viable cells of probiotics per serving
- Contains Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30 strain
- Also contains digestive enzymes
- Survives stomach acid 100x better than leading probiotics
- Easy-to-swallow one-a-day capsule
Cons
- Contains wheat and soy
2. Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic
This is a moderate potency probiotic supplement that is suitable for daily long term use in order to maintain general digestive health.
Each serving of this supplement provides 10 billion active cultures of Lactobacillus GG to the intestine that aids the digestive system to work better and reduces digestive issues.
This supplement also contains vitamin C and natural inulin (chicory root extract) that nourish the probiotics and support their colonization in the intestine.
This is a 100% vegetarian supplement that is free from gluten, milk, soy, wheat and preservatives.
Each pack of this probiotic supplement meets highest standards of purity and potency when consumed.
Pros
- Suitable for daily long-term use
- Each serving provides 10 billion active cultures
- Contains vitamin C and natural inulin
- 100% vegetarian supplement
- Purity and potency guaranteed till consumption
Cons
- Contains just one strain
3. Garden of Life Probiotics Supplement for Women
This is a smart once-daily probiotic supplement specially designed to support women’s health needs.
This supplement has been formulated by Dr. Perlmutter, an expert in the human microbiome, a board-certified neurologist, a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and America’s brain-health expert.
This probiotic supplement provides 50 billion CFUs of live culture per serving and it comes 16 different probiotic strains L. reuteri and L. fermentum that support vaginal health.
This supplement helps to support a healthy microbiome in the intestine and support women’s digestive and immune system health.
This is a shelf-stable probiotic supplement that requires no refrigeration and its potency is guaranteed.
This is a 100% vegetarian and hypoallergenic probiotic supplement free from gluten, dairy and soy.
Pros
- A probiotic supplement designed specially for women
- Supports digestive health, immune system health and vaginal health
- Provides 50 billion CFUs of probiotic culture per serving
- Contains 16 raw probiotic strains
- Shelf-stable product requires no refrigeration
- Vegetarian and hypoallergenic supplement
Cons
- May cause stomach pain, bloating an flatulence in some women
4. Vimerson Health Probiotic Supplement
The combination of a wide range of strains and 40 billion CFUs potency makes this one of the most effective probiotic supplements for improving overall health.
Each serving of this supplement provides 40 billion CFUs of live culture to the intestine.
It contains some of the most beneficial probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Plantarum and Lactobacillus Paracasei that helps to maintain healthy intestinal flora, boost the body’s immune response, support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce diarrhea, allergies and fatigue.
This is a 100% natural and vegetarian supplement that is suitable for men, women and seniors. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free.
Pros
- Provides 40 billion CFUs of live culture per serving
- Contains 4 different strains
- Supports digestive health and overall health
- 100% natural and vegetarian supplement
- Suitable for people of all ages
Cons
- Needs refrigeration after opening
- One serving equals to 2 capsules
5. Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra
This is a whole food probiotic formula that is made from soil based probiotics which makes it a powerful shelf-stable probiotic supplement.
Each serving of this supplement provides 15 billion CFUs of live culture. It contains 13 hardy and beneficial probiotic strains that survive the stomach acids and arrive alive in the intestine.
This probiotic supplement contains unique whole food blend with Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSO) which makes it strong and shelf-stable.
This supplement not only provides digestion support, but also boosts nutrients absorption from foods and improves immune system function.
This is a 100% vegetarian probiotic supplement made from whole foods and is gluten-free.
Pros
- Vegetarian whole food probiotic formula
- Provides 15 billion CFUs of live culture per serving
- Contains 13 different strains
- Contains Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSO)
- Shelf-stable supplement
Cons
- Contains iron which may cause constipation in some people
6. Natrogix 40 Billion CFUs Probiotic Supplement
This is a specially formulated probiotic supplement that makes use of MAKTREK 3D Bypass Technology which activates the capsule with water in the stomach and probiotics from acidic environment so that it can make it alive to the digestive tract.
Each serving of this supplement contains 40 billion CFUs of active culture and it includes 4 beneficial probiotic strains.
This probiotic supplement not only supports healthy digestive system and immune system, but also promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism.
This supplement is manufactured in GMP and FDA certified labs and each product is third-party tested for purity and potency.
The manufacturer also offers 100% money back guarantee if the customer is dissatisfied with the performance of the supplement.
Pros
- Made using MAKTREK 3D Bypass Technology
- Provides 40 billion CFUs of active culture per serving
- Contains 4 different probiotic strains
- Manufactured in GMP and FDA certified lab
- Third-party tested
- Manufacture offers 100% money back guarantee
Cons
- Needs to be refrigerated to maintain potency
- Serving size is 2 capsules
7. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic Women’s Care
This is yet another probiotic supplement specifically intended for women that helps to promote vaginal health and fight off yeast infections.
This supplement also helps to support digestive health, relieve occasional digestive discomfort and boost immune system health.
This supplement provides 25 billion cultures per serving and contains 10 different strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
This is a vegetarian supplement free from gluten and dairy which makes it suitable for people with restrictive diet.
The capsules are formulated for targeted delivery which ensures that the probiotics survive the acidic environment and arrive alive in the intestine.
Pros
- Specially designed for women’s health needs
- Provides 25 billion liver cultures per serving
- Contains 10 scientifically studied probiotic strains
- Supports vaginal health and urinary health
- Easy one-daily formula
- Delayed release capsules for targeted delivery
- Quality, purity and potency guaranteed through expiration
Cons
- May cause constipation and nausea in some women
- May cause vaginal discomfort during initial use
8. Garden of Life Digestive Supplement for Women
This is an uniquely formulated digestive support formula for women that contains a full spectrum of 22 high-potency RAW enzymes along with probiotics, RAW foods vitamins and minerals.
This supplement is especially beneficial for those who find it default to digest certain foods such as dairy, grains, nuts, beans, seeds and cruciferous vegetables.
This supplement supports colon health, digestive health, immune system and bone health and also supports healthy metabolism.
Each serving of this supplement provides 50 billion CFUs of probiotic Bacillus coagulans and Saccharomyces boulardii.
This is a raw and vegetarian supplement that is absolutely gluten free and dairy free and does not contain binders or fillers.
Pros
- RAW Enzymes for Women’s digestive health benefits
- Contains 22 high-potency RAW enzymes, RAW vitamins and minerals and probiotics
- Each serving provides 50 billion CFUs of live culture
- Contains probiotic strains Bacillus coagulans and Saccharomyces boulardii
- Raw and vegetarian supplement
Cons
- May cause bloating and gas in some women
9. Earth’s Pearl Probiotic and Prebiotic Supplement
This is a highly effective natural probiotic supplement that helps to increase bacterial profile in the stomach and provides relief from gas and flatulence.
Each serving of this supplement provides 4 billion CFUs of live culture and includes 6 different Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
This supplement comes with pearl form with Time Release Patented Technology, BioTract that makes it 15 times more effective compared to regular capsules and ensues that 15 times more live bacteria is delivered to the intestine.
This is a shelf-stable supplement that can retain maximum potency for 18 months even at room temperature.
The purity and potency of this supplement has been 3rd party verified. It is a 100% natural product free from GMOs, lactose, gluten, sugar, eggs, nuts and wheat.
The manufacturer also offers 365 days money back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied with the product.
Pros
- Pearl form with Time Release Patented Technology makes it 15 times more effective than regular capsules
- Contains 6 different Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains
- 18 months shelf life
- 3rd party verified for purity and potency
- 100% natural product
- 365 days money back guarantee
- Easy to swallow pearls
Cons
- Low dose of microorganisms per serving
10. Align Daily Probiotic Supplement
This is the perfect probiotic supplement for daily long-term use that provides 1 billion CFUs of Bifidobacterium infantis per serving.
B.infantis 35624 is a patented and pure-strain of probiotic bacteria that help to maintain a healthy digestive system and digestive balance.
The capsules come in blister packaging which ensures the potency and quality of the supplement.
This is a shelf-stable probiotic supplement that can be stored at room temperature. It does not require refrigeration.
The manufacturer offers a 60 days money back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied with the product.
Pros
- Only supplement containing natural probiotic strain B. infantis 35624
- Provides 1 billion CFUs per serving
- Blister packaging to ensure potency and quality
- Shelf-stable probiotic supplement
- Manufacturer offers 60 days money back guarantee
Cons
- Contains just 1 strain
- Contains milk which might not be suitable for people with lactose intolerance
There is abundant research that supports the beneficial aspects of probiotics as a home remedy for digestive health. Probiotics not only treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, gassiness, cramping, etc. but also easy the symptoms of lactose-intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome. But when it comes to effectiveness of a probiotic supplement, different strains of microorganisms as well as different ways of preparation have varying effects. So, it is best to opt for a quality product from a reputed brand that makes use of well-researched strains and all-natural ingredients to order to ensure that you get best value for your money. Be sure to get in touch with your doctor, if you are a pregnant woman looking to use probiotic supplements.
Looking for probiotic supplements for your pets? Check out our separate post to learn more!
