Probiotics offer a safe and effective way to enhance your wellbeing and help prevent diseases. Just as the name suggests, probiotics support the ‘biotic’ or the natural bacterial flora in your gut.
This is the primary reason why you should use probiotic supplements. Probiotics with their ability to enhance the natural gut flora can help support your digestive functions as well as other internal bodily activities.
There are many natural sources of probiotics such as probiotic foods including homemade yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha. If you don’t have access to these foods or time to prepare them, you can use probiotic supplements instead.
Probiotic supplements can provide you a measured and more consistent concentration and composition of gut flora-enhancing compounds. They also come in handy when you are travelling as they are easy to take with you.
Probiotic supplements are formulated keeping in mind the purpose of promoting digestion and reducing the risk of acute and chronic diseases. They are designed to include a perfect combination of one or more strains of bacteria that can help you derive the expected results in a shorter duration.
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The 11 best probiotic supplement pills
If you are planning to use probiotics to improve your gut flora and relieve digestive troubles, read on to find some of the best supplements you can try to achieve the desired effects. We will also have a look at the pros and cons of these supplements so that you can make the right choice based on your specific preferences.
1. Probiotic 40-Billion
What I like the most about Probiotic 40-Billion is the thoughtful combination of gut flora enhancing ingredients it contains. It is enriched with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, and Lactobacillus Plantarum all of which have been proven to support the growth of normal gut flora.
L. acidophilus in this best probiotic that could promote digestive functions while offering additional benefits like supporting the production of vitamins and lactic acid that resists bad bacteria.
Bifidobacterium Lactis, on the other hand, can support the immune system functions and may help with allergies.
Lactobacillus Plantarum in this supplement is added to help users derive the benefits of its antioxidant potential. It can protect the body’s cells and tissues against free radicals and restore the health of the gut and other vital organs.
Similarly, Lactobacillus Paracasei promotes the digestive flora and could potentially inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in your gut.
The combined action of these ingredients in Probiotic 40-Billion is expected to provide significant relief from indigestion, allergies, and other issues.
Pros
- Contains rich probiotic elements
- Effective for relieving allergic disorders
- Reduces constipation and bloating
- Promotes body’s nutrition
Cons
- May cause mild nausea and loose motions.
2. Complete Probiotics Platinum by 1MD
Complete Probiotics Platinum is formulated to provide a balanced probiotic formula for people who suffer from recurrent digestive disturbances. It claims to restore the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in your digestive tract the results of which could be evident in the forms of reduced indigestion, improved overall health, and higher energy levels.
Complete Probiotics Platinum can be considered one of the best probiotic supplements considering it is made to resist the destruction caused due to stomach acid. This property of Complete Probiotics Platinum should ensure safe delivery of the probiotic elements to the intestinal tract thus allowing you to derive better results in the shorter period.
This supplement is recommended for the management of chronic digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, heartburn, and indigestion. It may also help to reduce fatigue and sluggishness.
Manufacturers of Complete Probiotics Platinum claim that users will be able to notice an improvement in their gut health within hours of taking the doses. And with regular use over a few weeks, they would notice a gradual relief from the digestive conditions with an improvement in their immune system functions.
Pros
- Improves nutrient absorption
- Enhances energy levels
- Reduces bloating, and indigestion
- Free of unhealthy fillers
- Perfect for lactose intolerant people and vegans
- Supports weight management and appetite control
- Supports detoxification
Cons
- May cause mild nausea initially.
3. Probiotics 60 Billion CFU by Physician's Choice
Probiotics 60 Billion CFU could be one of the best probiotic supplements for people who suffer from severe digestive troubles. With a CFU of 60 billion, it is formulated to help you derive quick relief from stomach upsets and other digestive disturbances.
CFU stands for colony-forming units. It indicates the number of active and live microorganisms found in each serving of this probiotic.
This makes it clear why Probiotics 60 Billion CFU is considered an effective supplement you can try to manage your digestible issues.
The higher effectiveness of this probiotic supplement could be attributed to the rich natural sources of bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus Salivarius, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus Plantarum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum present in it.
Pros
- Supports digestive health
- Boosts immunity
- Boosts the absorption of nutrients
- Reduces bloating
- Supports weight management
- Maintains healthy cholesterol
- Improves mood
- Reduces fatigue
Cons
- May not be suitable for patients who suffer from severe acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder)
- Recommended for adults; it is not clear whether it can be safely used by children suffering from digestive problems.
4. Garden of Life - Raw Probiotics for Women
Here’s another natural probiotic enriched with 85 billion CFU probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium for improving your digestive health. The controlled production and packaging of this product ensures it is delivered to you with live probiotics, a rare feature of a probiotic supplement that’s likely to offer better results.
It can promote bowel regularity and digestive functions, reduce constipation, and enhance nutrient absorption in a shorter duration.
What I particularly like about this probiotic supplement is that it’s designed specifically for women. It promotes vaginal health thereby reducing symptoms such as itching, abnormal discharge, and dryness.
Pros
- Supports digestive health and reduces constipation
- Enhances immunity
- Promotes nutrient absorption
- Formulated for women
- Promotes vaginal health
- Gluten-free, and soy-free
- Contains no binders, fillers, or allergens
Cons
- May worsen abdominal cramps slightly for the first few days.
5. Probiotic 40 Billion CFU by BioSchwartz
BioSchwartz has created a name for itself in the field of safe and effective natural health supplements. Probiotic 40 Billion CFU by BioSchwartz is formulated to promote digestive health with its rich content of gut flora-promoting elements.
It is designed to prevent the destruction of the strains by stomach acid so that they can reach the gut safely to support the healthy functioning of the intestine. The advanced strength formula of this probiotic supplement helps ensure it can reach even your large intestine. This provides better results especially for improving the symptoms linked to the large intestine such as constipation.
This supplement contains a patented combination of powerful probiotic strains and CFU including Bifidobacterium Lactis and Lactobacillus Acidophilus Plantarum Paracasei among others.
It can replenish the beneficial bacteria in the intestine and promote digestive and immune health. It would also support vitamin production and thus, enhance your energy levels and nutritional status.
Pros
- Supports digestive health
- Restores natural balance of gut flora
- Promotes immune system functions
- Regulates bowel movements
- Boosts nutrient absorption
- Controls cholesterol levels
Cons
- Contains a filler called Maltodextrin that may counteract some of the benefits of improved gut health.
6. NewRhythm Probiotics 50 Billion CFU
NewRhythm Probiotics 50 Billion CFU offers a targeted release of 20 strains that support normal gut flora. It features an advanced Targeted Release Technology that can allow the probiotics to survive through the stomach acids and reach the intestine.
It is one of the best probiotic supplements that can help you derive faster results to overcome ingestion, heartburn, constipation, and bloating. It may also enhance the health and integrity of the intestinal mucosa thereby reducing damage and ulceration.
NewRhythm Probiotics 50 Billion CFU is recommended for patients who suffer from ulcerative colitis. It may help to relieve the symptoms when used in combination with a nutritious and balanced diet.
Pros
- Reduces constipation
- Contains powerful strains of probiotics
- Resists stomach acid
- Restores normal intestinal mucosa
Cons
- May cause mild stomach pain and nausea.
7. Purely Optimal Premium Probiotics 60 Billion CFU
If you are particularly interested in allowing your intestine to work itself toward improving gut flora, you can try using Premium Probiotics 60 Billion CFU by Purely Optimal.
It offers a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that can together help enhance the natural ability of your intestine to produce a healthy microbial flora.
It is a maximum strength probiotics-prebiotics supplement formulated by doctors. It contains 60 Billion CFU of 10 scientifically proven strains that can provide strong support to your intestinal flora and immune system.
The organic prebiotic complex included in this formula would act as “food” for the healthy bacteria and probiotics in your intestine system. This can reduce the symptoms of leaky gut, gas, and constipation. It is also designed to promote weight loss and enhance the production of digestive enzymes.
Pros
- 60 Billion CFU of 10 scientifically proven strains
- Promotes immune system functions
- Beneficial for reducing leaky gut symptoms
- Enhances production of digestive enzymes
Cons
- May not be suitable for people with severe gastritis.
8. VitalWise Probiotics 50 Billion CFU
Each serving of VitalWise Probiotics provides 50 Billion CFU containing live cultures of 12 probiotic strains that can be effectively delivered directly into your intestinal tract. This formula is designed to replenish the good bacteria in the gut to support a healthy enzymatic balance and consequently fix digestive troubles like bloating, gas, acid reflux, and constipation.
This probiotic supplement also contains prebiotics that provide extra support for a healthier digestive system by naturally stimulating good bacteria to flourish in your gut.
Pros
- A perfect combination of probiotics and prebiotics
- Flourishes natural gut flora
- Balances enzymatic production
- Replenishes good bacteria
Cons
- The results may be slower compared to most other probiotic supplements.
9. Dr. Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic - Plus Ultimate Prebiotic
It is one of the most powerful probiotic plus prebiotic formula that offers a dual benefit of 4.4 Billion CFU probiotics with healthy prebiotics for the ultimate healthy gut flora.
The advanced formulation of Dr. Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic – Plus Ultimate Prebiotic is enriched with spore-forming strains that can withstand stomach acid so that they can be released into the intestine for faster action and better absorption.
Pros
- Probiotics with built-in prebiotics
- Enhances gut flora and immune system
- Reduces constipation and bloating effectively
- Contains probiotic strains that do not require refrigeration
Cons
- Contains maltodextrin that may suppress the growth of healthy bacteria.
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Ultra Strength Probiotic 10 by Nature’s Bounty offers a rich formula for optimal digestive balance and enhanced immunity. It contains 10 probiotic strains that can help relieve constipation, bloating, stomach upsets, and other digestive complaints.
Pros
- Supports digestion
- Relieves constipation
- Maintains digestive balance
- Promotes immune system functions
Cons
- Lack of clarity about ingredients and safety.
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Probiotics 50 Billion CFUs by Zebora is designed to provide 50 Billion CFU with 13 strains of probiotics. It is a probiotic plus prebiotic formula that can provide nutrients to the bacterial strains to promote the growth of probiotics in your gut. This can offer faster and better results for replenishing the beneficial bacteria in the intestine and restore normal gut functions.
Pros
- Enhances digestive balance
- Provides immune support
- Replenishes healthy bacteria
- Balances healthy weight
- Does not contain preservatives
- Gluten-free, and dairy-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Contains additives such as Isomalt, Sorbitolum, and Xylose.
Benefits
Probiotics are known to provide numerous benefits, thanks to their ability to modify the bacterial flora in the intestine. The change in the gut flora can not just have a favorable impact on the digestive functions of the intestine, but also the patient’s immunity, nutritional status, appetite and so on. Read on to find more about the scientifically proven benefits of probiotics.
Enhances digestive functions
Probiotics include healthy or “good” bacteria that are live microorganisms supporting the natural functions of the intestine.
An imbalance of gut flora results in too many bad bacteria and an inadequate level of good bacteria. As a result, the functions of the intestine such as breakdown, absorption, and assimilation of food are affected. Probiotic supplements can reverse this unfavorable condition by destroying the unhealthy bacteria and promoting the growth of good bacteria;
This can restore the healthy functions of the intestine and provide relief from digestive disturbances such as constipation, and blasting.
Prevents diarrhea
Probiotics are known for their natural ability to reduce diarrhea, especially when it has occurred as a side effect of taking antibiotics. It occurs when antibiotics affect the balance of bacterial flora in the gut.
Several studies have suggested that probiotics are associated with a reduced risk of side effects of antibiotics.
It may also help to reduce abdominal cramps and reduced energy levels associated with loose motions.
Supports heart health
Probiotics can help keep your heart healthy by controlling the levels of LDL cholesterol and increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol. They can also help maintain normal blood pressure by creating a favorable balance of certain hormones in the body.
The cholesterol-lowering action of probiotics could be attributed to its ability to prevent the breakdown and absorption of fats in the gut.
Probiotics can support the elimination of fats and absorption of the same into the blood thereby keeping cholesterol levels within normal limits.
Patients suffering from hypertension may find that probiotic supplements help control their blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.
Supports mental health
An increasing number of research studies have linked gut health to the mental health of a person. Regular use of probiotic supplements may reduce mood swings, depression, anxiety, and mental stress.
Probiotics have also been found to be beneficial in the management of mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic attacks. It may also boost memory, concentration, and attention span of a person. It is also linked to an improvement in the symptoms of learning disorders such as autism, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Boosts immunity
Your immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body against infections, allergies, and disease development in general. The body’s immune system also works effectively to destroy cancer-causing agents to prevent abnormal cancerous changes in healthy tissues. This function of the immune system could be improved by using probiotic supplements.
Research studies have shown that some probiotics have the potential to promote the production of antibodies in the body. This can result in enhanced production of immune cells such as T lymphocytes, IgA-producing cells, and natural killer cells that help in the prevention of infections.
Reduces allergies
Some probiotic strains may decrease the severity of the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, skin rashes, itching, and breathless.
It is also found to be beneficial for reducing the symptoms of eczema such as excessive dryness the skin, itching, flaking, and oozing of abnormal discharge.
Promotes weight loss
Regular use of probiotics in combination with a healthy diet and exercise can help you lose weight much faster.
Probiotics promote healthy weight loss through a number of mechanisms. Some probiotics help to prevent the absorption of fats in the intestine so that they are excreted through feces instead of getting stored in the body.
Probiotics also help you feel full for longer, thereby reducing hunger pangs and appetite. They can promote the burning of calories which allows you to lose weight more easily.
Side effects
Probiotics are usually safe and not known to cause any serious side effects. However, patients who are already suffering from digestive troubles such as constipation, recurrent loose motions, stomach upsets, and so on may experience a mild worsening of the symptoms initially when they start using probiotics.
This may occur because the intestine takes time to adjust to the change in the gut flora. The common side effects of probiotics include bloating, constipation, and increased thirst. However, these symptoms last for a short period and resolve within a few days.
If patients experience any side effects due to probiotics, they can lower the dose of the supplement or take it once a day instead of twice or thrice. The dose can be increased gradually as the body adapts to the bacterial flora created by it.
Before taking probiotics or any supplements, it is important to consult with your doctor first to ensure that it fits with your specific health plan and circumstances.
Types of probiotic supplements
While most probiotics supplements offer similar benefits including improved digestion and immune functions, there are a few differences among them. Some probiotics are specifically formulated to relieve specific symptoms affecting the intestine such as constipation and loose motions.
Some probiotics are focused on weight loss while some are designed to relieve the symptoms of allergies. Read on to find the different types of probiotic supplements so that you can choose the best one to relieve the symptoms you are suffering from.
Probiotics for weight loss
Research studies have found that some bacterial strains can promote faster weight loss by decreasing the absorption of fat and calories from the gut.
Probiotics that are more effective for weight loss include Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and a combination of Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
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Probiotics for IBS
IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by recurring symptoms of digestive problems such as loose motions, constipation, bloating, heaviness in the abdomen, cramps, and so on.
Since the symptoms of IBS are diverse, it is important for patients to use specific probiotics aimed at relieving the symptoms they are experiencing.
For instance, constipation-predominant IBS can be relieved by using probiotics containing S. cerevisiae while diarrhea-predominant IBS responds well to the probiotics containing a combination of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus strains.
Probiotics for diarrhea
Research studies have suggested that some probiotics seem to be more effective at reducing diarrhea. These include S. boulardii, B. coagulans, and the strains of Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus strains.
Probiotics for constipation
Patients who suffer from severe chronic constipation can use probiotics specially formulated to relieve constipation.
The probiotics that contain B. longum, L. acidophilus, S. cerevisiae, L. reuteri, and L. rhamnosus may improve constipation. These probiotics can also reduce belching, abdominal heaviness, and bloating after meals.
FAQ
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are substances that can help improve the natural microbiota of the intestine, also called the gut flora. The reason they are called probiotic is, unlike antibiotics that kill the bacteria, probiotics help to promote the growth of bacteria. However, in spite of supporting the growth of bacteria, probiotics are considered healthy for your body for its immense and unique ability to enhance the growth of only those organisms that are good for your gut flora.
Out intestine contains bacteria that are acquired at birth and later, through a process called colonization.
Most of these bacteria are beneficial or “friendly” as they help in converting dietary fibers into fatty acids, synthesize vitamins, and support the immune system.
Taking probiotics in the forms of supplements or dietary sources may help boost the healthy colonization of these bacteria thereby promotion the functions of the gut flora.
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a form of dietary fibers that act as a growth stimulator or a fertilizer for the healthy or good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi.
Patients who suffer from severe digestive issues can use a supplement containing probiotics and prebiotics to derive better results. While probiotics alone are often adequate to help support digestive functions, it is the combination of probiotics and prebiotics that can accelerate the growth of healthy gut flora more efficiently.
When is the best time to take probiotic pills?
If you are taking a probiotic supplement containing a live strain of bacteria, it is advisable to consume the pills 20 minutes after the meals. You can take it once or twice a day after breakfast or dinner.
How long does it take for probiotics to work?
Most probiotics supplements start showing noticeable results within the first few days. Initially, you may find an improvement in symptoms such as bloating and indigestion. The frequency and intensity of discomfort in the stomach after heavy meals, heartburn, or stomach upsets can also be relieved in the first few days.
When used regularly over a few weeks to months, probiotics help promote the overall functions of the digestive system. Gradually, you will be able to derive other benefits such as improved bowel movements, relief from constipation, weight loss, and reduced frequency of infections and allergies.
Can you eat probiotic foods instead?
Yes, if you suffer from mild digestive symptoms occasionally, it may help to include probiotic foods such as yogurt in your diet. However, since probiotic supplements contain a measured concentration of the strains of healthy bacteria, using supplements is recommended when the symptoms are more intense and occur frequently. Supplements are also preferred as they can help derive the expected results in a shorter duration.
Can probiotics help with weight loss?
Yes, research studies have indicated the medicinal potential of probiotics in promoting weight loss in a safe and healthy manner. Probiotics can burn belly fat by promoting intestinal functions and stimulating the rate of utilization of fats as a source of energy.
It can also help to increase the digestion and absorption of food thus supporting stable blood sugar levels. This can reduce the craving for sugars thereby controlling the total calorie intake of a person.
Probiotics may also prevent the absorption of fats from the food into the intestine. As a result, the fats are lost from the body without getting accumulated in the form of cholesterol or fatty deposits in the abdomen, thighs, and other regions. The fat loss, created by probiotics, can help a person to lose weight effectively.
Conclusion
Probiotics can improve the digestive functions, boost immunity, reduce allergies, and much more. Regular use of probiotic supplements may help people who suffer from frequent digestive and immunological problems.
Probiotic 40-Billion is one of the best probiotic supplements that can provide powerful strains of healthy bacteria. You can try this supplement to derive faster relief from digestive disturbances.
If you are looking for a probiotic supplement containing prebiotics, you can try Dr. Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic - Plus Ultimate Prebiotic. This probiotic plus prebiotic formula would offer you the dual benefit for the ultimate healthy gut flora.
VitalWise Probiotics 50 Billion CFU, on the other hand, is suited for patients who suffer from digestive problems linked to an imbalanced production of enzymes while Complete Probiotics Platinum by 1MD can be used for appetite control and weight management.
You can choose the best probiotic supplement depending on the symptoms you are experiencing and the results you want.
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