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When it comes to choosing a great probiotic – quality is key. You do not want to be putting any poor quality probiotics into your body – that’s for sure. But a great quality probiotic can be life-changing, so it’s definitely worth spending the extra time to find the best products out there.
We’ve made this search much easier, and done the research. After trying many different products, looking at scientific research, and aggregating tens of thousands of online reviews – we can confidently recommended the best probiotics on the market. As with all health and diet choices, make sure you speak with your doctor before starting with any new supplement.
Our Top Pick
Physician’s Choice Probiotic
This probiotic is incredible, and contains over 60 billion CFUs. It also has over 2,700 positive online reviews, and is affordable. Our top pick, and highly recommended for any gut-related or inflammation-related issues.
Other Great Picks
NewRhythm Probiotic
This affordable probiotic from NewRhythm is a game-changer. With over 1,700 stellar online reviews, and 50 billion active cultures – it’s highly recommended.
Nutrition Essentials Probiotic
This great probiotic from Nutrition Essentials has over 10,000 (!) positive online reviews, and a great price tag. The reviews are glowing with success stories, and we noticed a difference after supplementing with it for just a few days. Definitely recommended.
Dr. Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic
With over 5,800 glowing online reviews, this affordable probiotic from Dr. Tobias has over 4 billion active cultures, as well as prebiotics. We did not notice as swift a difference compared to other products we tested, but could definitely tell it was working. Recommended.
BioSchwartz Probiotic
This great probiotic from BioSchwartz measures up – big time. With 40 billion CFU, non-GMO ingredients, and no refrigeration required – we can’t rave about it enough. The 5,000+ positive online reviews certainly agree. Recommended.
Zenwise Health Digestive Enzymes Plus Prebiotics & Probiotics
This probiotic from Zenwise was one of our staff’s favorites – as it has digestive enzymes, as well as prebiotics. Essentially – everything you need for your gut, in one supplement. It also has a great price point, and over 6,000+ positive reviews.
Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Probiotic
With a whopping 7,800+ glowing online reviews, this probiotic is certainly well-regarded. We weren’t able to personally test this one, but the 5 billion CFU and glowing reviews, make us feel safe in recommending it.
Culturelle Kids Chewables Daily Probiotic
More and more, adults are making sure their kids have great health. And there are hardly any better ways to ensure great health, than with a probiotic. With over 600 glowing reviews, this chewable probiotic is perfect for kids of all ages. Definitely recommended.
Renew Life Adult Probiotic
With 50 billion live cultures, and over 1,900 stellar reviews, this probiotic from Renew Life is perfect for anyone. We definitely noticed a positive difference within just a few days, and many suffering from IBS mention just how life-changing this product can be.
RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Supplement
With over 2,109 positive online reviews, this product from RepHresh is a great probiotic. However, it should be noted that it’s not necessarily for everyone – if you’re a male, or do not suffer from yeast and bacteria in sensitive areas – this is not the probiotic for you. Otherwise, it’s highly recommended, and as many of the reviews state – it can be ‘life-changing’.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are an interesting, incredible tool for achieving optimal health, especially for your gut. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are often referred to as the “good bacteria”. They are live microorganisms that improve or restore gut flora. Gut flora is another name for the human gastrointestinal microbiota.
Probiotics are most commonly taken as a pill and supplement, but they are also found naturally in certain foods. There is a lengthy list of benefits to taking probiotics, and only a very few risks for certain individuals. Over the last decade, they have really become a go-to for naturally, safely, and affordably improving your health.
Are Probiotics Good For Me?
Probiotics are very good for the body, especially your stomach and digestive system. Because we tend to eat a variety of foods, both natural and processed, it’s very easy for your stomach to lose balance. This balance is measured in the level of healthy bacteria.
If you are someone that does not have an acute illness or is generally healthy, probiotics can really make an impact on how good you feel and how well your stomach and body function. Because of their renowned health benefits, probiotics have become very easy to take, easy to find supplements or pills.
How Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics help you reach a neutral, balanced state and help fight off the bad bacteria to reach this level. This is the scientific approach to how they work, although since everyone’s body is different, they all impact individuals in different ways. Your body is a community of organisms and microbes– probiotics work in order to maintain this system and maintain a healthy community of microorganisms.
Probiotics are natural and uncomplicated, even though it may not seem that way. Simply put, they help produce substances in the body that keep your internal system regulated. This is beneficial because they positively influence the immune response in your body. Thus, keeping you healthy and feeling great.
What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics?
It is suggested to take probiotics on a daily basis because of the mass amounts of benefits. However, everyone is impacted differently. The most common benefit is improving overall digestive health. Because probiotics assist in the health of gut flora, your body will be able to produce vitamins, such as vitamin K and B, more effectively. This also helps strengthen your gut wall to support your immune system.
There is much evidence to support that probiotics help cure antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, constipation, and other digestive disorders. Probiotics have also been known to help with inflammation, depression, anxiety, reduce blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and even help improve your skin.
How Do I Take Probiotics?
Probiotics are very easy to take as most of them come in pill or pearl form, especially those on this list. It is suggested that you take probiotics in the morning, 15-30 minutes before eating food. Take with ample water.
Some probiotic supplements may be a bit larger in pill form, so if you have problems swallowing pills, opt for the smaller “pearl” version. While some do require refrigeration, many do not and have a very stable shelf life and do not need to be kept chilled.
Will Probiotics Help Me Lose Weight?
If you are looking to lose weight, probiotics can certainly help. Of course, a balanced diet and active lifestyle are most important when it comes to losing weight. Gut bacteria is important to determining a healthy weight.
Evidence shows that probiotics can help you lose weight, especially the Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis variety of probiotics. Probiotics help you “harvest” fewer calories when you eat, thus helping you shed some stomach fat.
Are There Different Types Of Probiotics?
There are many types of probiotics, with each type positively affecting different aspects of your health. Some types include lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and some yeasts such as saccharomyces boulardii. Supplements contain a combination of different strains, so you know you are ingesting various types for various purposes. Treating certain conditions can be based on the type of probiotics you are taking, such as treating irritable bowel syndrome.
For instance, lactobacilli help maintain the strength of your intestinal wall while bifidobacteria helps with digestion. Supplements, such as the best probiotics listed, allow you to take a sufficient amount of probiotics at once. Probiotics are measured in “colony-forming units” and should be taken at high doses.
Are Probiotics Natural?
Yes, probiotics are natural. The probiotics found in supplements are naturally derived. There are also many healthy foods that naturally contain probiotics.
Foods that contain probiotics include yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, some soft cheeses, kefir, sourdough bread, acidophilus milk, sour pickles, tempeh, and most fermented foods. Probiotics are naturally presented in the digestive tract as microorganisms in their original state. Supplements allow you to increase the number of probiotics in your system.
What Is The Difference Between Probiotics And Prebiotics?
Probiotics and prebiotics are different supplements, although the words sound similar. Prebiotic refers to the non-digestible fiber found in parts of certain foods such as bananas, garlic, and chicory root. Prebiotics serve as food for probiotics, so they both support healthy digestion in their own ways.
Probiotics are still being researched, but since they work in correlation with probiotics, they are said to possibly improve calcium absorption, positively affecting the way in which the body processes carbs, and also supports the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Since prebiotics are found naturally in foods, you do not need to take a prebiotic supplement.
Are There Risks Of Taking Probiotics?
Like any supplement, vitamin, or medicine, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking or changing your diet. Probiotics pose very few risks, however, there is some caution to keep in mind. A few side effects may be headaches, and some strains can increase histamine levels or trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals.
If you have an immune system problem, serious health conditions or have recently gotten surgery, you should check with your doctor or gastroenterologist before taking probiotic supplements. If you are planning on giving probiotics to your child, you should also check with your pediatrician and consider brands that offer supplements specifically designed for young ages.
Who Should Not Take Probiotics?
Although probiotics are generally safe for most individuals, some people should be cautious about taking the supplement. For instance, those who may be allergic or intolerant to gluten, soy, eggs, dairy, or lactose, need to be careful about the type of probiotic supplement they choose. Individuals with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems may be at risk for experiencing bacterial or fungal infections.
Individuals who have pancreatitis, melaena, have a central venous catheter, who have open wounds following surgery or are an infant, should not take probiotics before consulting their doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor prior to taking probiotic supplements. Anyone who experiences any type of allergic reaction while taking probiotic supplements should stop taking them immediately.
Can I Become Addicted To Probiotics?
Fortunately, you cannot become addicted to probiotics or live cultures and it is safe to take them on a long term basis. While your body can become adjusted to certain vitamins or supplements and may stop producing them naturally, this is not the case with probiotics.
We form our own gut bacteria at a young age and do not continue to form it, so your body will not “cease” to produce bacteria. Probiotics will only help further gut health.
How Often Should I Take Probiotics?
Technically, there is no right answer to have often you should take probiotics. If you are considered a generally healthy individual, maintaining your probiotic level daily can be very positive.
The number of probiotics and dosage depends on the kind of supplement you decide to take. Many over the counter probiotic supplements contain a range of 1-10 billion CFU, while some products are a bit lower and may require a higher dosage to reach the average CFU.
Are Probiotics Expensive?
Considering the number of positive health benefits from probiotics, they are quite affordable. Many probiotic supplements or pills range from $15 to $25 while some stronger strains and brands with higher CFU may cost between $50 and $70.
Probiotic supplements are often aimed at adults and developed individuals, but many types actually make a variety for children. Probiotics can be easily found online, in pharmacies, or in health food stores.
The Best Probiotics
There you have it – our top picks for the best probiotics. There are lots of options out there in the health and supplement markets, so be sure and check out our other health and wellness reviews.