• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Fermented Veggies
  • Supplements
  • Enzymes
  • Benefits
  • Probiotics Blog

Probiotics Center

easy to digest

Home » Probiotic Supplements » Best Probiotic Supplements • Essential Buyers Guide

Best Probiotic Supplements • Essential Buyers Guide

Last updated on September 18, 2018 By Ken Silvers

Finding the best probiotic supplement to cover your unique personal needs might not be easy. This post offers practical suggestions on how to determine that a probiotic supplements can be trusted. The best probiotic supplements  are great for those with a problematic gut, when travelling, or when on antibiotics. They can literally be a life-saver!

  • Probiotics more important than multivitamins

Consuming high-quality probiotics daily is like supporting the gut with an elite army. How powerful are they? More than 200 studies confirm that probiotics can prevent and treat more than 170 diseases! Probiotic bacteria are able to support the function of our cells and genes, making this something you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

There are hundreds of naturally occurring microorganisms residing in the digestive tract. This amazing bacterial colony is essential for our well-being. They support digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients. Some of the most important probiotic bacteria are included in many supplements because they play a major role in keeping the entire body healthy.

Best probiotic supplements

Finding the best probiotic supplements among hundreds of brands can be daunting. Trust me, I’ve done this for years and have tried and reviewed a number of poor quality products. So don’t be misled by clever marketing, do your homework first and you will avoid wasting your money.

  • One study revealed 30% of probiotic products contained no probiotic bacteria. Only 13% contained all bacteria stated on the label.

Some advertisers use bold claims like “best probiotics supplement,” “leading brand,” or “advanced formula.” In reality, manufacturers sometimes use cheap ingredients and weak bacteria that might even be dead by the time it reaches the customers.

The best probiotic supplements have some common features:

  • Contain bacteria in the billions per serving, some of the best brands offer 30-200 billion CFU per serving
  • Use a delivery system that helps bacteria stay alive through the harsh stomach environment
  • Free from soy, corn, gluten, GMO and other synthetic, unhealthy substances
  • Should be stable at room temperature for several years
  • Independent lab tests to prove quality and safety
  • Prepared without synthetic coating

Using such a checklist makes things simpler in a way because you can quickly exclude some supplements. However, it pays to be picky! Some people complain about probiotics not helping at all. Might it be that they have just got a poor brand? High-quality probiotic supplements are extremely beneficial.

Some great probiotic supplementsdr mercola probiotics bottle

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics is superb, as is Bio-Kult and Ultimate Flora. There are also other really good ones that I’ve reviewed on this site. And if you’ve found a probiotic supplement that works well for you, then stick to it. But if you’re still looking, then check my supplement reviews.

For example, I like Mercola Complete Probiotics. It contains 70 billion CFU in each serving. I used this supplement for a year with excellent results.

  • Each person responds slightly different to the same strains of probiotics

You have a unique microflora in your gut. It’s like a fingerprint that belongs only to you. This is a reason why each person has unique needs. However, the general recommendations here usually apply to most people.

When is the best time to take a probiotic supplement?

  • Some 10-15 minutes before food with a glass of water
  • Try emptying a probiotic capsules into your morning smoothie
  • Avoid taking probiotics 1-2 hours after taking antibiotics as it might kill probiotics

Do not settle for anything less than pure, safe supplements

Getting a daily burst of beneficial bacteria can greatly support your health. How?

Can’t you get enough bacteria by eating well? Absolutely! This is what people have done for centuries.

  • A great source of good microorganisms and enzymes is fermented food

Preparing fermented food at home is fun and economical. However, at times probiotic supplements are simple and practical. As for instance when there is little time to prepare fermented food, when travelling, and also in case of inflammation or indigestion. In any case, probiotic bacteria increase the effect of a healthy diet.

  • More bacteria strains = more health benefits

Adding a probiotic supplement can also compensates for unhealthy ingredients in a poor diet. Some bad substances are monosodium Glutamate (MSG), artificial colours, flavours, flavour enhancers, sweeteners, corn syrup, trans fats, food dyes, preservatives, pesticides, and fertilizers. A good probiotic supplement can be a great way to combat health problems at the most basic level—in the gut.

Potent bacteria strains

Probiotic bacteria come in many shapes, forms and names—you have many species in your gut. They are living microorganisms that support digestion, stimulate the immune system, and control harmful bacteria. Some bacteria are stronger and more potent than others and they are well suited to include in probiotic supplements. In any case, the best probiotic supplements deliver bacteria through the stomach to the intestines

Probiotic supplement often contain several of the following strains:

L. acidophilus DDS-1Very powerful properties. Sturdy-acid and bile resistant. Easily adapt to human body and colonizes the gut. Strong effect on digestive and immune systems. Help resolve bloating, repairs intestine.
L. acidophilusThe most commonly used probiotic bacteria. Create lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that keeps unwanted microorganisms out of the gut. Used to combat effects of antibiotics, treat constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, Crohn’s and many other inflammatory conditions. Can reduce cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that those taking L. acidophilus experienced significant relief from their gastrointestinal discomfort.
L. caseiConverts lactose into lactic acid, which is beneficial for lactose intolerant ones. Also promotes growth of other beneficial bacteria in the gut.
L. fermentum Antimicrobial, antioxidative, prevent growth of harmful bacteria, yeast and other harmful microorganisms. Stimulate the immune system.
L. gasseriHas the ability to break down oxalate, a substance that can cause many problems in the body including kidney stones. Found in different parts of the body where it produces hydrogen peroxide, a strong antioxidant that helps keep cells healthy.
L. paracaseiUsed to treat diarrhoea in infants, pollen allergies and patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
L. plantarumAlso found in fermented foods as kimchi, sauerkraut and fermented vegetables. L. plantarum creates a barrier in your colon to keep bad bacteria from penetrating the lining and entering the blood stream. It produces the very potent antioxidant hydrogen peroxide which is a powerful weapon in the body against bad bacteria and disease.
L. reuteriFound in breast milk and therefore transferred to the baby. Effectively treat rotavirus-induced diarrhoea, prevent gut infections, colic and in fighting H. pylori causing peptic ulcers and protects against harmful bacteria as E. coli, candida and possibly even some parasites. L. reuteri also seem to promote oral health.
L.rhamnosusA powerful defence against diarrhoea and bacterial food poisoning. Effectively promotes destruction of harmful bacteria. L rhanosus stimulates the body to manufacture natural antibiotic substances that effectively fights disease and increases the resistance to viral infections.
L. salivarusPromotes oral and intestinal health by suppressing harmful bacteria. Very powerful and can deal with a wider spectrum of harmful organisms in the gastrointestinal tract. It also alleviates symptoms of flatulence from IBS.
B. breveSymptoms as diarrhoea, allergies, gas, and IBS are often linked to a shortage of the B breve bacteria. Ferments sugars and thereby produces lactic acid and acetic acid, both is which has a number of health benefits. Able to break down many foods and plant fibres that are considered non-digestible.
B. bifidumAids in the synthesis of B-complex vitamins and the important vitamin K2. It is effective in the treatment of diarrhoea, also if caused by antibiotics.
B. infantisProduces vitamins as thiamine, nicotinic acid, B12, biotin, and folic acid. Involved in reducing symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, cramping and constipation. Helps combat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), improves digestion and the body’s ability to digest and assimilate nutrients.
B. lactisAssists in decreasing the amount of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. H. pylori can cause infections appearing as gastritis, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating and other symptoms. Also in the front line in the immune system.
B. longumBreaks down carbohydrates, fights free radicals and reduces the effects of seasonal allergens. Interestingly, it has the amazing ability to regulate mood and relieve anxiety by transmitting signals to the brain.
S.thermophilesFound in yogurt and other fermented milk products. S. thermophiles help lactose intolerant ones to digest diary products. This culture helps maintain normal intestinal flora. Research indicates that S. thermophiles lowers the risk of lung cancer.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Velma says

    December 15, 2016 at 16:43

    Started taking a probiotic acidophilus with Bifidus 6 billion active cells. From the first dose started a few hours later nausea with loose stool. So the next day I reduce the tab to once a day, still loose stool. This is now the second day. Today third day will skip a dose since I am haveing loose stool from the day before. I am thinking of not taking that brand and buy another brand to see what happen. Also, I gave a friend of mine one of tablet and nothing happened to his stomach. Can you shed some light on this matter?

    • Ken Silvers says

      December 16, 2016 at 18:57

      Hello Velma

      It’s very hard to say for certain what the problem might be. Each person is unique and will have a unique response to any supplement. Loose stool can have many reasons, a poor probiotic supplement or harmful bacteria or yeast in the gut. Check this post for possible side effects. If you’re worried, it might be best to stop taking the supplement. I’m sorry I cannot be of more help.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Mercola Gluten Enzymes • Help for Gluten Sensitivity
  • Probiotics Cause Acid Reflux? • 3 Possible Reasons; 5 Simple Tips
  • Mercola Ketoenzyme • Great Companion With High-Fat Diet
  • Mercola Full Spectrum Enzymes for Women • Reviewer’s Choice
  • Dr Mercola Full Spectrum Enzymes • Reviewer’s Choice

Footer

Home

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Nav

  • FAQ
  • Probiotics Blog
  • Troubleshooting

Categories

  • Benefits of Probiotics
  • Digestive Enzymes
  • Fermented Vegetables
  • Gut Friendly Foods
  • Juicing
  • Probiotic Supplements
  • Probiotics Adverse Effects

This is an ever changing personal blog. All recipes and recommendations on this website are for informational purposes only and reflect my own opinions. I do not make any guarantees or promises regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. Therefore, do not take statements on this site as a substitute for professional advice, because they are not. If you need help, please turn to a professional dealing with your specific needs.


As an amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.


Copyright © 2019 Probiotics Center

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OK