Best Probiotic Supplements: Ratings and Reviews of Effectiveness

Probiotic bacteria are the good guys in our gastrointestinal tracts.

On average, a human adult has nearly four pounds of these beneficial bacteria and fungi within their system, at any given point in time.

These microorganisms colonize primarily in our digestive tract, mouth and vagina where they are constantly in competition with pathogenic bacterial agents, each vying for space, dominance and nourishment.

Using probiotic supplements can help to keep the right mix of good bacteria in your intestines which offers a number of positive health-boosting effects.

There are many types of probiotic microorganisms, and knowing which the right one for a given symptom can be confusing.

Probiotic supplements are not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, therefore claims made by a manufacturer aren’t subjected to the same level of scrutiny and proofs. This makes it even more important to know which species of bacteria are right for the symptoms or digestive problems an individual may be experiencing.

Taking a probiotic tablet is a choice many health conscious people make every day, but how can you tell which are the best probiotic supplements?

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Why Use Probiotic Supplements?

In general, probiotics work by inhibiting the abilities of harmful bacteria and by creating an environment in which the harmful microorganisms are unable to thrive and colonize. These friendly bacteria also break down and ferment sugars from the foods we ingest.

This fermentation process not only contributes greatly to digestion, but also converts the sugars into necessary chemical compounds like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

There are two main genera of probiotic bacteria: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. In the way there are many breeds of dogs, each of these bacterial genuses have a wide variety of species, many of which are considered to be beneficial to human health. These are the probiotic species.

For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri are all probiotic species in the Lactobacillus genus.

Likewise, Bifidobacterium, also referred to as Bifidus, has many probiotic species such as Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum.

Each species is further broken down into specific strains and, for individuals who are selecting probiotics due to health concerns or symptoms, understanding the differences between strains can be very important.

How to Select the Best Probiotic Supplements

Because a majority of probiotics tend to work symbiotically with other probiotics, it is a good idea to mix several different species together in a daily regimen.

This is often the best method for long-term dosing.

Many manufacturers have tried to meet this need by creating special blends which incorporate multiple probiotic strains designed to be symptom-specific, or to work in conjunction with prescribed medications.

When selecting a probiotic think in terms of dose, viability and symptom-specificity. In other words, to choose the best probiotic supplements, select one which:

• Provides an adequate dose of the right bacteria (or bacterial blend)
• Contains viable, living colony forming units (CFU) of the bacteria at the time of ingestion
• Has been proven to help with the symptoms or conditions being experienced

Other Considerations

The gut contains 30-40 different kinds of strains of probiotic bacteria, so for general digestive health, the more strains, the merrier.

Choose to buy a reputable brand which consistently receives good reports by consumers as to the efficacy of the bacteria contained within the supplement.

A general rule of thumb is to look for shelf-stable blends containing both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium with a combined CFU of around 10-20 billion live cells at the time of consumption (not the time of manufacture).

For inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract, Bifidobacterium Infantis has been reported to have a beneficial effect on intestinal wall permeability and inflammatory processes.

B. infantis is often combined with multiple other species of probiotics in supplements to address imbalances which may be collectively contributing to the inflammatory process.

Another thing to consider when deciding on the best probiotic product for sale is whether the capsule, pill or tablet has a protective coating or other means to help the bacteria survive until it reaches its intended destination.

This is particularly important if a probiotic is intended for the colon, because it has to pass through the extremely harsh and acidic environment of the early digestive tract before eventually finding its mark.

Important Safety Information

Although probiotics are considered generally safe for almost everyone, individuals with chronic diseases or with weakened immune systems should not take these supplements unless directed to do so by a doctor.

All probiotics are not equal, and some are found in plentiful amounts within a healthy person’s digestive tract, while others may be in short supply and causing the problematic symptoms.

Using the appropriate probiotic microorganisms which are known to help with the symptoms being experienced is important.

What is the Best Probiotic Supplement?

The “Best Probiotic” for one person may not be the best probiotic for the next person. Take individual symptoms into account when choosing a daily natural probiotic supplement.

Whether supplementing for an acute problem, like antibiotic related diarrhea, or supplementing for a chronic issue like IBS, the best probiotic is always going to be the one which has clinical studies to support its efficacy. Information about each species and strain is readily available online, but many small manufacturers have taken the time to create formulas specifically designed to address clusters of symptoms affecting many people.

When considering which is right for you, these carefully researched and blended formulas are often the best probiotic supplements available.

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