Best Probiotics Supplement to Use – Review

What is the best probiotic supplement to use? This will depend on individual circumstances and health goals. There are dozens of different species of probiotic bacteria used in supplement today, and not all of them will have the same effects.

Lactobacillus, Bacillus Coagulans, Bifidobacteria and Saccharomyces boulardii are four types of probiotics commonly used today. These bacteria perform different functions in the gastrointestinal tract, working to support the immune system and digestive processes.

Depending on your needs, different strains may perform better. Some strains are used primarily for digestive regularity and to treat constipation and diarrhea. Other strains may be used to boost the immune system and to prevent or reduce the severity of respiratory infections. Other strains may also be taken to lower cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity or to promote weight loss.

In most cases, the best probiotic supplement will include several different strains of probiotic bacteria, combined in the appropriate dosage. However, for the treatment of specific acute health problems, certain strains may be recommended to you by your doctor.

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* ❯

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Overview of Probiotics

Why do we need to use probiotic supplements? These beneficial bacteria are often taken to restore balance to the microbiome of the gut after an acute infection, following the use of antibiotics or to treat chronic health conditions.

Probiotics are also taken on a preventative basis to promote digestive health and boost the immune system. These supplements work by introducing beneficial colonies of good bacteria into the gut, thereby restricting the growth of harmful bacteria.

Probiotics also help to break down foods, synthesize important nutrients that our bodies need, maintain the integrity of the gut wall and prevent toxins and inflammation from spreading throughout the body.

Most of the probiotic bacteria used in supplements today exist naturally in the human gut. When we are born, we receive probiotics from our mothers both through vaginal birth and through breast milk.

Probiotics are also found in foods such as buttermilk, yogurt, kefir, and some cheeses. Soy drinks, miso (fermented soybeans) as well as Kimchi (fermented Korean side dish) and sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) are also foods with natural probiotics.

However, most people do not consume enough of these food sources in their diet. This is especially true for individuals who are lactose intolerant.

Supplements provide a higher dosage of probiotics compared to foods and can allow for more precision in selecting the best strains to take. Probiotics products may use a single strain of or a combination of strains.

Probiotic supplements may also include soluble fiber prebiotics such as Inulin and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as well as digestive enzymes that help break down dairy and meat products easier.

Best Probiotics Supplements

The main differentiating feature between different probiotic supplements is the ingredients list. Probiotics from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families are the most popular.

These types of probiotic bacteria exist naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract and have been well-researched for their safety and health benefits. When choosing the best probiotic supplement to take, make sure that it contains at least one or two strains from each of these families.

For the best results, most experts recommend picking a supplement that combines several different strains together. Some products contain a blend of 5 to 15 strains, and one popular supplement contains 34 different species of probiotic bacteria.

According to a clinical study published in Gut Pathogens in February 2015, combinations of probiotic cultures are more effective than the use of single cultures for treatment and prevention of heterogeneous diseases.

A clinical study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology in June 2006 showed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can be used as an adjunct treatment in the cure of different gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections.

Best Lactobacillus Supplements

Lactobacillus strains of probiotics are used for treating diarrhea caused by the Rotavirus and anti-biotic use.

The proprietary Culturelle strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, is one of the best-researched probiotics on the market today. This strain is given orally to reduce the symptoms of atopic eczema in infants and to reduce infant colic.

Lactobacillus stains of probiotics are also used to promote vaginal health and treat BV (Bacterial Vaginosis). These microorganisms populate the urogenital tract, helping to produce lactic acid and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

For vaginal Candidiasis a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus plus Bifidobacterium longum (Lactobac) given orally was an effective treatment.

For respiratory tract infections ,clinical research shows that daycare center children get fewer and less severe respiratory infections when given milk that contains a specific strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Best Bifidobacteria Supplements

Orally. Bifidobacteria probiitic supplements are used for preventing acute diarrhea in infants and children and to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (digestive tissue death) in neonates.

It is also used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, to improve immune function, and replenishing intestinal normal flora depleted by diarrhea, radiation, chemotherapy and antibiotics use.

Consuming 1 billion Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 cells daily in a malted milk drink for 8 weeks seems to significantly reduce symptoms of IBS within a week of treatment. Its use relieved symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movement difficulty.

Best Bacillus Coagulans Supplements

Bacillus coagulans is a strain of probiotic that does not naturally exist in the human gastrointestinal tract. However, research shows that this microorganism has several health benefits when used as a probiotic.

This Bacillus species is also more viable as a probiotic supplement compared to other top strains. It can be stored indefinitely in desiccated form and is also resistant to high temperatures and to stomach and pancreatic acid.

Because of this, the Bacillus coagulans strain is commonly used in probiotic gummies, teas, liquid drinks and other non-traditional probiotic supplements.

Orally, Bacillus coagulans is used for diarrhea. It is also used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Helicobacter pylori infection and to prevent respiratory infections.

This strain of bacteria produces lactic acid to combat the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut. It also produces coagulin, which is a protease-sensitive antibacterial compound.

Best Saccharomyces Boulardii Supplement

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast strain that has been used for treatment and prevention of diarrhea resulting from multiple causes

Also known as Brewer’s Yeast, this probiotic may have benefits for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease.

A clinical study in the Journal of Gastroenterology published in November 2011showed Lactobacillus GG and S. boulardii was effective in the treatment of acute watery diarrhea.

Probiotics Safety Review

Probiotics are considered safe when used by healthy adults, with very low risk of side effects. The most common side effect is flatulence; however; it is usually mild and subsides as use continues.

Before using a probiotic supplement, check with your doctor to find out if these products are appropriate for you. There are some individuals for whom probiotics use is contraindicated.

Probiotics should not be taken by people who have suppressed immune systems, due to a small risk of bacterial translocation. Individuals using immunosuppressant drugs, anyone with a catheter, those diagnosed with HIV or AIDS and organ transplant patients should not use these supplements.

Those with open surgical wounds or SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) should also avoid probiotics. If you have been prescribed antibiotic medications, use probiotic supplements at least two hours apart to prevent interactions.

If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, do not use a milk-based probiotic. If you have a yeast allergy or are using anti-fungal medications, do not use yeast based probiotics.

Unless advised by a medical professional, probiotics should be avoided during pregnancy or while breast feeding. Check with a doctor before giving probiotics to an infant or young child.

Probiotic use can have benefits for digestion and boosting the immune system. Medicinal applications for treating constipation, diarrhea, bacterial vaginosis and digestive disorders such as IBS and IBD have been well researched.

There is no universal best probiotic supplement. Different formulations and strains of bacteria may have different health benefits and your individual experience may be different from that of others.

However, when selecting the best probiotic product to buy, it is recommended to use one that combines several strains of beneficial microorganisms together to enhance efficacy.

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