“Probiotics are live microbes, usually bacteria or yeast, that in adequate amounts, confers beneficial qualities to the host, i.e. us,” Cabrero says. “For something to qualify as a probiotic it must be living, have a health benefit and be consumed in adequate amounts.” It is recommended by many medical organizations, including World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO), European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF). Garden of Life always delivers quality products, and this probiotic in particular is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian and Non-GMO Project Verified.
Even for the conditions that have been studied the most, researchers are still working toward finding the answers to these questions. Government regulation of probiotics in the United States is complex. Depending on a probiotic product’s intended use, the FDA might regulate it as a dietary supplement, a food ingredient, or a drug.
When she’s not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she’s spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising. You can take a probiotic in the morning or evening, but it may be beneficial to take it about 20 minutes before you eat. This timing facilitates higher amounts of probiotics reaching the large intestine, where they will be most helpful. Not only can they be expensive, but they may lead to side effects such as bloating, which was the experience of one of Healthline’s editors and testers, and bacterial overgrowth. One of my favorite things was the packaging, which labels one pill for each day of the week, so I never had to wonder if I had taken it or not.
However, when the 445 children and 1,052 adults were evaluated separately, the difference was statistically significant in children only. Although the optimal dose of LGG is unclear, 1 to 2 x 1010 CFU/day reduced AAD risk in children by 71% [29]. Taking probiotics within 2 days of the first antibiotic dose is more effective than starting to take them later. Meta-analyses indicate that the use of any of a few species and strains (described below) of probiotics might reduce the risk of AAD by 51% [27]. Positive associations between intakes of probiotics and reduced risk of AAD have been found in children and adults age 18 to 64 years but not in adults age 65 years and older [28]. Probiotics are measured in colony forming units (CFU), which indicate the number of viable cells.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. They can help keep your gut healthy and balanced, which in turn can have a positive impact on your overall health. But with so many different probiotic supplements on the market, how do you know which ones are the best for you? Here are some recommended probiotics to consider:
And, as mentioned above, a probiotic’s health benefits are strain-specific. Speak with your doctor about which strain is best for you and your needs. While probiotics may cause gas, they have a strong track record of safety—however, the NCCIH notes that studies are limited on the frequency and severity of side effects.
She has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends, research, and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices. In Nutrition Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and later established her own nutrition and fitness practice, where she helps clients reach individual goals through education and skill development. Alongside her practice, she is one of our nutrition and supplement commerce editors and spent hours combing the research on probiotics.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most popular strains of probiotics and is commonly found in yogurt and other fermented foods. It can help with digestion and may also boost your immune system.
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium infantis is another beneficial strain of probiotics that can help with diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues. It may also help reduce inflammation in the gut.
Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast-based probiotic that can help with various digestive issues, including diarrhea and constipation. It may also help prevent infections caused by harmful bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system.
- How do I choose a probiotic supplement? Look for products that contain strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, or Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Can probiotics help with digestive issues? Yes, probiotics can help with a variety of digestive issues, including diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Before starting any new supplement regimen, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that probiotics are right for you and to determine which strains may be most beneficial based on your individual health needs.
