These are 6 of the Best Probiotic Supplements
Gut Health
Research has linked the health of our gut biome and disease. Keeping your gut stocked with good guys can bring a multitude of positive health benefits.
Which probiotic is best for gut health seems like it would have a straightforward answer. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
What are Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms. Antibiotics, poor diet and alcohol consumption can all wreak havoc on the balance of our gut flora. Adding in good bacteria is essential to keeping a healthy balance so the “bad guys” don’t take over.
Probiotics can be added by taking supplements and/or consuming fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi.
Benefits of Probiotics
Possible benefits of probiotics include improving:
- immune function
- liver function
- digestion
- traveler’s diarrhea
Studies have shown that probiotics can improve the health of our liver. This is an amazing benefit since NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most common liver disease. A 2011 study from Spain showed that taking L. Bulgaricus and S. Thermophilus everyday for 3 months lowered blood levels of ALT, AST and GGT, which are liver blood markers that indicate liver health.
Studies have also shown a connection between probiotics and Covid 19 treatment. It seems to be too early to tell how effective probiotics are in relation to the treatment of Covid but there is very little down side to taking probiotics so why not give it a try. For more information on this connection read here and here.
A recent study also showed a lower rate of Covid infection in women of all ages and weights with the use of probiotics (14%). Other supplements making an impact include Omega 3 (12%), multivitamin (13%) and vitamin D (9%). There was no effect seen in relation to vitamin C, zinc or garlic supplementation. This connection was only seen in women.
Beneficial Probiotic Strains
There are more strains of probiotics than you can shake a stick at. It is mind boggling. The best advice is to rotate probiotic supplements so we hit as many strains as we can. This topic is quite complex and gets particularly tricky if other health concerns are present.
Some strains of probiotics are contraindicated in certain situations. If you have histamine intolerance or immunocompromised in any way, it is best to consult a qualified health practitioner to see which, if any, strains would be most beneficial.
Probiotic Strains of Interest
S. Thermophilus – One of most effective to improve digestion, compete against “bad” bacteria and modulate the immune system.
L. Rhamnosus GG – Shown to be helpful in increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing risk of hypoglycemia.
L. Gasseri – Reported to reduce inflammation and help absorption of purines to reduce risk of gout.
S. Boulardii -A yeast that is likely beneficial for parasites, SIBO, candida and IBS.
Supplements
When purchasing supplements, be sure to check the ingredient list. Try to find the cleanest supplements you can. The very best choice would be those with the fewest added ingredients. Many of the cheaper supplements are less expensive because of these added fillers. You get what you pay for!
It may take some trial and error to decide which probiotic is right for your individual needs. As always, do your own research to decide which if any are the best options for you!
NewRhythm Probiotics 50 Billion CFU 20 Strains
Garden of Life Whole Food Primal Defense Ultra Ultimate Probiotic
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women
Doctor’s Recipes Women’s Probiotic
Microbiome Labs MegaSporeBiotic Spore-Based Probiotics
Saccharomyces Boulardii 10 Billion CFU Probiotics Per Serving
ImmunoSEB (60 caps) & Biome Ultra (ProbioSEB CSC3) – I do not have any experience with these products but a recent article touts them for long covid recovery.
