5 Powerful Probiotics for Gut Health

5 top probiotics for gut health

Can probiotics boost gut health and wellbeing?

Health is wealth, and every little helps, the old adage goes! The 100 trillion microbes that live in our gut – collectively called the gut microbiome – is a prime example.

The topic of gut health is seemingly everywhere at the moment, as are probiotic supplements. But what are probiotics and how might they benefit us? Join us as we delve into the world of probiotics for gut health, and look at how they may help make you look and feel your best!

Probiotic supplements promise to harness the power of our gut microbiome and confer gut health benefits when taken in a particular quantity

However, the volume of evidence for probiotics is closely matched by the vast array of new products, that is quite frankly mind-boggling.

“It’s a Wild West out there” cautions one expert (Dinan, 2022) because probiotics are part of the supplement industry, which carries far less regulations than prescription medicines
Dinan, 2022 (The Economist)

Choosing a probiotic for gut health

Firstly, how can we even start choosing the best probiotics for gut health? With trillions of bacteria in our gut, which probiotics might be beneficial to us? let’s look at what the evidence says.

⚡ I’ve covered 229 studies, analysed in 13 journal reviews, and the bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium get a recurring mention. Notably, the type of bacterium (strain) is crucial

Ma and Cain, writing in Psychology Today (June 27, 2022), give us 4 steps to help guide us, outlined below.

Which probiotics for gut health? Image by Seksak Kerdkanno from Pixabay

1. Choose the right strain

For example, when it comes to mood, Cain & Ma (2022) highlight the following 4 strains:
💥 Lactobacillus casei W56
💥 Lactococcus lactis W19
💥 Lactobacillus acidophilus W22
💥 Bifidobacterium lactis W52

2. Look for demonstrated Strain Synergies

Strain synergy means strains that work together to give added benefit (and note that some strains are antagonists that work against each other)

3. Ensure quality manufacturing processes

It is essential to ingest microorganisms that haven’t been damaged in the manufacturing process in a way that impacts efficacy

4. Probiotic power—CFUs

Look for CFU numbers, or Colony Forming Units, which indicates the power of the probiotic for gut health.

Nordic Naturals suggest “a daily dose of 10-20 billion CFU for immune and digestive support”. However, sometimes less is more, so look for what the evidence says about the right dose. A good quality supplement should be backed by science and state the proven dose and probiotic mix for gut health.

Which brands of probiotics for gut health are worth it?

We ought to be mindful that the evidence for different probiotic supplements varies greatly, and all probiotic supplements are definitely not created equal. I would expect to pay a premium for evidence based probiotics.

These 5 brands provide microbiome boosting products that are backed by evidence, and may be worth the added cost:

🍀 Microbiome Labs
🍀 YourBiology Gut+
🍀 The Cultured Coconut
🍀 Heights
🍀 Chuckling Goat

CLICK for microbiome skincare and skin health tips

Does our diet affect our microbiome?

To date, there is strong evidence for a holistic approach that involves diet (Mediterranean style; fermented foods, kefir, kombucha …), exercise, relaxation and sleep. If you’re looking for an easy gut healthy snack, check out the best kefir brands for gut health here, and start enjoying the benefit of kefir milk.

CLICK for delicious GUT HEALTHY RECIPES

🌞 Have a great week!

*This does not constitute or substitute for medical advice! Seek professional healthcare advice as needed

This article may include affiliate links from which we may earn commissions

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