The best probiotic supplements can leave a lasting impact on your overall health.
Right now, you might struggle with regular bouts of upset stomach, frequent diarrhea fits, and never-ending bloat. Like most people, you may attempt to take a slew of over-the-counter medications to get a temporary fix. You may even turn to dietary changes to get relief. But still, those stomach issues come back and wreak havoc on your life.
Sound familiar? No matter how much you do, every effort can feel fruitless.
Now imagine how much easier your life would be if you didn't have to worry about every item you eat or being close to a bathroom just in case your belly starts feeling funny. If you regularly suffer from stomach discomfort and digestive issues, that might seem like a pipe dream! But with the best probiotic for gut health, it can be a reality.
Probiotics are a big part of the latest health food trends. But unlike some of those other buzzwords you hear, probiotics are the real deal! Throughout history, probiotic foods have helped people keep their stomachs and digestive systems in check.
Modern OTC probiotic supplements are the contemporary way to maintain gut health. With a few simple pills, you can enjoy the benefits of healthy probiotics without changing your diet.
There's no shortage of great products on the market today. The probiotic craze has created an enormous market of supplements to choose from on your journey to better health. Unfortunately, not all of them are up to snuff.
That's why we're here! We've taken care of the hard work to sift through the fluff and choose the best probiotics money can buy. Check out our favorite picks below and read on to learn more about what over the counter probiotics can do for you.
Our Picks for the 10 Top Probiotics to Help You Achieve Better Gut Health
Ready to make a change and take steps to achieve better health? Probiotic pills are a great start. Here are some of the best on the market today.
- ProBiology Gut+
- Biotics 8
- Elm & Rye Daily Probiotic
- RenewLife Health & Wellness Ultimate Flora Probiotic
- Garden of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics
- Swanson’s Probiotics for Daily Wellness
- Physician’s Choice Probiotics
- Align Probiotic
- GNC Probiotic Complex Daily Need
- Phillips’ Colon Health Daily Probiotic
#1. ProBiology Gut+: Overall Best for Gut Health
ProBiology Gut+ is one of the top probiotic supplements on the market! It's not hard to see why! This multi-faceted supplement has a lot to offer. Not only is it rich in healthy microbes, but it's purposefully formulated to help those microbes thrive.
What Does ProBiology Gut+ Do?
This supplement can address most stomach issues. It reduces digestive problems, strengthens your immunity, improves skin, encourages weight loss, and the list goes on!
Four distinct probiotic strains make up the impressive 40 billion CFU count. The unique thing about this supplement is that the ingredients support the probiotics in your system. That helps the product achieve a significantly higher survival rate than other products. What does that mean for you? It means that your system stays in balance no matter what!
Ingredients
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Maktrek marine polysaccharide complex
- Fructooligosaccha ride
Pros
- Includes four live probiotic strains
- Addresses constipation, bloating, and other common digestive problems
- May reduce stress
- Can encourage weight loss
- Nourishes healthy microbes
- 250X microbe survival rate
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Who Can Benefit from ProBiology Gut+?
This supplement is the best probiotic on the market. It can benefit anyone who needs extra support while staying regular, healthy, and in shape!
Click Here for the Lowest Price on ProBiology Gut+
#2. Biotics 8: Best for Gut Health of Men
Here's another wildly successful probiotic for stomach issues and general health. It's a product of Bauer Nutrition, which is one of the best probiotic brands for men. This is a unique supplement that addresses a wide range of issues.
What Does Biotics 8 Do?
The best part of Biotics 8 is that it doesn't just take care of stomach problems. It does that part very well, thanks to its formula of eight probiotic strains. But it's the addition of other ingredients that makes it stand out from others on the market.
This is a OTC probiotic product that helps men achieve better health and fitness. It can increase metabolism levels, boost your energy, and help you obtain better focus at the gym. With time, this daily probiotic can help you get lean and significantly improve your physical fitness.
Ingredients
- Pterostilbene
- Resveratrol
- Lutemax
- Huperzia Serrata
- Alpha GPC
- L-Theanine
- L-Tyrosine
- Vitamin B complex
Pros
- Includes eight live probiotic strains
- Improves gut health and addresses digestive issues
- Enhances metabolism levels
- Boosts energy
- May encourage weight loss
- Affordable probiotic with multi-bottle discounts
Who Can Benefit from Biotics 8?
Biotics 8 is a fantastic product for men. It's ideal for guys who want to lose a few pounds, gain strength, and achieve a better physique while supporting their gut.
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Biotics 8
#3. Elm & Rye Daily Probiotic: Best for Immune Health
From Elm & Rye is this simple daily probiotic. It's one of the best Lactobacillus probiotics on the market. While not as robust as some other products on our list, it can help achieve some regularity.
What Does Elm & Rye Daily Probiotic Do?
When taken daily, this supplement can promote balance in the gut microbiome. It reduces stomach problems and helps you become more regular. It also reportedly helps with mental focus and immunity.
Ingredients
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus casei
Pros
- Supports digestive health
- Reduces gas and bloating
- Improves mental focus
Who Can Benefit from Elm & Rye Daily Probiotic?
Overall, the Elm & Rye over-the-counter probiotic is good for most people. It's a simple formula that can promote balance and support your digestion.
#4. RenewLife Health & Wellness Ultimate Flora Probiotic
Here's one of the most effective probiotic products for women. The RenewLife supplement specifically targets women's needs, leading to unique benefits worth claiming.
What Does RenewLife Health & Wellness Ultimate Flora Probiotic Do?
This product contains ten probiotic strains separated into two categories. Not only do they support gut health, but the microbes can improve vaginal health and urinary health. They create a healthy microbiome of bacteria that helps avoid common issues women face.
Ingredients
- Bifido probiotic blend
- Lacto probiotic blend
Pros
- 25 billion CFUs
- 10 unique probiotic strains
- Purpose-made for women
- Affordable price tag
Who Can Benefit from RenewLife Health & Wellness Ultimate Flora Probiotic?
While not good probiotics for men, the RenewLife capsules are the perfect probiotic for women. It's a unique formula that can promote balance and target those feminine needs to a tee.
#5. Garden of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics
If you're looking for more probiotic supplements that target women's needs, look no further than Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics. This affordable OTC supplement contains a whopping 50 billion CFUs and a healthy blend of probiotic strains.
What Does Garden of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics Do?
Like the previous women-focused probiotic, this one has a multi-faceted approach. It does everything you would expect, like address gut problems. But, it also promotes better vaginal and urinary health.
Ingredients
- Lactobacillus probiotic blend
- Bifidobacterium probiotic blend
- Organic probiotic fiber
Pros
- 50 billion CFUs
- Once daily vegetarian capsules
- Formulated for women
- Affordably priced
Who Can Benefit from Garden of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics?
This supplement is a fantastic daily probiotic supplement for women. It's rich in microbes and only requires a single capsule to maintain gut balance.
#6. Swanson’s Probiotics for Daily Wellness
Not looking for all the bells and whistles? The Swanson's Probiotics for Daily Wellness probiotic is a simple daily supplement that can keep you regular without breaking the bank.
What Does Swanson's Probiotics for Daily Wellness Do?
This OTC probiotic health supplement has a single probiotic strain with a mere 2 billion CFUs. While that might not sound like much, it's a good choice for those with mild stomach issues. It's a universally appealing option that caters to both men and women.
Ingredients
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
Pros
- 2 billion CFUs per serving
- Good for men and women
- Super affordable
Who Can Benefit from Swanson's Probiotics for Daily Wellness?
While not a highly potent probiotic, this product from Swanson can serve most people well without any issues.
#7. Physician’s Choice Probiotics
From Physician's Choice is this daily probiotic supplement. It's another universally appealing product that's suitable for most people. However, this one also has the benefit of added fiber for regularity.
What Does Physician's Choice Probiotics Do?
The blend of probiotics does a fantastic job of maintaining gut balance. It can reduce stomach pain, digestive issues, and more. Organic fiber is also great for promoting regularity and improving bowel function.
Ingredients
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bifidobacterium breve
Pros
- 60 billion CFUs
- 10 probiotic strains
- Fiber blend promotes regularity and firm stools
- May improve energy levels.
Who Can Benefit from Physician's Choice Probiotics?
Overall, this supplement is a good option for most people. Its diverse blend of microbes is excellent for addressing issues and providing ongoing gut support.
#8. Align Probiotic
Align makes a few different probiotic products. They include targeted supplements for digestive health and a probiotic for colon health. However, this is a simple option that provides baseline gut support for better microbiome balance.
What Does Align Probiotic Do?
The Align probiotic does what you expect it to. It helps reduce abdominal discomfort, bloating, and other digestive issues. The product is potent and fresh, thanks to its blister packaging. Pair that with the once-a-day dosing, and it's an accessible product anyone can take.
Ingredients
- Bifidobacterium Longum
Pros
- 1 billion CFUs
- Packaged in blister packs
- Easy dosing
- Long-term gut support
Who Can Benefit from Align Probiotic?
The Align probiotic is an affordable over the counter option that can benefit most people. It's not the strongest or a supplement with a super diverse formula. But, it does its job well.
#9. GNC Probiotic Complex Daily Need
GNC is no stranger to health products. The supplement company does a fine job of creating vitamins, minerals, and more. The high-quality formula here could make it the right probiotic brand for you.
What Does GNC Probiotic Complex Daily Need Do?
This supplement has the backing of GNC. The brand is huge and often goes to great lengths to test efficacy. This product is no exception. It has an impactful blend of probiotic strains that can improve gut health in many ways.
Ingredients
- LAB4 Probiotics
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Strepococcus thermophilus
Pros
- 1 billion CFUs
- Eight probiotic strains
- May support digestive health
- Can improve immunity
- Long-term gut support
Who Can Benefit from GNC Probiotic Complex Daily Need?
The GNC probiotic supplement is good for anyone looking to support their gut microbiome without breaking the bank. The product is relatively affordable but does a fine job of avoiding digestive troubles.
#10. Phillips’ Colon Health Daily Probiotic
Philips is another brand that many people trust. This OTC supplement is one of the best probiotics for colon health. It has a rich blend of microbes that help to promote regularity and balance.
What Does Phillips' Colon Health Daily Probiotic Do?
Philips advertises this product as a four-in-one. It can tackle gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Overall, it does well to support gut microbiome balance for better overall health.
Ingredients
- Lactobacillus Gasseri KS 13
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum G9 1
- Bifidobacterium longum MM 2
Pros
- 1.5 billion CFUs
- Three probiotic strains
- Defends against bloat, constipation, and diarrhea
- Free of gluten, dairy, and soy
- Affordably priced
Who Can Benefit from Phillips' Colon Health Daily Probiotic?
Thanks to its low price and general availability, this product from Philips is a fantastic choice for most people. It's easy to take and does what it's supposed to. What more could you want?
What Exactly Are Probiotics?
You've likely heard the term "probiotics" a million times before. It's right up there with other buzzwords like "organic" or "green." But what does it even mean?
Probiotics typically refer to healthy bacteria you consume intending to improve gut health. It's a catch-all term that describes a wide range of bacteria, yeast, and enzymes. Saying a single word is much easier than naming every microbe in the supplement, so manufacturers, dieticians, and healthcare providers simply say "probiotics."
We know what you're thinking: Bacteria? The very thought of consuming bacteria might be enough to send a shiver down your spine! These days, the world is so focused on reducing bacteria. Many people hear that word and automatically think of getting sick, catching diseases, and all kinds of awful experiences.
Contrary to what antibacterial products have you believe, not all bacteria are harmful! Some of it is essential to your overall health!
You see, microbes are responsible for breaking down food in your digestive system and making the nutrients in them available for absorption. Sure, your body does a lot of the heavy lifting. However, microbes can create vitamins and train your immune system. They play a critical role in absorbing energy, taking nutrients, and making the most out of your food.
How Do Top-Rated OTC Probiotics Work?
The concept is pretty simple. Whether you take supplement pills or powders, probiotics work to maintain balance.
The best way to look at it is to view your digestive as a scale. Ideally, you want things to remain neutral. But say that you get sick or take antibiotics that kill off the healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.
Suddenly, the nasty stuff can enter your body and wreak havoc on your digestive system. That's when you start suffering from health problems and an upset stomach. Suddenly, your gut is imbalanced and causing issues.
Probiotics can replace the healthy bacteria you lost. It achieves some equilibrium to even the playing field and keeps everything in check.
It's as simple as that!
There are many probiotic strains out there. The best probiotic on the market will likely contain bacteria like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. It may even have healthy yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii. Those are the most commonly used, but supplements can contain many beneficial bacteria strains. As long as it supports your system, it's a welcome addition to your gut microbiome!
Should You Use Probiotics?
The most important thing to remember in matters concerning your gut is that healthy bacteria are necessary. A balanced gut microbiome leads to better health and fewer stomach issues.
Everyone can use more gut support. Microbes exist naturally in your body and the foods you eat. So, you can't go wrong taking OTC probiotics. It doesn't matter if you're already healthy or not experiencing any common digestive issues. The best probiotics can act as a safety buffer to keep your gut in good shape and avoid problems in the future.
Those microbes do you no harm, so there's nothing to worry about when taking probiotics. Probiotics are considered safe for most people to take. Beyond a few initial days of possible discomfort as your gut adjusts, they shouldn't cause any problems at all.
So why not take probiotic supplements?
How Do We Choose Our Recommended Probiotics?
Probiotic supplements are nothing new. However, there's been an increased demand for these products in recent years. As more people learn about the benefits they have to offer, manufacturers have to scramble to keep up!
There are plenty of supplements on the market today, but not every option will serve your needs well. So, how do we choose our top-rated probiotics?
Our team works hard to look beyond clever advertising and marketing buzzwords. These supplements can impact your health, so we want you to choose the correct option. To do that, we look into several factors when examining popular probiotics. Here are just some things we judge when sifting through the crowded market.
- Brand Reputation
While brand names aren't everything, it's not something we can overlook when talking about supplements. The supplement industry doesn't have the same type of regulation as prescription medication. That means you have to do your due diligence and ensure that you're buying a product from a reputable brand.
Don't worry: We do that part for you. The most effective probiotic supplements come from brands with a long history of creating supplements and healthcare products. The best probiotic brands typically have a solid reputation among consumers and a well-documented history of complying with good manufacturing practices.
All of the best probiotics we recommend come from brands you can trust. We leave the sketchy manufacturers out of the mix.
- Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Of course, you can't ignore customer reviews! It's one thing for a supplement manufacturer to say that a product does X, Y, and Z. But looking into testimonials is the only way to see how they do in the real world.
How do people react to probiotics? Are they seeing results or experiencing adverse side effects? We look into reviews to figure that out!
Reviews don't tell the entire story, but they paint a clear picture of a product's capabilities.
- Pricing
Finally, we look into probiotic pricing. The strongest probiotic supplements for gut health can cost a good amount of money. These are supplements you want to take daily to ensure continual microbiome balance. But if you're paying an arm and a leg for every 30-day supply, you're looking at a hefty ongoing investment.
We understand that price is a significant factor for many people. We look for reasonably priced products that strike a good balance. The perfect OTC probiotic will have a blend of high-quality ingredients while still having a manageable price tag that doesn't break the bank.
You shouldn't have to spend a fortune to improve your gut health. That's why we look for affordable probiotics that don't skimp on quality. Many of the supplements we recommend have money-back guarantees for peace of mind and multi-pack discounts. As a result, there are plenty of ways to save.
A Beginner's Guide to Digestive Probiotics
Still not sure if taking probiotics is right for you? At this point, you know what probiotics do. But you might have some lingering questions about how they work and what they offer. This guide will go over important details to help you find the right probiotic and determine if it's a supplement you should incorporate into your daily routine.
Dosage
Let's talk about dosing. Dosing is an important detail. You need enough healthy bacteria in your system to maintain equilibrium. For every colony you inadvertently destroy, you need another to replace it! So, how does dosing for probiotics work?
Of course, dosing can vary from product to product. It also depends on the microbes and yeasts the supplement introduces into your system.
Generally, manufacturers base dosing around CFUs. CFU stands for colony-forming units. Common dosing for some of the highest-rated probiotics is 10 to 20 billion CFUs per day for adults. The dosing is closer to about half that at 5 to 10 billion CFUs per day for children.
Now, some studies show that smaller CFU doses could achieve specific results. For example, a probiotic for stomach issues can have as little as 1.5 billion CFUs. Researchers say that the best lactobacillus probiotic needs about 1.5 billion CFUs to support regularity and reduce gas.
Studies are ongoing, and we're still learning what probiotics can do. The good news is that higher CFUs typically don't cause issues. It doesn't hurt to have higher dosing, but not enough could lead to problems.
What are the Benefits of Taking OTC Probiotics?
When you take daily probiotics, there are countless benefits to claim! The right brand of probiotics can be a game-changer! It improves how your body processes food, leading to better nutrient intake, more energy, and enhanced overall vitality.
Probiotics for colon health can also address digestive issues. The supplements can help with conditions like:
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Constipation
- Excessive bloating
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Inflammed bowel disease
- Gum disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections
The highest-rated OTC probiotic supplements might help with other conditions, too. Remember: Digestion plays a big part in your overall health. Keeping things in check with probiotics can help you avoid common health issues and address existing problems you're currently facing. For example, probiotics might address:
- Insomnia
- Skin conditions
- Joint pain
- Thyroid conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
- Diabetes
Believe it or not, probiotics might even help with mental problems. Many people report reduced brain fog, better focus, less anxiety, and other positive benefits. Probiotics reportedly help with insomnia, fatigue, and low energy, too.
As you can see, there's a lot to gain from taking probiotics! Researchers are still studying the nature of the gut microbiome and how bacteria affect it. But what we already know is plenty enough to show that probiotics are well worth taking.
Possible Side Effects
One beautiful thing about popular over the counter probiotics is that they don't have too many side effects. As mentioned earlier, microbes exist in nature and are present in many foods you already eat. The probiotic strains are natural and proven to benefit the human body. As a result, side effects aren't a concern for a vast majority of people.
The most folks, the worst thing you can experience is some mild discomfort as your gut adjusts to the new bacteria. Mild stomach discomfort, light diarrhea, bloating, and some flatulence are normal if you're not used to taking probiotics. Even the best probiotic on the market will cause those issues the first few days.
However, those side effects go away as your body gets used to the new bacteria. Before you know it, you'll start experiencing those benefits we went over earlier!
Some people might suffer from allergic reactions as well. Generally, those reactions come from additional ingredients in the formula. If you experience allergic reactions, stop taking the supplements and consult your doctor to find the right probiotic for your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you take probiotics every day?
You can safely take daily probiotics. However, you should ensure that your product is formulated with everyday use in mind. Some products are for one-off use. They might have higher concentrations of probiotic strains. While not particularly harmful, it's best to take the supplements for their intended use.
2. Which foods are rich in probiotics?
Any food that is fermented is a natural source of probiotics. Some examples include:
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Some cheeses
3. Which vegetables have the most probiotics?
Fermented vegetables are one of the best ways to get probiotics through foods. Most fermented plant-based foods will have healthy bacteria. However, the following vegetables are rich in microbes.
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Red bell peppers
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Radishes
- Green beans
- Cauliflower
4. How do I know that I have a probiotic deficiency?
There are a few signs that your gut microbe is not doing well. Generally, frequent stomach problems are the most obvious symptom. Regular bouts of diarrhea and general sensitivity are telltale signs. However, issues like brain fog, lackluster skin, frequent colds, and stomach irregularities are standard.
Final Thoughts
So many people focus on individual aspects of their health. You might go on a fad diet to lose weight, change what you eat to avoid stomach problems, or take sleeping supplements to prevent insomnia. Instead of treating everything individually, you can target the problem at its source.
What you put into your body profoundly affects your overall health. Taking OTC probiotic supplements to keep your digestive tract balanced and operating efficiently is a massive step in the right direction. High-quality over the counter probiotics can make a world of difference, helping you achieve better health while feeling great in the process!
Give one of our recommended probiotics a try and see for yourself!
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