Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that play an important role in maintaining good health. Find out What You Should Know About Probiotics.
If you are looking for a way to boost your immune system, improve digestion or even help with weight loss, then probiotics may be the answer you have been searching for!
This article will look at what exactly are ‘probiotics,’ how they can benefit us, why some people don’t like them, and an overview of the side effects of taking these supplements.
What are probiotics?

Probiotics are living organisms that are beneficial for human health. They can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria within your body. The most common types of probiotics used today are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These three strains were chosen because they are commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, tempeh, miso soup, etc. In addition, these strains also contain high levels of lactic acid, which helps inhibit pathogenic bacterial growth.
How do they work?
The main function of a probiotic supplement or food source is to provide the host with one or several strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria. These microbes produce short-chain fatty acids, which improve intestinal barrier integrity and reduce inflammation. This helps prevent bacterial overgrowth and reduces symptoms associated with IBS.
Where did they come from?
Most probiotics were originally isolated from human breast milk, but now hundreds of different kinds are available. Many companies make their own products using these natural sources. Others use cultured dairy products like cheese whey or skimmed milk powder. Still, others use yeast cultures derived from wine or beer fermentation.
What types of bacteria are in probiotics?

Probiotic supplements contain a variety of different species and strains of beneficial gut microorganisms. They are in the form of capsules, powders, or liquids that you mix with water before drinking. The most common type is Lactobacillus acidophilus, used for years to help prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Other popular probiotics include Bifidobacterium bifidum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Some people may have allergies to certain bacterial strains, so it’s important to check your product’s label carefully.
Are they safe?
Yes! In fact, many experts recommend taking one daily serving of probiotics because they’re generally safe. However, if you experience any side effects from consuming them, talk to your doctor first. It’s best not to take probiotics during pregnancy unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. If you decide to try them, start slowly and gradually increase until you find what works best for you.
How can you get them into your diet?
You can find these friendly bacteria in many forms: dairy products, vegetables, meats, and even some fruits. Some people choose to take a daily probiotic supplement because it’s easy to consume regularly. Other people prefer eating their probiotics through natural sources instead of taking a pill every day. Either way, there are plenty of ways to incorporate probiotics into your everyday life.
Health Benefits of Probiotics

Many studies show that probiotics benefit both adults and children who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Here are just a few benefits of using probiotics for yourself and/or your family members:
Preventing antibiotic-induced diarrhea
Antibiotics kill bad bacteria but leave behind “good” ones. When this happens, the balance between the two gets thrown off, causing problems like diarrhea. Adding probiotics to your routine will restore the balance to normal.
Boosts immune system
When we’re sick, our bodies need extra energy to fight infection. Taking probiotics during illness allows the immune system to recover faster. It has also been linked to reducing allergies and asthma attacks.
Helps maintain weight loss efforts
Research shows that when combined with exercise, probiotics promote fat burning while helping to suppress appetite. Studies suggest that adding probiotics to your diet could increase metabolism by up to 10 percent.
Improves mood
A study published in 2007 showed that women suffering from depression experienced less severe side effects after being treated with antibiotics followed by probiotics. Another study suggests that probiotics might help treat anxiety and stress-related issues. Reduces symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome
Probiotics have shown promise in treating IBS
One study found that patients who took probiotics reported feeling better within three days than placebo groups which felt no improvement until five days. The researchers believe that probiotics work by improving digestion and increasing intestinal motility.
Treats lactose intolerance
Lactase is an enzyme produced naturally by humans that breaks down milk sugar, Lactose. If someone does not make enough lactase, they cannot digest lactose properly and experience digestive discomfort. However, if one consumes certain probiotics, they can break down lactose and enjoy all foods made with milk without experiencing any adverse reactions.
Prevents cold sores
A recent study conducted at University College London looked at whether probiotics would prevent herpes simplex virus type 1 infections. Researchers gave participants either a combination of four different probiotics or a placebo twice per week over six weeks. They then tested each participant’s saliva for signs of HSV1 presence. Those who consumed the probiotics did not test positive for the virus, whereas those who received placebos still carried traces of the disease. This means that probiotics use to prevent outbreaks of cold sore viruses.
Stops yeast infections
Yeast infections occur when too much candida fungus grows in the body. Candida albicans is a common form of fungi that normally lives in the human gut. But it can cause health problems such as thrush, mouth ulcers, and vaginal infections. Some people are more susceptible than others; pregnant women and children under 2 years old often get them. Antibiotic use increases susceptibility to these conditions.
Reduce the risk of cancer
Some studies show that taking probiotics may reduce the risk of colon cancer. In addition, some research indicates that consuming yogurt containing live cultures may lower breast cancer risks. Other studies indicate that eating fermented dairy products reduces prostate cancer risk.
Protect against urinary tract infections
Women’s Health Magazine reports that probiotics appear to protect against UTIs. According to the article, scientists think that good bacteria living in the vagina helps keep harmful microbes out. Women should take probiotics daily before sex to ensure healthy vaginas.
Side Effects of Probiotics
Possible harmful effects of probiotics include infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract. These side effects must be taken into consideration when choosing probiotics.
What To Look For When Buying A Supplement
When buying a supplement as probiotics, look for companies that have been around for many years and have a proven track record. Also, check their website for information about how long they’ve been selling supplements and what kinds of claims they’re making. Ask your doctor for recommendations on reputable brands.
How To Use Probiotics Safely
The best way to consume probiotics is by adding them directly into food rather than drinking supplements. If you choose to drink probiotics, make sure they’re from reputable companies with quality control standards. Also, read labels carefully, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Here are some tips on how to safely add probiotics to your diet.
How much should you eat?
It depends on what kind of probiotic product you use. Most companies recommend anywhere from 1 billion to 5 billion CFU per serving. The best thing to remember about probiotics is that everyone reacts differently, so start small and build slowly until you see results. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
Where Can You Find Them?

The best way to consume probiotics is through food products containing live cultures or supplements with active cultures. There has not yet been enough research on the long-term safety of consuming large amounts of probiotics orally. However, many studies are showing positive results when using them topically.
For example, one study showed that women who applied an ointment containing lactobacilli twice daily had fewer yeast infections than those applying only water-based lotions. Another study demonstrated that patients suffering from chronic vaginal candidiasis experienced significant improvement after taking oral antibiotics followed by topical application of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
We’ve compiled a list of the best probiotics available right now, so you don’t have to spend hours searching around town trying to find something good. Check it out below!
Probiotics 60 Billion CFU
- Max Strength General Purpose Probiotic: Our non-refrigerated probiotic is designed to support digestive health & gut health. A great choice for those looking to support a diverse healthy microbiome w/ 60B CFU - Probiotics for Women & Men alike
- Support Your Gut: Our probiotic contains 10 diverse high-quality probiotic strains and organic prebiotics - synergistically working together to support your gut health. Expertly crafted to support occasional constipation, diarrhea, gas & bloating!
- Survives the Gut: From start to finish - this probiotic is designed to survive the gut & maximize the colonization of our strains. We use a shelf-stable bottle, acid-resistant capsules, and 60 Billion Colony forming units (CFU) to achieve this!
- Backed By Science - Our probiotics are crafted based on scientific research. We have partnered with a network of expert physicians to help review our products & research. We strive to educate & help you with informed decisions regarding your health.
- Non-GMO & Sustainable - We are Non-GMO Certified, and participate in the Carbon Fund program - which means for this probiotic, all associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects. Always with Science-Backed Quality Ingredients!
Formulated with 20 billion CFU’s of probiotics per capsule, Doctor’s Choice Probiotics features 10 strains of live microorganisms that are vital to the digestive system.
Acidophilus Probiotics for Women, Acidophilus Probiotics for Men, Acidophilus Probiotics for Adults are shelf-stable capsules that are convenient to take. With only one capsule daily, choose from 3 products to maintain digestive health.
Garden of Life Probiotic Supplement Capsules for Women
- Max Strength General Purpose Probiotic: Our non-refrigerated probiotic is designed to support digestive health & gut health. A great choice for those looking to support a diverse healthy microbiome w/ 60B CFU - Probiotics for Women & Men alike
- Support Your Gut: Our probiotic contains 10 diverse high-quality probiotic strains and organic prebiotics - synergistically working together to support your gut health. Expertly crafted to support occasional constipation, diarrhea, gas & bloating!
- Survives the Gut: From start to finish - this probiotic is designed to survive the gut & maximize the colonization of our strains. We use a shelf-stable bottle, acid-resistant capsules, and 60 Billion Colony forming units (CFU) to achieve this!
- Backed By Science - Our probiotics are crafted based on scientific research. We have partnered with a network of expert physicians to help review our products & research. We strive to educate & help you with informed decisions regarding your health.
- Non-GMO & Sustainable - We are Non-GMO Certified, and participate in the Carbon Fund program - which means for this probiotic, all associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects. Always with Science-Backed Quality Ingredients!
Garden of Life Lacto-defense Women’s Probiotic 50 Billion CFU, 30 counts, is a dietary supplement that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria for digestive health.
The supplement has been specially formulated for women’s specific health needs, contains L. reuteri and L. fermentum for vaginal health and non-GMO.
Garden of Life Probiotic Supplement, 50 Billion CFU, 30 count is a dietary supplement taken once daily and is shelf-stable, and does not require refrigeration.
Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic
- Contains (2) bottles of 100 tablets of Nature's Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic dietary supplement. This supplement provides friendly bacteria for the digestive system. (1) Stomach friendly supplement. No artifical colors, flavors, or sweeteners and have to be refrigerated
- Acidophilus is friendly bacteria for the digestive system. (1) Nature’s Bounty Probiotic Acidophilus contains over 100 million active Lactobacillus Acidophilus (including naturally occurring metabolic product produced by Lactobacilli) at time of manufacture
- Quality, consistency and scientific research has resulted in vitamins and nutritional supplements of unrivaled excellence. Using the latest breakthroughs in nutritional science and the finest ingredients, we provide supplements of unsurpassed quality and value
- Every Nature’s Bounty product is subjected to numerous quality tests throughout the manufacturing process to verify purity and potency. The ingredients and final product are tested in our microbiological laboratory to make certain that the product is pure
- Our supplements are overseen by scientists, manufacturing specialists and quality experts, each dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards. Nature’s Bounty only uses ingredients from suppliers that meet GMP supplement quality standards
Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic is a home-based supplement meant to facilitate the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system.
This helps improve your immune system by preventing food poisoning, viral infections, diarrhea, constipation, vaginal infections, thrush, etc. With its 100 ml bottle, this product is priced at USD 18.99.
At regular intervals, this supplement can be taken to replenish the bacteria in your body.
Nutrition Essentials Top Probiotic Supplement
- RESEARCH-BACKED FORMULATION: Other brands compensate for low-quality strains with inflated CFU counts, but their formulas lose potency when digested. Our vegan formula is based on Bacillus Coagulans *, a POTENT STRAIN BACKED BY YEARS OF RESEARCH, and contains 900 billion CFU per bottle.
- FULL BENEFITS WITH UNI-BACT CF15: Most probiotics use Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are solid choices—until they reach the stomach, where their survival rate is just 5-15%. Our bacillus coagulans is dormant in harsh conditions, so it isn’t killed by stomach acid. It RETAINS FULL POTENCY until it reaches the intestines.
- 62% LONGER STABILITY: CFUs decline by 5% per month when probiotics are poorly packed in transparent glass. We counter this with a FrostProtect bottle that SHIELDS FROM HEAT, LIGHT & OXYGEN, prolonging potency by up to 62%.
- 2X KINDER ON THE GUT: Our formula undergoes IN-VITRO PH TESTING to PREVENT STOMACH IRRITATION. Our prebiotic Nutri-Fructo B-88 has a neutral 6.3 pH. We also add lactase – an enzyme that helps fight bloating, diarrhea, and gas from lactose intolerance – and dicalcium phosphate, a gentle, NON-CONSTIPATING alternative to calcium carbonate.
- MADE IN THE USA & INDEPENDENTLY TESTED: Producing in the USA means our probiotics undergo stringent checks. EVERY BATCH IS INDEPENDENTLY TESTED for potency, and is GMP certified. Our supplement is dairy and gluten free, contains no GMOs, and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. *Alternate nomenclature for bacillus coagulans – b coagulans and lactobacillus sporogenes.
When you eat your favorite foods, and your body cannot process them with ease, you end up with indigestion and bloating.
This may lead to more serious health complications due to imbalanced gut flora. Good intestinal health is the foundation of a happy and healthy life. So make sure to take a high-quality Probiotic
Supplement with at least 50 billion CFUs (colony forming units) every day. Our Top Probiotic Supplement is a one-of-a-kind supplement specially formulated to combat digestive issues and strengthen your intestinal flora.
The Bottom Line
There has never been a time where there was so much interest in probiotics. Many experts agree that this trend will continue because of its potential benefits. It seems that everyone wants to know everything about probiotics, including why you need them, how they work, and what kind of results to expect. While we don’t want to discourage anyone from trying probiotics, we recommend doing your own research first. There are plenty of reliable sources online that provide great reviews of various probiotics. Just remember to read labels carefully and choose only high-quality products that contain beneficial strains of bacteria.
Alex is a passionate fitness enthusiast dedicated to helping people lead healthier, more active lifestyles. He encourages small – sustainable changes over drastic transformations and works with people to create customized wellness plans. His mission is to help others benefit from the most effective methods available, sharing tips, strategies, and health & fitness tools on Gearuptofit.com to inspire people to live their best lives.