Our guts are full of bacteria, both good and bad. A stable mix of these bacteria – called the microbiome – is essential to a healthy digestive system and overall wellbeing. Probiotics is the name given to beneficial bacteria, and supplements are especially good for individuals who have an imbalance of bacteria in their guts from illnesses like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Probiotic supplements can help ease symptoms and restore the natural balance of bacteria – helping to improve digestion and to fight bad bacteria.

What are probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that we need to help keep the natural balance in our bodies. Our guts are full of helpful and harmful bacteria that help us digest food and keep our bodies and immune systems functioning. Probiotics inhibit the growth of more harmful bacteria and encourage the growth of the good, helpful bacteria to modulate our immune system. Research indicates that stabilising our gut microbiome positively affects many of the body’s other functions, moods and behaviours – with the gut often dubbed ‘the second brain‘.

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Probiotics naturally occur in many foods. A healthy diet incorporating these foods will help boost your gut health and overall immune system. Probiotic foods include:

  • Yoghurt – Made from fermented milk, yoghurt is one of the best sources of probiotics.
  • Kefir – Like yoghurt, kefir is fermented milk made from kefir grains (a balance of bacteria, yeast, and enzymes).
  • Tempeh – Cooked and fermented soybeans that boost the concentration of good bacteria.
  • Kimchi – Made of mostly fermented cabbage and a mixture of pickled vegetables, this Korean dish contains plenty of gut-friendly bacteria.
  • Kombucha – This drink originates from China and is made from a sweetened, fermented black tea full of good bacteria.
  • Miso – An Asian paste made from fermented soy, containing large amounts of good bacteria.
  • Sauerkraut – Fermented cabbage packed with live bacteria.

If you can’t eat dairy, kefir and yoghurt can be made with plant-based milk like coconut or almond.

The gut microbiome varies from individual to individual, with some people needing more probiotics than others due to an imbalance. If you suffer from any gut health-related issues, taking probiotic supplements may help ease symptoms.

Signs you may want to consider a probiotic supplement:

  • Bloating can indicate that the bacteria in your gut is out of balance.
  • Gassy – excessive flatulence is a sign your gut is imbalanced, and there are more bad bacteria than good. This could also be a sign of food intolerance like dairy or gluten.
  • Diarrhoea – if not caused by food poisoning, diarrhoea is another sign you have a gut imbalance.
  • Constipation – noticing that you’re not as regular as you should be could indicate a need for probiotics. Fluctuating between constipation and diarrhoea is common in IBS sufferers.
  • Recurrent yeast infections – can arise from a lack of good gut bacteria. Urinary tract infections can also signify the need for probiotics.

What are probiotic supplements?

Probiotic supplements are a way of providing extra, beneficial bacteria to the gut. For people who have gut issues, where a healthy, probiotic-rich diet isn’t helping, supplements are an easy way to get your gut balance back on track. Probiotic supplements contain live bacteria. Once ingested, the number of helpful bacteria in the gut increases, helping to balance the microbiome. By deterring the bad bacteria, the gut can maintain the right acidity to encourage gut health.

Probiotic supplements

Probiotic supplements are generally considered safe. As probiotic bacteria already exist in the body naturally, supplement ingredients aren’t usually something to worry about. However, they don’t undergo rigorous testing because they’re classed as food rather than medicine. They may trigger certain allergic reactions or cause mild symptoms like bloating, stomach upset, and flatulence when you first start taking the supplements. When choosing supplements, keep in mind any allergies and aim for ones avoiding them, such as dairy-free supplements.

How to choose a probiotic supplement

Certain probiotic supplements may help with one symptom but not alleviate others. Before taking any supplements, consider talking to your doctor. They may perform tests to see if there are any serious underlying conditions.

Best sources of probiotic supplement

Probiotic supplements come in various forms – most commonly liquid, powder and capsules. Some research suggests that liquid supplements are the best form of a probiotic supplement because bacteria have a better chance of surviving in the gut if it is already live. Probiotic liquids have active bacteria that work immediately when taken. Some capsule and powder forms can take up to six hours to start acting in the gut.

The best probiotic supplements

There are a variety of supplements to suit different needs. The best source of probiotic supplements is based on the individual; there is no one-size-fits all treatment.

For complete recovery

If you’re interested in promoting gut, brain and sleep health, this complete 5-day recovery pack from The Good Mood Co is ideal. Each pack contains:

  • 5 doses of Good Morning – All About The Gut act as a powerful energiser, improving immunity and acting as a probiotic, prebiotic and natural collagen booster. Take one capsule before breakfast.
  • 5 doses of Brain Bottoms-Up – All About The Brain focuses on brain recovery by working on mental functions like memory, mood and focus. Take one capsule after breakfast.
  • 5 doses of Good Night – All About Sleep promote a good quality of sleep, reduction in stress and added relaxation. It is also full of anti-oxidants to normalise the function of the nervous system. Take one capsule 1 hour before bed.

These supplements come in capsule form and are plant-based, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and soy-free, making them suitable for those with allergies and dietary requirements.

5 day pack – £13.59. Each supplement can be purchased separately – £12.99 for a 10 day pack.

Vegan-friendly

If you need a vegan-friendly supplement, these Pro 5 capsules from healthspan are lactose and gelatin-free and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They contain five billion live bacteria, with added B12 vitamins to support your immune health. B12 has proven advantages in reducing fatigue and stabilising metabolism.

Take one to two capsules with water daily. Can be taken simultaneously or divided throughout the day (i.e. one in the morning and one in the evening).

90 capsules – £16.45

Excipient, binder and filler-free

The Saccharomyces Boulardii capsules from G&G Vitamins are a natural probiotic yeast supplement used to promote gut health. Each capsule contains 8 billion viable organisms and a generous measure of L-Glutamine too.

L-Glutamine is used in the production of a healthy gut lining. Together the two active ingredients may reduce gut inflammation support membrane repair and reduce other unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.

Suitable for vegans, these all-natural capsules are free from binders, fillers and excipients and only contain the active ingredients in a vegetable cellulose shell.  

You only need to take 1 capsule per day, with a 60-day supply costing a mere £24.90 or 42 pence per day.

Frequently asked questions

Do probiotic supplements survive stomach acid?

The stomach can be a harsh environment for supplements. For the live bacteria to colonise and benefit the gut, they must pass through the stomach alive. Some bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus, can survive stomach acid. Others may need to be taken with an enteric coating to act as a shield.

Who should take probiotic supplements?

There are different supplements for different needs, so look carefully at individual labels to find the best probiotic supplement to suit individuals. Some probiotic supplements aren’t suitable for children, so always read the label. Many brands will have child-friendly supplements, usually in a safe gummy form.

Individuals with serious medical conditions such as pancreatitis or who are severely immunosuppressed should avoid taking probiotic supplements. Always consult with a doctor if you have any conditions and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can you overdose on probiotic supplements?

It is not possible to overdose on probiotic supplements. Taking too many or increasing the dosage is generally safe, although may cause some symptoms like bloating or gas.

How often should I take a probiotic supplement?

Always read the label for the individual supplement advice. It is safe to take the recommended dose daily before eating your first meal, but this will be different depending on the supplement.

Best-selling probiotic supplements

Check out our list of best-selling probiotic supplements on Amazon.

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