9 Best Probiotics For Optimal Gut Health
Add this helpful supplement to your routine for better digestion and other health benefits.
When you hear the term bacteria, you probably think of something bad. However, all bacteria are not harmful, which includes the best probiotics for optimal gut health.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial for your digestive system. From aiding the digestion process and alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms to boosting immunity and improving mood, there are numerous health benefits women can experience from probiotics.
One of the most popular types of dietary supplements, sales of these supplements continue to rise each year. In fact, it’s projected that probiotic supplement sales will exceed $64 billion by 2023.
Probiotics can be found in certain types of food and dietary supplements. Because there are so many different probiotic dietary supplements available, we’ve helped narrow it down below.
What are the best probiotics for optimal gut health?
- Best overall probiotic for gut health : Omnit Total GUT HEALTH with Probiotics
- Best started probiotic for gut health : Hers Start Women’s Probiotic
- Best women’s daily probiotic for gut health : Athena Club Daily Probiotic
- Best single strand probiotic for gut health : Organixx ProBiotixx+
- Best keto-friendly probiotic for gut health : SkinnyFit Belly Balance
- Best for probiotic depletion : Pure Essence Labs PureBiotics Maxima
- Best probiotic for gut health and IBS : BioOptimizers P3-OM
- Best probiotic for gut health, mood, and stress reduction : Natural Stacks Moodbiotic
- Best budget probiotic for gut health : Akasha Naturals Flora Plus Probiotcs
How to Use Probiotics
While probiotics are simple to take, there are certain directions you should follow for optimal results.
To start with, only take the recommended dosage outlined on the label. Each probiotic will vary in dosing recommendations due to its ingredients.
Pay close attention to when the probiotic should be taken. For instance, some probiotics should be taken within 30 minutes of a meal, whereas other probiotics can be taken at any time. Some probiotics can be taken just before going to sleep at night.
As a general rule, though, probiotics are most effective when they’re taken on an empty stomach, regardless of the time of day recommended. It’s also important to maintain consistency when taking probiotics, as this will increase the potential health benefits. This means taking it daily and around the same time.
In addition, you must store the dietary supplement correctly. Some require refrigeration, while others are shelf-stable. You also need to give the probiotic time to work. Don’t expect overnight results. It’s recommended to use probiotics for at least a month before deciding whether they are effective or not.
Should I use a probiotic every day?
Ideally, a daily probiotic supplement can help maintain balance within the gut, improve immune health, support digestive health and help your overall physical health. This is because the daily probiotic will help balance the good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract, reducing the stomach issues you have as a result of an unhealthy diet, certain medications, travel, stress and other everyday factors.
However, consult with a healthcare professional first.
Do probiotics for gut health really work?
The simple answer is yes. The complicated and more in-depth answer is it depends. Ultimately, the best probiotics for gut health do really work, as long as you are taking a one that contains ingredients backed by scientific research. Research has shown that different types of probiotics can target ISB symptoms, gut flora imbalances, constipation, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain and related symptoms.
How fast will I see results?
When it comes to seeing results from the best probiotics for gut health, it’s important to keep in mind that every single person and body is different. While your neighbor may experience the benefits after a few days or a week, it may take a month for you to notice the results.
The reason for taking probiotics may play a role as well, as it takes time for the good bacteria to positively impact the gut. Therefore, if you’re taking it to relieve digestive upset or constipation, it may take a little longer than if you were simply taking it to promote good digestive health overall.
Can anyone take probiotics?
It’s always recommended to consult with your primary care physician to ensure it is a good idea for you to take probiotics. In general, probiotics are completely safe, but individuals with certain conditions should not take them.
Why should you take probiotics on an empty stomach?
The more food you consume, the more stomach acid and digestive enzymes are secreted by the stomach. At the same time, the more food you eat, the longer it takes for that food to move successfully through the stomach.
It can take approximately four or five hours for this process to complete. So, when you take the probiotic around a heavy meal, it has to deal with the stomach acid longer before it gets to the intestine, reducing its effects.
Prebiotics vs Probiotics
Many people use the terms prebiotics and probiotics interchangeably, but they are two completely different things. Put simply, probiotics are good bacteria, and prebiotics are food for those good bacteria.
Probiotics are live bacteria that offer numerous health benefits. Prebiotics are substances like fiber that the body can’t digest, so the good bacteria in the gut will eat them.
Ultimately, both work together to support the proper balance of bacteria in the gut and an overall digestive system.
How do the best probiotics for gut health work?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer impressive health benefits to the person taking them. While this is a broad definition, it’s because probiotics can work on different parts of the body and help improve a variety of health conditions. However, probiotics are primarily known to help improve the digestive system.
Now, the way probiotics work is by replacing the good bacteria in your body that you lose. This often happens after you take antibiotics. Probiotics also help to create a bacterial balance to ensure your body remains healthy and functioning as it should.
The best probiotics for gut health can also discourage the growth of pathogens by producing certain acids, improving the gut environment as a whole. They also support the cells along the lining of the gut and aid in the absorption of important vitamins and minerals.
How to Choose a Probiotic for Your Needs
As you begin to select a probiotic for yourself, you may feel overwhelmed due to the large selection of probiotic supplements available on the market. This can leave you feeling uncertain as to which product would be best for you as an individual.
As you begin your research and search for the most ideal probiotic, understand that all probiotics are not created equally. They are each formulated to provide various outcomes. So, while one may work well for your best friend, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll have the same effects for you, as you both may be seeking different health outcomes.
When choosing one of the best probiotics for gut health, make sure the company follows best practices like third-party lab testing, as this will lead you toward high-quality supplements. Further, you should ideally choose a probiotic supplement that contains at least several billion live colony-forming units (CFUs). The CFUs you need will differ from one condition to another, but if you don’t get enough, the results may not be what you expect.
You also need to pay attention to the strains in the supplement. Each strain is designed to target different conditions. Therefore, you want to find a probiotic supplement that contains the strains for your individual health needs. For this reason, many people choose to use a probiotic with multiple strains so they’re able to target multiple areas of the body.
In the end, make sure to pay attention to the strain as well as the condition you are wanting to treat, as it all must be aligned to be effective.
Want more? See our other probiotic shopping recommendations:
Best Probiotics For Gut Health
Omnit Total GUT HEALTH with Probiotics
Best overall probiotic for gut health
Buy from Onnit, starting at $64.52
Why we like it:
- Evidence-backed ingredients
- Aids in immune health
- More than just a probiotic (includes prebiotics and digestive enzymes)
Total GUT HEALTH with Probiotics was created by Onnit, a health and supplement company founded in 2010 with a strong reputation. Most of the company’s products hold certifications from organizations like UTZ and the Rainforest Alliance, which means they strive to create eco-friendly and overall safe products.
About the Supplement
Onnit Total GUT HEALTH contains digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, betaine hydrochloride and numerous natural extracts, creating a comprehensive approach to a healthy digestive tract. It’s designed to promote a healthy gut flora, improve nutrient absorption, increase your digestion ability and improve the immune system. In the end, you not only have a healthy gut, but you also have an overall healthier you.
Onnit Total GUT HEALTH is perfect for people who are constantly on the go and want to avoid taking an entire bottle of supplements with them. Since these supplements are pre-packaged in individual servings, it’s easy to throw a couple of packages in your purse, keep them in your vehicle’s glove box or even stash a package or two in your wallet.
What Customers Say
Customers rave about Onnit Total GUT HEALTH. They love that it’s easy to take (despite there being seven capsules!) and it doesn’t taste bad. Customers also report that it doesn’t result in an upset stomach like some other supplements. Customers also love that Onnit has a 90-day return policy as well as live customer support that typically responds quickly.
Things to know:
- Each serving is 7 capsules
Hers Start Women’s Probiotic
Best started probiotic for gut health
Why we like it:
- Science-backed ingredients
- Formulated specifically for women
- No aftertaste or bad smell
If you’re looking for a way to get a jump start on your overall health, this best probiotic for gut health is just what you need. Hers is a company that focuses on providing people with safe and effective ways to improve their health using ingredients that are backed by science. The company is known as one of the fastest-growing brands in the direct-to-consumer industry.
About the Supplement
Because the Start Women’s Probiotic from Hers is made specifically for women, the supplement targets some of the most important concerns women have, including gut health, mental health, urinary tract, immune system and more.
It’s formulated with eight different probiotic and prebiotic strains, yeast and microflora to support the entire body from the inside out. Start serves as a foundation for the rest of the Hers supplement line.
What Customers Say
Customers are very impressed with Start from Hers. They’re happy to report that the supplement doesn’t have a bad odor to it or a terrible aftertaste. Many customers like that the supplements come in a glass jar. They report that the probiotic improves stomach cramps, bloating, digestion, overall health and more.
Things to know:
- Contains tree nuts (coconut)
Athena Club Daily Probiotic
Best women's daily probiotic for gut health
Why we like it:
- Made with live cultures
- No synthetic fillers
- Contains 32 billion CFUs
Founded in 2017, Athena Club is a company that believes it is possible to create women-focused self-care products at a high standard. The company offers a little bit of everything — supplements, tampons, razors, and lotions, all of which are natural, clean and sustainable.
Athena Club has been mentioned in numerous media outlets, such as Forbes, Allure, BuzzFeed and Refinery29. The company has also donated more than one million period-related products worldwide.
About the Supplement
The Athena Club Daily Probiotic is a daily probiotic supplement designed specifically for women. It’s made with four probiotic strains to help improve overall female wellness, vaginal health and digestive health. From gut issues and intestinal health to vaginal health and improved mood, this supplement is the ultimate daily probiotic for women.
What Customers Say
Customers love what Athena Club is all about and report that the customer service team is quick to respond to issues and effective at solving problems. Many customers report a difference after taking the Daily Probiotic for only a day or two. They say this supplement has really helped with bloating and digestion. Further, it’s reported that the capsules are easy to swallow and have no taste.
Things to know:
- Returns not accepted
Organixx ProBiotixx+
Best single strand probiotic for gut health
Why we like it:
- Evidence-backed all-natural ingredients
- High in antioxidants and enzymes
- Designed to start working immediately
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Nevada, Organixx is a supplement company that strives to help people become their healthiest and stay that way. Using high-quality and pure ingredients, Organixx is dedicated to helping people reach their overall health goals.
About the Supplement
ProBiotixx+ contains a single strand of the probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum, although it’s considered a super strain. This strain is one of the most commonly used and is well known for its health benefits, including both gut and cardiovascular health. Organixx claims that the probiotic strain will double every 20 minutes as soon as it makes contact with the foods in your stomach.
In addition to just being a strain of probiotics, Lactobacillus Plantarum is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-obesity properties. It can also help lower cholesterol levels and has shown resistance to common antibiotics.
Further, the formula contains resveratrol to help with the promotion of radiant, youthful skin and antioxidants for an improved immune system. It also helps to increase energy levels, generates regular bowel movements, supports a well-functioning brain and simply results in a healthier digestive system.
What Customers Say
Customers are happy with ProBiotixx+, as it helps keep them regular. Many customers report little to no side effects, which is welcoming news to them since they have had terrible side effects with other probiotic supplements.
Things to know:
- Only contains one probiotic strain
SkinnyFit Belly Balance
Best keto-friendly probiotic for gut health
Why we like it:
- All-natural ingredients
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- Helps curb cravings
Founded in 2016 with headquarters located in Denver, Colorado, SkinnyFit is a popular health and wellness company that offers a variety of products to help people reach a healthier weight, maintain their body and simply look and feel better overall. Primarily known for its SkinnyFit Detox Tea, the company offers other products that can help cleanse and detoxify the body from within.
About the Supplement
SkinnyFit claims their Belly Balance dietary supplement can promote healthy digestion, calm bloating, relieve stomach discomfort, regulate bowel movements, support a strong immune system and help contribute to an overall healthier gut.
Two capsules should be taken per day. It’s recommended for the probiotic to be taken with a full glass of water and in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
For people on the Keto diet and trying to limit their intake of carbs each day, the Belly Balance is ideal since it contains 0 grams of carbs.
What Customers Say
Many women report that they’re now able to eat foods that they once were unable to consume due to their digestion issues. Customers report reduced bloating and gas and an improved overall digestion process. Some women report that the probiotic has helped them shed excess weight.
Things to know:
- A healthy diet and exercise regimen is needed for optimal results
Pure Essence Labs PureBiotics Maxima
Best for probiotic depletion
Buy from Pure Essence, starting at $56.84
Why we like it:
- Supports severe probiotic depletion
- Supports healthy digestion and immune health
- Delayed-release vegan capsules
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Pure Essence Labs was founded in 1998 by Jery Cochern who was searching for a natural cure for cancer. Instead, he fell in love with Eastern disciplines, inspiring him to use herbs with modern supplements and create health products that are pure and holistic. The company strives to produce health and wellness products that contain only the highest quality ingredients.
About the Supplement
Purebiotics Maxima contains 15 different strains of probiotics with up to 100 billion active cultures in each capsule. This supplement is designed to help people who are suffering from severe probiotic depletion. Some of the most common signs of probiotic depletion include digestive or bowel issues, frequent diarrhea or constipation, impaired immunity system, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and allergies.
What Customers Say
There are limited customer reviews available on the website and online, but overall, it seems that customers are pleased with this probiotic. In addition to improved digestion, some have reported improved acid reflux symptoms.
Things to know:
- A healthy diet and regular exercise are needed for the best results
BioOptimizers P3-OM
Best probiotic for gut health and IBS
Buy from BiOptimizers, starting at $51
Why we like it:
- Patented probiotic with natural, safe ingredients
- Improves digestion, immunity, mental clarity and sleep
- Increases energy and muscle strength
Based in Reno, Nevada, BiOptimizers was founded in 2004 by Wade Lightheart and Matt Gallant. As fitness trainers, the two men were helping people transform their health and bodies long before they formed this business. Their passion is to create best-in-class formulas with researched, effective ingredients.
About the Supplement
BiOptimizers P3-OM probiotic supplement contains ingredients like Lactobacillus Plantarum that will help with your immune system, digestive tract, gluten and lactose intolerance, diarrhea, IBS, acid reflux, depression, mood and more. Other natural ingredients in P3-OM are stabilized rice bran and vegetable capsules.
What Customers Say
Most customers report their satisfaction with P3-O. They report that it is a safe and effective probiotic supplement with no serious side effects. Many customers say they notice a difference in their system within only a few days of taking the product regularly. One reason customers choose this particular probiotic is that it is patented. Many customers move on to take more products offered by BiOptimizers.
Things to know:
- Not for those with serious medical conditions
Natural Stacks Moodbiotic
Best probiotic for gut health, mood, and stress reduction
Buy from Natural Stacks, $17.98 (was $22.47)
Why we like it:
- Natural Stack sources all ingredients
- Traceable ingredients and full label disclosure
- Incredibly affordable
Founded in 2013, Natural Stacks is a health supplement company that focuses on providing products that will improve overall brain health, mental performance and mood. Natural Stacks works off the idea that you should stack your health supplements so you have a regimen tailored specifically for your individual health needs rather than attempting — and failing — to find everything you need in one single supplement.
Natural Stacks is an open-source company, which means they provide ingredient traceability, third-party lab testing, and full label disclosure on all offered products. They ensure each manufactured batch is pure.
About the Supplement
Although MoodBiotic may be primarily advertised to help with mood and stress, it’s also an effective probiotic to improve gut health and digestion. This is because research has shown that there’s a connection between the gut-brain connection and various aspects of cognition like memory, mood, and brain health. So, with MoodBiotic, you have the potential to support both your brain and your gut at the very same time.
This best probiotic for gut health supplement contains four premium probiotic strains that work together and is great for both women and men.
What Customers Say
Customers report that Natural Stacks MoodBiotic works quickly and efficiently. Some report that they have become more productive after taking these supplements.
Things to know:
- The bottle may only last half the month if two capsules are taken per day
Akasha Naturals Flora Plus Probiotcs
Best budget probiotic for gut health
Buy from Akasha Naturals, $46.75
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- Science-backed ingredients
- 2 months of serving in one bottle
Akasha Naturals was founded in 2022 and is based in Santa Monica, California. The company focuses on creating products that will address the entire body, mind and spirit through a multidisciplinary approach.
About the Supplement
Flora Plus Probiotics contains a minimum of 15 different strains of organisms that have been researched and proven to be effective at balancing bacteria in the gut, improving immunity, boosting energy, preventing constipation and improving overall mental and physical well-being. Each probiotic strain is individually tested for acid tolerance, which ensures its potency.
Ingredients in the supplement are GMO-free and 100% natural and are consistently tested for purity.
What Customers Say
Unfortunately, it was very difficult to find customer reviews on this particular product, especially outside of the company’s website. However, it does seem that customers are happy with Akasha Naturals overall.
Things to know:
- Little to no customer reviews available outside of the website
How We Chose Our Winners
We took the time to research and fact-check each brand and the best probiotic for gut health supplement that it offers. We used the following factors as a frame of reference when compiling our list:
- Reputation: We made sure that each probiotic listed was created by a company with a long-standing reputation.
- Ingredients: We looked for only probiotic supplements that were created using high-quality and clean ingredients.
- Supported by Research: We looked at companies that were dedicated to research and creating products that have been proven to help with certain conditions.
- Customer Reviews: We examined customer reviews to ensure previous users of the product were happy with the probiotic and its results, as well as the brand itself.
- Personal Needs: Regardless of whether you need a specific strain for a certain condition or follow a Keto diet, there are options included to suit a variety of preferences and needs.
Conclusion
Probiotics are dietary supplements that are generally safe for consumption and offer a wide variety of potential health benefits for the user. While there is still plenty of research to be done on the gut, different probiotic strains, etc., the benefits are there for taking a probiotic supplement.
Prior to choosing your probiotic, though, don’t forget to determine why you want to take it. Improve IBS symptoms? Reduce stomach upset? Promote a healthy digestive tract? By choosing a probiotic that is right for your goal, you can improve your end results.
As with any supplement, it is recommended to speak with your primary care doctor before starting any new medicine.
Ideally, a healthy, well-balanced gut is the foundation to good overall health, and the right probiotic can send you down the right path toward optimal wellness.
