How to Choose the Best Probiotic Supplement

The term probiotics refers to the mixture of yeast and good bacteria that live naturally in our bodies. Unlike harmful bacteria, which can cause illness and infection, probiotics help keep our body systems balanced, fighting bad bacteria, supporting gut health, reproductive health, and more. The two primary ways to increase the amount of good bacteria contained in probiotics are through dietary sources and probiotics supplements. Wondering how to choose the best probiotic supplement? Here’s how to pick.

Benefits of Probiotics

A large body of research suggests that probiotics may have health benefits across body systems. The vast majority of probiotics in our body reside in the gut, and many of the key benefits of probiotics are related to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and supporting digestive health.

However, research also indicates that probiotics offer potential health benefits beyond the gut. Probiotics may also help lower inflammation, boost immune function, fight inflammation, help digestion, promote urinary tract health, and promote overall wellbeing. And in women, probiotics help promote a healthy vaginal microbiome as well.

Sources of Probiotics

Dietary sources rich in probiotics are often certain fermented foods and beverages. Foods that contain probiotics include:

• Yogurt
• Sauerkraut
• Cottage cheese
• Miso soup
• Kimchi
• Fermented pickles
• Tempeh
• Sourdough bread

Some people find it easier to increase their dietary intake of probiotics through beverages. There are a few to choose from if you’re looking for probiotics. Some of the best sources are:

• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Buttermilk

But people struggle to get probiotics through diet or may simply want to increase their probiotic intake beyond what they can accomplish through diet alone. That’s where probiotic supplements come in. But probiotics are part of a vast product category that offers gut support. For some, this makes it difficult to know the right probiotic supplement for you.

If you feel overwhelmed, you’ve likely wondered how to choose the best probiotic supplement. Knowing the function of some of the most common probiotic strains found in probiotic supplements is helpful.