One of the best supplements for gut health is probiotics, but with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are right for you? We want to share some helpful information about why probiotics are important and a few of the best probiotics for overall gut health!
What are probiotics & why are they important?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that reside in your gut, which requires a healthy balance of microflora to properly digest food, fight off immune attacks, and flush out toxins. They are necessary for a well-balanced diet because they support healthy absorption and breakdown of nutrients, as well as fortify the immune system. You can find probiotics in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, some yogurts, kombucha, and even pickles and pickle juice! While adding these to your diet is a smart choice, taking a supplement packs more of a punch and provides a more targeted blend of nutrients directly into the target site in the gut without getting destroyed by the harsh chemicals in the GI tract.
Who should take a probiotic supplement?
The great thing about probiotics is that everyone needs them, so anyone can benefit from taking a daily supplement. Specifically, those who have recently had a round (or several) of antibiotics, those with poor eating habits, drink a lot of alcohol, or really anyone looking to improve gut health should consider taking probiotic supplements. As always, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement!
Best Probiotics For Gut Health
Rooted Intuition Women’s Probiotic: Designed specifically for women, this blend of 2 strains offers support for a healthy, balanced vaginal pH and urinary tract. This particular probiotic was designed to support symptoms of yeast infections. It can be taken by mouth or even vaginally during acute outbreaks.
Rooted Intuition Probiotic + Saccharomyces: One of the best probiotics for gut health, Saccharomyces boulardii is a potent strain backed by BioShield® technology to ensure the product remains shelf stable while also providing consistent results in the gut microbiome. Saccharomyces boulardii increases immunoglobulin A (IgA) which targets invading pathogens in the gut. This probiotic also includes diverse strains of foundational microorganisms for overall gut health and wellness.
Thorne Bacillus Coagulans: Also known as Lactobacillus sporogenes, a strain that normally loses much of its potency moving through the stomach, this specific strain is unique because it is dormant in the bottle and resists stomach acids before becoming active in growing and strengthening the healthy bacteria in the gut.
Thorne FloraMend Prime Probiotic: This blend contains 3 powerful strains known for their weight management capabilities. It is ideal for those looking for ways to boost their immune system, improve digestive symptoms, and support weight management efforts.
Pure Encapsulations ProbioMood: The 2 strains in this supplement have been studied extensively for their effects on brain health, mood, stress management, and emotional health, an important link between proper gut health and cognitive function.
Gut Health Consultations at Towncrest Pharmacy
We take gut health very seriously- it’s connected to many other aspects of your health, including your immune function, inflammatory balance, and mental health! From poor gut health and chronic symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea, we can help you find relief through a comprehensive review and testing. We use a functional approach, looking at all aspects of your well-being before creating a customized plan for treatment.
Schedule a functional medicine consult regarding gut wellness, and let our experts guide you through a journey to better health! We can meet virtually or in person here at the pharmacy.
