The Best Digestive Health Supplement

Buying Guide

If you’re having stomach issues, a digestive health supplement might just be your savior. Digestive health supplements, also sometimes referred to as probiotics, are live, good-for-you bacteria that, among other things, help send food through your digestive system and contribute to digestive health and wellness.Your body is full of bacteria — both good and bad — and having the right balance is the key to optimal human health. You can up the amount of good bacteria in your gut through fermented food, like yogurt or kimchi, or through supplements (or both).

Supplements are the most reliable way to get good bacteria into your gastrointestinal system. Health coach and registered dietitian Jessica Cording says that while you can obtain probiotics through fermented foods, supplements are recommended to cover gaps in the diet and reliably address health concerns.

Cording says they can address health concerns like diarrhea, constipation or bloating, and some practitioners may recommend them to support other treatments for specific conditions. Having the right combination of gut bacteria is linked to several health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, enhanced immune systems and even healthier skin.

Probiotics come from different sources. Check the label on your probiotic supplement if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. For example, some supplements are vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free. However, others may contain animal products and is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians or those with seafood allergies. Always do your research before you buy.

Probiotic supplements are also recommended when someone is on antibiotics.

“Those medications kill the bad bacteria but also the good, so supplementing probiotics helps repopulate the GI tract with the beneficial bacteria,” Cording says.

As you browse the shelves at your local pharmacy or health food store, you can find probiotic supplements in a variety of forms. Consider probiotic powders, liquid and capsule supplements and consider ease of use when choosing which form to buy.

Powders and liquids can be added to juices or smoothies for an added health boost. The odorless Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Powder, for example, is easily added to foods and beverages with a neutral taste and minimal impact on flavor. Some reviewers noted a strange taste and smell, but the company assures that any flavored food or beverage will mask that. Fruity smoothies, in particular, do a great job at hiding not-so-great flavors, so make sure to add a scoop of probiotics into your blender the next time you whip one up.

Capsules, on the other hand, can be taken anywhere, anytime. That makes them great for the health-conscious but always-on-the-go consumer. You can take your daily dose before you rush out the door in the morning, or keep a stash in your office. This form of supplement is the ultimate convenience.

• Always consult your doctor before trying a probiotic supplement, no matter how good-for-you one sounds. It’s important to understand how specific strains will impact you, and sometimes they can have unpleasant side effects. Your primary care doctor will be able to look at your past and present ailments and point you towards the best supplement for your body.
• When you’re not using your supplements, store them in a cool, dry place. Some supplements require refrigeration, so be sure to check the instructions on the packaging before storing.
• Capsules are great for traveling. If you’re headed on a trip but want to make sure your health is in tip-top shape, consider opting for a capsule probiotic supplement like the ones from MAV Nutrition or Onnit. Other supplements come with individually packaged servings, so you can easily tuck them into your suitcase.
• Some strains of probiotics are heart-healthy. They can lower your body’s blood pressure and LDL, also known has bad cholesterol, by breaking down bile in your gastrointestinal system.
• If you have allergies, you may be in luck. Try a probiotic supplement. Some strains may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
• Price is always a factor when considering a new purchase. But keep ingredients in mind, too, and make sure you’re getting a healthy supplement for your money. Compare different brands to find the best bang for your buck, and ask your doctor for tips to help you along the way. Often the less processed probiotic supplements are the least costly. That’s why the liquid versions are a more affordable pick.
• Consider ease of use when selecting your probiotic supplement. If you like to drink healthy smoothies or shakes for breakfast, a powder formula may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer grab-and-go options, choose a capsule supplement. Sustainable supplement habits depend on your lifestyle.
• Losing weight is often associated with taking probiotic supplements since they help with digestion and promote regular bowel movements. Reviewers like the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Supplement for that reason. It contains a hefty amount of protein with very little calories, making the powder a great addition to a post-workout shake to replace your usual protein powder.
• Some supplements offer health benefits beyond those related to probiotics. For example, some supplements offer gluten sensitivity, enhanced mental clarity, and a strengthened immune function.
• There are different types of probiotic strains that each come with different benefits. The most common probiotic strain is called Lactobacillus, which is the type often found in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi. Cording says each type does something slightly different, so having a variety of strains in your supplement allows you to cover more bases. Look for a supplement that has five strains of probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes to protect against all your digestion woes.
• Government regulation of probiotics in the U.S. is complex. Some supplements are FDA approved, while many are not and they’re sold as dietary supplements, which do not require FDA approval before they are marketed.  All of our favorites in this list have a disclaimer saying the statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
• Being inundated with a cold is never fun. And who has time for that? Definitely not you. Probiotics to the rescue! Probiotics can help boost your immune system and some have been shown to promote the production of your body’s natural cold-fighting antibodies.
• Look at ingredients to get the highest-quality supplement. If eating organic is important to you, the MAV Nutrition Probiotics + Prebiotics Supplement is a good choice because it contains all organic components.
• Probiotic supplements are generally considered safe by health experts because they already exist naturally in the body. But they could cause side effects, especially within the first few days of taking them. Those could include allergic reactions, mild stomach upset, diarrhea, and bloating.
• Probiotics can improve some mental health issues. Research shows that taking probiotics may help to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress.
• While you might find them on the same shelf at the store, prebiotics are not the same as probiotics. Prebiotics don’t actually contain bacteria. They are nondigestible food components from foods like bananas, onions, garlic, beans, and more. Prebiotic fiber travels through the small intestine undigested and is then fermented when it reaches the large colon. The fermentation process feeds beneficial bacteria colonies (like probiotics) and helps to increase the amount of good-for-you bacteria in your GI tract. The supplement from MAV Nutrition has both prebiotics and probiotics that work together.