With the world harboring a paradigm shift towards healthy living, new research suggests that probiotics may be the man’s new best friend especially to avoid gas and bloating. Everyone wants their bodies to be at their optimum at all times. Whether that means going for a jog, hitting the weights at the gym, or altering one’s diet, you may have tried everything for your bloating and gastritis. If you have yet to go into probiotics, then this guide is for you! We will go through all you need to know before making probiotics a permanent part of your lifestyle.
Let’s dive in and find the best-rated probiotics for gas and bloating!
Before that, if you are a health freak like us also read Best Digestive Drinks for Gut Health and Pique Tea Reviewed
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria and yeast that call your gut their home. They are perfect for your digestive system. Typically, we think of bacteria as villains in our life stories whose only motive is to make us sick and miserable. The truth is, bacteria, like humans, are both good and bad. Some may cause you to have a fever, but others help your body perform the tasks it needs.
This is all part of a microbe ecosystem in your body called the microbiome. Trillions of microbes in your body, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, make up probiotics. Each person, even identical twins, has a distinct and unique microbiome. In simple terms, your body is like a forest where many different species of animals live together to ensure that everything works well. Probiotics are helpful bacteria in this microbiome that work to keep your gut healthy. Natural foods like yogurt contain probiotics. They are also available in supplements to aid those with digestive distress, aka gas and bloating. The most beneficial form of probiotics is natural foods if you keep a healthy diet.
For a microbe to be labeled a probiotic, it should be able to:
- Survive in isolation from the human.
- Stay in the gut after being eaten.
- Safe to eat
- Have some health benefits for humans
How do Probiotics Work?
The exact way that probiotics work is still unclear. However, their health benefits are numerous and studied. The prime way probiotics help us is by maintaining a neutral environment in our body, i.e., keeping our microbiome the way it is supposed to be. Whenever there is an influx of harmful bacteria, this equilibrium is disturbed, making you feel unwell and sick. Probiotics help to reduce the harmful bacteria in the body, bringing back the balance that makes you feel better.
This process is taking place in your body all the time. You do not need to take additional supplements to make it happen. However, a healthy, rich diet ensures more probiotics. In cases where your body needs extra help, taking supplemental probiotics may be a good idea. Certain types of probiotics have the following benefits:
When antibiotics kill the good bacteria in the body and the bad ones, probiotics will help replenish the good bacteria population. They:
- help to maintain the natural balance of bacteria in the body, ensuring that your body keeps up its normal function.
- aid digestion
- create vitamins
- help in absorbing medication.
What causes bloating and gas in the stomach?
Bloating is caused when gas is built up in the gastrointestinal tract. It may cause discomfort and pain. The stomach may also look swollen and stiff and may feel painful to the touch. A heavy feeling of being full also characterizes it. Some people only get bloated sometimes, while for others, it is an everyday occurrence. Bloating may also come with excessive flatulence, frequent burping or belching, and abdominal rumbling. Bloating is common in people of all ages.
Best Probiotics for Gas and Bloating in 2024
Here are the best-rated probiotics for gas and bloating to buy. Read on to find the top options.
| PROBIOTICS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotics | 10/10 (Editor's Choice) | |
| DrFormulas Nexabiotic Probiotic | 9/10 | |
| MaryRuth’s Organic Liquid Probiotics | 8/10 | |
| NewRhythm Probiotics | 8/10 | |
| Garden of Life Women’s Probiotics | 7/10 |
Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotics
There is a reason for this probiotic gathering a staggering 100k reviews on Amazon. Not only do the reviews act as proof of its fantastic quality, but it is also best seller in probiotics.
This physician’s approved formula contains over ten different strains of probiotics, namely Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, along with 60 billion CFUs compared to the usual 50 billion. You heard it right!
Not only will it give you probiotics to better your health, but also it contains prebiotics to help said probiotics strive! This blend of organic probiotics and prebiotics will highly improve your digestive health, making it the best rated probiotic for gas and bloating. It is very safe for use, designed to survive the gut, and having been tested for purity and safety.
Another significant aspect of this probiotic is that it is shelf-stable – this means that you won’t have to store it in the refrigerator and won’t have to worry if the suppliers did so. This made-in-USA product is also safe from many allergens, including soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, shellfish, or preservatives.
From our own experience and that of those around us, this probiotic eliminate gas and bloating within days with no side effects!
DrFormulas Nexabiotic Probiotic
This is another best pick for those suffering from gas and bloating. While it is less concentrated than many competitors at 17.5 billion CFUs, it has the widest variety of probiotics strains. Different strains help with various problems. Therefore, this probiotic ensures that you get a wide range of beneficial probiotics to help your body stay at its optimum.
Perhaps the best quality of this probiotic is that they are available in stomach acid-resistant capsules. Probiotics hence get released in the gut, not destroyed by the stomach acid. You need not worry about storing this probiotic as it is shelf-stable; no refrigeration required! It is also allergen-free and vegetarian-friendly. How great is that!
Additionally, this probiotic is entirely safe, not only for adults but also for kids and infants. However, do consult your doctor before introducing it to a child. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should also consult their healthcare professionals. This capsule should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals, with the dosage ranging from 1 to 3 tablets a day. This product will reduce your gas and bloating within days and cause other health benefits within weeks too!
MaryRuth’s Organic Liquid Probiotics
Maryruth’s organic liquid probiotic may be a good fit for all those who have a hard time swallowing pills. It is not only an inconvenient liquid form, but also it is entirely flavorless so that you can add it to your smoothies or other beverages. This is especially useful when you want to add probiotics to the diets of your little ones. Yes, you can give this to your little ones and even your toddlers. Just make sure to take a doctor’s opinion first.
This is 100% organic and vegan for all health freaks, without most allergens, including gluten, wheat, corn, soy, and nuts. Despite being free from common allergens, it is made with a blend of three kinds of grass and may contain some ingredients that some people are allergic to. Just make sure to check out their ingredient listing.
It has over 12 probiotic strains and 10 million CFUs. All the probiotic strains included significantly aid the digestive system, leading to less bloating and gas. Another significant aspect of this probiotic is that it is made of soil-based probiotics and is heat resistant. It has a long shelf life and you won’t have to worry about refrigerating it. All in all, it is the best probiotic for men, women, or kids suffering from IBS!
NewRhythm Probiotics
NewRhythm probiotics have a potent formula with 50 billion CFUs. It also boasts 20 million strains of probiotics that are bound to improve your health significantly. This is especially great for those with digestive problems like gas and bloating or IBS. The strains included are L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. crispatus, L. Plantarum, L. paracasei, L. bulgaricus, L. reuteri, L. casei, L. salivarius, L. helveticus, L. gasseri, B. lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, B. breve, B. adolescentis, B. infantis, B. longum, Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus acidilactici, Streptococcus thermophiles.
This product has pills that only release their effects when they reach the intestines. This means that they will not be dissolved in stomach acid and will prove helpful to your health. The drugs are entirely safe to use and vegan! These pills do not have to be refrigerated; you should keep them in a cool, dry place. According to the manufacturer, you should take two pills a day. However, people may experience diarrhea initially due to its high potency. Therefore, it is best to start with a lower dose and build your way up. This company is so sure of their product that they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is the best probiotic for both men and women alike!
Garden of Life Women’s Probiotics
For all the women suffering from gas and bloating or IBS in general, this probiotic is the best one for women. It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria specifically for digestive health. Not only does it prevent 16 different strains of probiotics, but it also has 50 billion CFUs. We suggest this probiotic to women because it contains L. reuteri and L. fermentum for your vaginal health. The company recommends a capsule per day.
The probiotic is shelf-stable and requires no special refrigeration. Moreover, it is free of common allergens like gluten, soy, and dairy. Not only that, but it is also completely vegan! You can take this supplement with or without food, at your convenience. This product is intended for adults only, so do not feed it to your young ones! All women need to try this highly-rated probiotic in their lives.
Where do probiotics (microbes) live in the body?
Many organs of the body have beneficial microbes. They are most abundantly and commonly found in the gut. They are also present in areas that have direct contact with the outside world. These include
- Gut.
- Mouth.
- Vagina.
- Urinary tract.
- Skin.
- Lungs.
Do Probiotics help with medical conditions?
A lot of research has pointed to probiotics helping with a series of diseases. However, a lot more research is needed to say anything for sure. People with medical conditions may benefit from probiotics. But this is different for every individual since we all have a diverse microbiome.
Despite this, some probiotics help to stop digestive diseases like diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some other illnesses that probiotics conclusively help with are yeast infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease, lactose intolerance, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and sepsis (specifically in infants).
How can I increase the good probiotics in my body?
You can take probiotics through some foods, beverages, or dietary supplements. You may not even realize that you are already taking probiotics in your food. Most fermented foods are a good source of probiotics. You can take probiotic-rich foods at any time of the day. Some great sources of probiotics are yogurt, fermented pickles, sourdough bread, cottage cheese, kimchi, and miso soup. If you ever want to find any specific food item rich in probiotics, find the term “active and live cultures” on the labels.
Another great way to increase your probiotics supply is through some beverages. These can be taken at any point of the day too. Some of these are kombucha (fermented tea) or kefir (fermented dairy drink). It is a good rule of thumb to consider that most fermented foods and beverages will have probiotics.
Dietary supplements will also help you increase your probiotic population. Keep in mind that these are not drugs, so they do not have to be approved by the FDA. Therefore, before making any dietary supplement a staple part of your diet, you should consult your doctor.
Even though probiotics are great for your health and immune system, balance is still key to health. It would help if you kept in mind balance while creating meals for yourself. They should have probiotic foods but don’t overdo it.
How to take a probiotic supplement?
Probiotic supplements are available in a variety of forms. They may be known as foods, drinks, pills, capsules, or syrups. You can take it at any time of the day without any issue. You may also want to combine them with prebiotics. Prebiotics are ‘food’ for the good bacteria, allowing them to flourish, grow and maintain a healthy microbiome in your body. Prebiotics include inulin, pectin, and resistant starches. A synbiotic is a supplement that contains both probiotics and prebiotics.
How effective are probiotics?
Probiotics seem to be very beneficial for your body. We are sure that they help. We are just not sure of how much. Constant research is taking place to determine the extent of effectiveness of probiotics and their recommended dosage etc. Many studies with positive results make us feel hopeful. However, more research is still needed to have conclusive results.
Probiotics are sold as supplements and therefore do not need approval; by the FDA. Companies ensure that their probiotics are safe, but we have to take their word for it. Consequently, you should always consult your doctor before taking a probiotic supplement. If you are on any permanent medication, probiotics may interact with them negatively. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be careful when taking these supplements. A doctor’s opinion becomes essential in that scenario.
How should I store my probiotics?
Many probiotics have specific instructions for their storage. Keep them away from extreme conditions of heat or light and even oxygen in some cases. According to the specific requirements, they may be kept in vacuum containers or refrigerated at a particular temperature. Following the given instructions ensures that your probiotics will provide you the benefit that they intended without leaving anything out. Always read the label of your probiotics to get these necessary instructions. Also, please keep an eye out for expiration dates too. Never use a product past its expiration date!
How safe are probiotics?
Probiotics are generally considered very safe for use. This is because they are naturally present in your body. Therefore, they are not foreign or manmade substances that would be harmful. However, they may trigger allergic reactions in some people, especially those with a weakened immune system.
People who are undergoing chemotherapy, on immunosuppressive medication, have recently undergone surgery should not be given prebiotics without a doctor’s approval. Care should also be taken while providing prebiotics to infants who are already sick. Even though probiotics are excellent for treating digestive distress like gas and bloating, they may cause gas and bloating themselves the first few days. (ironic, isn’t it?) Sweat not, for these symptoms will subside once your body gets used to these supplements.
Do probiotics have side effects?
Probiotics are generally very safe for use. They do not cause any harm or issues for healthy people. They are often given to people to see what health benefits they would provide in certain conditions. To determine when and how prebiotics should be used, scientists have conducted a lot of research. Probiotics do not have any significant side effects, to name. However, some people should be careful with the usage of probiotics, especially those who have a suppressed immune system. If you have any medical conditions or are taking heavy medication, consult your doctor before taking probiotics. Some risks, although rare, may exist. Listed below are a few of them You may develop:
- An infection.
- Resistance to antibiotics.
- Harmful byproducts from the probiotic supplement.
What is the best time to take probiotics?
You may have wondered what the most suitable time to take probiotics is usually on an empty stomach. Even though most brands say that you can take them anytime, but doctors recommend early morning, an hour before a meal, or right before you sleep.
Conclusion:
Considering adding probiotics to your diet? Now you know all you need! We hope you find the best probiotics for gas and bloating for YOU! Leave us a comment and tell us your experience.
Source:
Mechanisms of probiotic actions–a review