The bacteria in your gut have a huge impact on your health and well-being. They affect how well you digest food, absorb nutrients, the strength of your immune system, and the health of your small intestine and colon, and that barely scratches the surface. The importance of probiotics for supporting gut health cannot be overstated. The bacteria in your gut are a community and there are many types, or strains, of bacteria that make up that community. Here we'll take a look at the eighteen best probiotic strains for supporting gut health.
Streptococcus thermophilus promotes healthy tissue in the small intestine.[1] It discourages nitrates, like those in spinach and celery from turning into harmful nitrites.
Bacillus laterosporus is a hearty strain that fights many types of harmful organisms, including candida.
Undigested food can rot in your gut; Pediococcus acidilactici helps put a stop to it. It also helps keep harmful organisms from damaging the gut environment.[2]
Bifidobacterium breve is essential for colon health, especially if you’ve taken antibiotics. Many digestive concerns coincide with low levels of B. breve.
Bifidobacterium infantis supports the digestive system by releasing an acid that keeps harmful organisms from taking hold. It’s especially helpful for people suffering from digestive ailments or occasional constipation.[3]
Bifidobacterium bifidum is a household name in probiotic strains (if there is such a thing). It keeps unwanted bacteria out, eases digestion, and boosts the immune system. It plays an important role in immune function and allergy response; and encourages normal, healthy looking skin.[4]
Bifidobacterium lactis neutralizes gliadin, the wheat protein responsible for gluten sensitivity. Gliadin also damages the intestinal lining and can cause leaky gut.
Bifidobacterium longum helps keep acid levels balanced. It’s especially helpful for anyone taking antibiotics.
Lactobacillus acidophilus supports digestion, particularly lactose digestion, and boosts the immune system.
Helping out on both ends, Lactobacillus brevis is soothing to both oral and colon tissue.[5]
Lactobacillus bulgaricus creates natural antibiotics in your gut that fight invading organisms. It also releases acids that neutralize toxins and promote balance.
Lactobacillus casei supports digestion, the immune system, and soothes the bowels.[6]
Lactobacillus gasseri supports digestion, balanced blood sugar, and encourages a normal body weight.[7]
Lactococcus lactis helps digestion and encourages a normal gut environment, especially helping to defend against leaky gut.
Lactobacillus plantarum produces L. lysine, an amino acid that supports calcium absorption, hormone production, and boosts the immune system. It’s often used as a remedy for bowel disorders.
Lactobacillus paracasei helps with fatigue, protects teeth from cavities, and many people also report it lessens the impact of environmental sensitivities.
Generally cited for promoting a happy and healthy gut environment, Lactobacillus rhamnosus also has a reputation for helping with UTIs by kick-starting antibodies and boosting the immune system.
Lactobacillus salivarius fights unwanted microbes in the mouth and the small intestine. It’s considered essential for oral health. This strain, as do many, thrives when provided with prebiotic foods like banana, barley, tomatoes, and garlic.
Length: 2 minutes
There are many ways to add probiotics to your life, but relatively few that provide multiple strains. An advanced probiotic formula, such as Global Healing's Ultimate Probiotic combines many of the best probiotic strains into one source.
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