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What Are Probiotics?
You’ve been hearing about them everywhere. From kombucha to supplements, the word “probiotic” is one we just can’t seem to get away from… and perhaps with good reason. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that have beneficial effects on your body.” Many people are taking supplements of probiotics, which serve two primary functions: to add to the existing supply of “friendly microbes” your body has and to fight the ones that are “less friendly.”
Who Should Use Probiotics?
Probiotics are often used by people who are seeking to have an overall healthy body and lifestyle. It is often recommended people with gut issues take probiotic supplements to get their overall microbiome in a healthier place, which can also help overall immunity. If you have any questions if probiotics are right for you, we recommend speaking with a physician.
How to Choose a Probiotic for Women
As are most things related to women, there are special considerations for choosing the best thing for you. Women’s probiotic supplements often can help support other functions outside of gut health and immunity, such as vaginal health. We recommend looking at a few different things, which we’ll explain below, to help you choose the best supplement for your unique body.
Pick the right strain
Perhaps one of the most important things you can do when selecting a probiotic is the strain. Don’t be grossed out, but the whole thing with probiotics is that they are a bacteria or a yeast. Gross-sounding, I know, but your body loves them! The main types you’ll see are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii (which is actually a yeast). There are many strains (think of it like a species) available, typically targeting a different type of health concern. For example, IBS can be targeted by Escherichia coli. This website is a great resource when identifying the right strain for your specific condition.
Opt for a combination of strains for general wellbeing
If you’re just looking to stay well, perhaps a combination of the above strains is what’s best for you. Well-roundedness is always a great thing & frankly, a great place to start when it comes to probiotics.
Pay attention to the CFU count
CFU, or colony forming units, are important when it comes to selection of products. They indicate the number of viable cells, which is a fancy science way to say how much of the live microbes are capable of forming colonies. The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebioticis (ISAPP) considers a daily dose of one billion CFU to be the minimum effective amount (unless backed by clinical research for the product), so ensure your chosen CFU is higher than this.
Choose darker containers
Probiotics are susceptible to light damage, so choosing a darker container (like the brand we suggest below) will help ensure the shelf life is as long as possible – and that it is as effective as possible for you.
Think about your lifestyle
Like we’ve talked about, there really are strains to target so many ailments. This isn’t to mention the hundreds of brands claiming their product is “the best.” We think there’s a best for you. Your body is unique, so only you’ll know your lifestyle and which product will suit it best. Do you workout daily? Are you on the go? What dietary restrictions do you have? These questions will help you discern which of our favorite brands below are best for you.
Our Top Picks
We’ve assembled some of the best probiotics on the internet for all lifestyles. You know what they say: happy gut, happy life!
Best Probiotic For Curbing Cravings
I always thought intense cravings were just a tribulation of womanhood, but they don’t have to be. GLP-1 probiotics naturally increase the production of the “un-hunger” hormone, GLP-1, in your body which ultimately helps curb cravings and food noise to help you maintain a healthy weight. While this probiotic definitely has a higher price tag, Pendulum offers a “subscribe and save” membership for $65/1 month supply with the option to pause or cancel at any time. With this membership option and 91% of users reporting reduced cravings, why not give it a try?
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Best Vegan Probiotic
If you’ve been reading TQE for any length of time, it’s no secret that we love Ritual – and their Synbiotic+ product is no exception. With probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, this vegan-formulated blend is the one you need to keep your nutrition boundaries and get the job done well.
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Best Budget Probiotic:
The reviews are in – 29,000+ to be exact on Amazon – people can’t get enough of Nature’s Bounty Probiotic supplements. At just $0.05/per tablet, the efficacy and “one size fits all” nature of the product is kind of my MO.
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Best Premium Probiotic
Editor Zoë loves Seed’s Daily Synbiotic, citing that it helped the tone and quality of her skin. That’s right, folks, probiotics aren’t just for feeling good – they can help you look good, too. At $49.99/month, it isn’t a cheap investment, but that’s why we’re crowning it the best premium probiotic.
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Best Combination Probiotic
People love Garden of Life’s Women’s Daily Care Probiotic, sold at Walgreen’s. At $1.00 per capsule, it isn’t the cheapest option, but with 16 probiotic strains, it targets vaginal health, immune health, and digestive balance.
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Best for Vaginal Health
I knew Azo for their UTI medication (shout out!), but I didn’t know until recently that they made a daily probiotic specially formulated for women. By balancing your pH and yeast, this is a sure fire way to keep your hoo-ha at its best.
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Best for Menopause
Watching my mom go through menopause sucked. She was constantly having hot flashes, among other things I’m sure she kept to herself. I only wish I would’ve known about Happy V’s probiotic designed for menopause relief. Meant for those experiencing night sweats, hot flashes, thinning hair, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, this product is highly rated for a reason.
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Best for Gut Health
Again, another pricey one, I know… but this one is different. For $69.95/month, you will not only receive Viome’s personalized Precision Probiotics and Prebioitics, but you’ll also get a Gut Intelligence Test to diagnose your gut… plus, you get to retest this every 12 orders to ensure you’re taking the right stuff for your unique body.
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Best for On the Go
My dad used to eat prunes like crazy – and that’s exactly what I thought he was. But maybe he was onto something! These single-serve probiotic prunes allow you to take your probiotics in a tastier way, plus they come in an easy-to-grab packet.
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Best Drink
I’m a kombucha girlie through and through. I’ve made it myself, tried all the major brands, and sip it as much as I can. One of the best parts of kombucha, however, is the probiotic content. I love Health-Ade especially for this. It’s easy to find in stores, tastes delicious, and comes in a variety of flavors, including their new SunSip probiotic soda.
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Best Gummies
I can’t get over the hilarious name of this product. Great work by founder Kourtney Kardashian Barker! By balancing your pH and yeast, this is a sure fire way to keep your hoo-ha at its freshes with an easy-to-digest (literally) gummy.
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Best Powder
For another tasty way to take your probiotics, consider Ora’s powder supplement. With two delicious-sounding flavors, Apple & Raspberry and Lavender Lemonade, you can enjoy taking care of yourself in more ways than one.
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Best Probiotic with Prebiotics
Though it is technically labeled as a prenatal, this combination of pre + probiotics is one you can take before, during, and after pregnancy. Set baby – and yourself – up for success with this winning combo.
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Best Probiotic with Botanicals
Arcana Empothecary
Biocidin Botanicals Proflora 4R Restorative Probiotic 30c
By blending probiotic strains and botanicals, Biocidin hopes to address all of the needs of your gut in one little capsule. With marshmallow root, aloe vera, and quercetin, you’ll be able to digest with confidence.
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Biocidin Botanicals Proflora 4R Restorative Probiotic 30c
FAQs
We get that this is a lot to take in. Check out a few frequently asked questions below:
Is it okay to take a probiotic every day?
Yes, according to current research, it is safe to take a probiotic every day. However, the source matters, so read your labels, friends! A doctor is your best bet for specific questions to your health.
Are probiotics safe for pregnancy?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), probiotics do not appear to “pose any safety concerns for pregnant and lactating women.” Of course, we always suggest consulting with your physician for special cases like this!
Looking for deep dives into some of our probiotic favorites? Take a look at our in-depth reviews of Poppi Soda, Seed Synbiotic and Ritual Synbiotic. Also make sure to read our Wellness Edit to discover more wellbeing essentials.
