The Best Probiotic Products for a Healthy Gut, According to a Dietician
Gut health has become one of the most talked about wellness topics, and gut imbalances have been linked to everything from obesity to anxiety and depression. There’s a reason why conversation around good and bad tummy health has increased, says Maggie Moon, registered dietician and author of The MIND Diet: A Scientific Approach to Enhancing Brain Function and Helping Prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia ($15). “Gut health and the microbiome is the next frontier of scientific exploration, so it’s trendy with good reason. It’s a very exciting area of study that is ripe with possibility as we learn new ways in which the complex bacterial populations our bodies host are integral to our health,” she explains.
How Can You Get Good Gut Health?
Optimal gut health essentially boils down to having good bacteria that properly digests food, destroys disease-causing bacteria, and produces vitamins to keep your system in balance. While much is still being researched, it’s suggested that not keeping your gut in check can correlate with unpleasant offenders like gas, heartburn, bloating, and IBS.
Certain foods, prebiotics, and probiotics are all ways to combat these less-than-ideal conditions. And while Moon’s favorite approach is to eat specific foods — like naturally fermented kimchi and polyphenol-rich blueberries — she does recommend some over-the-counter solutions for similar gut-healing effects. Keep scrolling below for her suggestions.
5 supplements to try
1. Nature Made Digestive Probiotics Daily Balance ($17): For those on a budget, this is one of the more affordable options available that actually works. According to Moon, “it provides a bacterial strain that’s been studied for its ability to survive and thrive in the gut to promote the growth of good bacteria populations.” With a 30-day supply, you’ll have the perfect amount for a test-drive to try it out.
2. Regular Girl Starter Kit ($20): Carrying pills around can be a pain. So Moon suggests this female-focused brand that provides on-the-go powder packets for relief from unwanted effects like excess gas, cramping, or bloating.
3. Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Complete ($45): Klaire Labs is a brand Moon trusts since they’ve been around for decades and produce clinically proven products. She recommends this item in particular that she says is “a hypoallergenic blend of 12 probiotic bacterial strains that is available in capsules if you just want to get your dose in, or in powder form for including in smoothies and soups.”
4. NOW Probiotic-10 ($16): This dairy-free option is great for vegans or lactose-sensitive probiotic seekers. It combines 10 strains of bacteria to promote a healthier GI tract and stronger immunity (a double whammy).
5. Uplift Food Daily Uplifter With Protein ($35): Combine 10g of satisfying protein, probiotics, and prebiotic fiber into one smoothie-friendly powder, and you’ve got this gut-health-boosting product. Moon is a fan of Uplift because “it’s the world’s first dietitian-founded functional food brand to focus on the good mood benefits of a healthy gut.” So be sure to scoop it up for better feels all around.
What products have you tried for better gut health? Tell us @BritandCo!
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