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If you suffer from gas and bloating you should consider taking probiotics. The best probiotics available over the counter can help reduce the symptoms and causes of bloating, gas and reduce stomach acid. They can also be extremely beneficial if you are trying to lose weight.
Probiotic supplements are becoming increasingly popular and vital for our gut health and digestive system. As science expands our knowledge of the role friendly bacteria play in the body, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that probiotics don’t just play a key role in gut health, they also support our general health and well-being.
Research shows that, in addition to maintaining good bowel health, probiotics also bolster immunity, improve skin health, aid energy metabolism, and can even support good mental health.
This article details the best probiotics supplements to use to reduce bloating symptoms, gas and digestive discomfort.
Top Probiotic Supplements to Reduce Bloating and Gas: Quick Look
Probiotic supplements are very versatile and are one of the best over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for bloating and intestinal gas. More recently, people have begun buying probiotic supplements for weight loss too.
In this guide, we are going to take a look at the top four probiotics for weight loss and treating bloating and gas. However, due to the versatile nature of the bacteria they provide, each of our four top picks offers many additional benefits as well.
Before pushing on further with this guide, we should point out all four of the above products do a lot more than just top up your good bacteria. Each of them is a source of prebiotic fiber as well.
Prebiotic fiber nourishes beneficial bacteria, helping them to multiply. By providing this fibre, the four best probiotics for bloating, gas, and weight loss not only nourish the probiotic bacteria in the capsules, they nourish your existing probiotic bacteria as well.
Some of the probiotic products in our list provide additional value in other areas as well. A Modern probiotic strain can be very sophisticated. Reducing bloating, gas, and body weight is just the tip of the iceberg.
#1 – Yourbiology Gut+ – Best Probiotic for Gas and Bloating
Yourbiology Gut + is a high quality probiotic supplement that provides probiotic strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families of bacteria.
You can get some of the strains from eating probiotic yogurts and other fermented foods but these dairy products don’t deliver the bacteria to the gut nearly so efficiently. Some of the bacteria get killed due to harsh conditions in the stomach.
Yourbiology Gut + prevents this unfortunate scenario by not releasing the bacteria until it arrives safely in the gut. The supplement achieves this thanks to a special coating, called MAKtrek, that delays the breakdown of the capsule casing.
Yourbiology Gut + is one of the best probiotics for women going through the menopause. It is also highly beneficial for men and women suffering from excess gas and bloating.
When the capsule casing eventually releases the probiotics it also dumps some Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) directly into the digestive system. FOS is one of the best prebiotic fibers and, given the quality of this supplement, we wouldn’t expect anything less.
Yourbiology Gut + Ingredient Profile
Two capsules per day provide a powerful proprietary blend (40 Billion CFU) of four of the strongest probiotic bacteria strains along with a prebiotic to help them to multiply:
- Lactobacillius acidophilus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillius paracasei
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Fructooligosaccharide (prebiotic fiber)
- MAKtrek (capsule coating)
All of the four probiotic strains in Yourbiology Gut + are known for their ability to reduce gas and bloating. They are equally good for helping reduce obesity and improve your digestive system.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a good example. Research indicates it can reduce body weight, inflammation, and insulin resistance. It can also increase metabolism and thermogenesis by activating a special kind of fat-burning fat known as BAT (brown adipose tissue).
In addition to these things, Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to maintain the integrity of the lining of the gut. By doing this, it helps prevent toxins and other undesirable elements from leaking through the intestinal walls and entering the blood.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Lactobacillus acidophilus enjoys one of the best reputations for improving immune response.
Yourbiology Gut + Benefits
- 40 Billion CFU
- Four Probiotic strains
- Prebiotic Fiber
- Relieves irritable bowel syndrome
- Reduces digestive discomfort and stomach acid
- Creates healthy digestive system
- Boosts immune system function
- Relieve bloating symptoms
- Special Coating
- Shelf-stable (no need to refrigerate)
- 30 Servings Per Bottle
- 60-day money-back guarantee
#2 – Biotics 8 – Best Probiotic for Men
Click to view price and offers on Biotics 8
Biotics 8 is marketed as a probiotic supplement for men but that claim is a load of tosh. The product is equally suitable for women too.
The thing that makes this probiotic a little different from the other supplements on this list is that, in addition to providing good bacteria and prebiotic fiber, it also contains digestive enzymes and Vitamin D.
According to the manufacturer, vitamin D is present to “help support men’s overall digestive health and well-being.”
Research shows it can do this. The same research shows it can do it for women too.
The study, which was published in December 2020, highlights Vitamin D’s value as a “gut microbiota modifier” in healthy individuals.
So, ladies, regardless of whether you need a probiotic strain to help with weight loss, get rid of gas, or do something else, don’t let the allegation that this supplement is “for men” put you off.
Biotics 8 Ingredient Profile
Each (3-capsule) serving provides:
- Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) ? 10 mcg
Proprietary Blend of 10 Strains of Gut Healthy Bacteria ? 400 mg
- Lactobacillus acidophilus ? 2 Billion CFU
- Lactobacillus casei ? 2 Billion CFU
- Lactobacillus fermentum ? 2 Billion CFU
- Lactobacillus paracasei ? 2 Billion CFU
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus ? 2 Billion CFU
- Lactobacillus plantarum ? 2 Billion CFU
- Bifidobacterium bifidum ? 2 Billion CFU
- Bifidobacterium breve ? 2 Billion CFU
- Bifidobacterium longum ? 2 Billion CFU
- Saccharomyces Boulardii ? 2 Billion CFU
- Inulin (from Chicory) ? 45mg
- Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) ? 25 mg
- Lipase ? 25mg
- Amylase ? 20 mg
- Protease ? 10 mg
As you can see, Biotics 8 has a lot of useful probiotic bacteria strains. However, it combines them with lipase, amylase, and protease. If you are wondering what these are, allow us to explain.
All three are digestive enzymes. Lipase digests fat, amylase processes carbohydrates, and protease is the enzyme responsible for breaking down protein into amino acids.
Although these three important enzymes do not directly aid good bacteria. But they do improve nutrient and energy absorption, helping you to get the maximum benefits from your food.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Vitamin D Biotics 8 provides gives the supplement additional value as a weight loss aid.
The relationship between Vitamin D levels and obesity has been explored in many clinical trials. A systematic review and meta-analysis of several trials suggest Vitamin D may have value as a weight loss aid. However, it also stresses the need for further study.
Biotics 8 Benefits
- 20 Billion CFU
- 10 Probiotic strains
- Prebiotic Fiber
- Relieves irritable bowel syndrome
- Reduces digestive discomfort and stomach acid
- Improves overall gut health
- Boosts immune health
- Support digestive health
- Provides Vitamin D to further enhance gut health
- 20 Servings Per Bottle
- 60-day money-back guarantee
#3 – 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum – Wide Spectrum
Click to view price and offers on 1MD Complete Probiotics
1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum is another excellent choice for anyone who is primarily interested in using probiotics to lose weight or control intestinal gas or bloating.
Like the previous product, 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum employs a special coating that delays the release of the bacteria so it is not harmed by stomach acids.
1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum also provides a decent helping of FOS to help maximize the benefits the bacteria provide.
People who use this probiotic product often notice improvements in their gut condition within just a few hours. Relief from bloating and intestinal gas can kick in fast.
However, many of the other benefits such as weight loss and improved feelings of well-being may not become apparent until you have been using the supplement for three months.
1MD Complete Probiotics Ingredient Profile
Each Complete Probiotics Platinum capsule contains 51 billion bacteria:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus 15 bn
- Lactobacillus casei 4 bn
- Lactobacillus plantarum 4 bn
- Lactobacillus gasseri 1 bn
- Lactobacillus salivarius 1 bn
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1 bn
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus 1 bn
- Lactospore (bacillus coagulans) 1 bn
- Bifidobacterium lactis 15 bn
- Bifidobacterium longum 4 bn
- Bifidobacterium bifidum 4 bn
- NutraFlora (Provides FOS) 100 mg
As you can see, like Yourbiology Gut +, Complete Probiotics Platinum provides Lactobacillus acidophilus. All the best probiotics do so don’t be surprised when you see it again.
Complete Probiotics Platinum also provides Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Although they are only two players in a much bigger team, it’s a powerful pairing.
To only say these two potent probiotics are good for reducing bloating would be selling them short. Research shows they can provide relief from Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well.
In addition to providing 11 of the best probiotic strains for weight loss, gas, and bloating, Complete Probiotics Platinum boasts one of the best sources of FOS.
NutraFlora is standardized to be 95% short-chain Fructooligosaccharide (scFOS). As far as FOS goes, this is the one to beat.
1MD Complete Probiotics Benefits
- 51 Billion CFU
- 11 Probiotic strains
- Prebiotic Fiber
- Relieve IBS symptoms
- Improves uncomfortable digestive symptoms
- Increases healthy gut bacteria
- Good for occasional constipation and regular bowel movements
- Improves digestive health
- Delayed release capsules
- 30 Servings Per Bottle
- 90-day money-back guarantee
#4 – Probiotic 40-Billion – Best Value Probiotic
Click to view price and offers on Probiotic 40 Billion
A lot of people are unaware this option exists, but Probiotic 40-Billion is another one of the best supplements for replenishing good bacteria levels and reducing bloating and gas. It’s a high-quality probiotic developed on the premise that changing your gut can change your life.
This option is especially popular with women because it supports healthy skin and a healthy urinary tract. At just $35 per bottle, Probiotic 40-Billion is also cheaper than the three other options that made our best probiotics list.
Probiotic 40-Billion Ingredient Profile
Each (2-capsule) serving provides a 40 Billion CFU helping of four key strains of probiotic bacteria, along with a potent combination of prebiotics to help them to thrive.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus lactis
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Fructooligosaccharide (Prebiotic)
- Marine Polysaccharine Complex (delayed release coating)
This formulation combines Lactobacillus acidophilus with three other strains of bacteria from the Lactobacillus family. All three of them are good for taming an unruly gut and are equally beneficial as probiotic slimming aids.
Lactobacillus paracasei is a particularly interesting inclusion. Recent research, published online in 2020, suggests this particular probiotic may actually help protect against obesity.
The study group consisted of 111 children who had become obese due to unhealthy diets but there is no reason the probiotic should not offer similar benefits to adults too.
Although it would be unwise to ever try and use a supplement to compensate for an unhealthy lifestyle, the Lactobacillus paracasei in Probiotic 40-Billion should work well alongside the other three probiotics and help ensure any weight you lose stays off.
Probiotic 40-Billion Benefits
- 40 Billion CFU
- 4 Probiotic strains
- Prebiotic Fiber
- Creates a balanced gut microbiome
- Can improve gut health
- Good for occasional bloating
- Delayed release capsules
- 30 Servings Per Bottle
- Beneficial bacteria
What Causes Bloating?
The unpleasant feeling we call bloating is the result of gas building up in the stomach. Although mild cases of bloating may only cause discomfort, it can also become very painful.
Fortunately, for many people, bloating is generally only a heavy feeling in the stomach after meals.
Although bloating may be due to a gut condition, such as IBS, it can also indicate an imbalance in the gut microbiome. When the bad types of bacteria outnumber the good, bloating and flatulence are often the result.
This type of imbalance in the gut microbiome can also retard metabolism, leading to weight gain, reduced immune function, and cause all manner of other undesirable issues.
This imbalance in the gut microbiome is known as dysbiosis.
Regardless of the reasons why bloating occurs, the best probiotics have the potential to put things right.
The probiotic species in this brand can fortify healthy gut microbiome and reduce digestive discomfort.
Dysbiosis: Signs to Look Out For
Although gas and bloating are often the main indication of dysbiosis, several other symptoms can indicate its presence as well
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Belching
- Cravings for sugar and carbs
- Rashes
- Rosacea
- Recurrent hives
If the condition is allowed to persist, it can also result in more serious problems including anxiety, depression, diabetes, leaky gut syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, urinary tract infections and diabetes mellitus to name but a few.
It’s amazing how many health problems can begin in the gut and digestive tract.
The Relationship Between Gut Health and Obesity
We have already mentioned there is a relationship between gut health and obesity. As you may have now realized, when your good and bad bacteria in your digestive system becomes unbalanced, it has the potential to tip the scales in favor of obesity in several ways.
Firstly, it can cause you to overeat by initiating cravings for sugar and carbs. This unfortunate turn of events comes about when your gut bacteria become unstable (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and cause fluctuations in insulin and blood sugar.
When the disruption is severe enough to cause a blood sugar crash, your brain senses low blood sugar and initiates cravings for sugar and carbs.
Foods that are high in sugar and carbs can bring blood sugar levels back up again quickly. However, sugar and carb cravings are not like genuine hunger. They can put in an appearance when your stomach is full causing you to eat when there is no biological need to do so.
The second way poor gut health can cause weight gain is by slowing metabolism. In addition to making you more prone to store fat, a slow metabolism can make weight loss much harder.
Human metabolism is very complex. It incorporates all the biological and chemical processes your body uses to maintain life – including extracting energy from food and using it to fuel biological activity.
During periods of intense activity, metabolism increases and the body uses more energy. During periods of non-activity, metabolism slows, and energy usage decreases.
When bad bacteria build up in the digestive system, it can slow metabolism even further. This causes you to use less energy during your active periods and your rest periods as well, making you more prone to have excess calories to store as fat.
How Poor Gut Health Can Further Influence Weight Gain
In addition to causing your body to form fat cells, Imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to weight gain by encouraging water retention and inflammation.
There is a strong link between inflammation and obesity. It can also cause further gut disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.
All things considered, when your gut health begins to deteriorate it can put you at the top of a very slippery slope.
Irregular bowel movements, stomach pain, stomach bloating and poor immune health should not be ignored.
How Should You Take a Probiotic for Bloating?
Taking probiotics offer the most benefit when they are incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Eating correctly is especially important.
In addition to directly supporting weight gain, foods that are high in fat and sugar nourish the bad gut bacteria, helping to throw your gut microbiome out of whack.
Regardless of whether you are hoping to use probiotics for weight loss or to resolve issues with your gastrointestinal tract due to bloating and gas, it is best to work with your probiotic supplement instead of against it.
Unless the manufacturer’s guidelines advise otherwise, it’s generally best to have a probiotic top-up in the mornings. For obvious reasons, when you take your probiotic with breakfast, fruit and high fiber cereals are better companions than bacon and eggs.
How We Ranked the Best Probiotics for Bloating, Gas and Weight Loss
These days, people who are looking for good probiotics are spoiled for choice. There is no shortage of options to choose from.
Many are terrible, others are basically good but are let down by quality issues or the addition of unfavorable companion ingredients.
Nevertheless, a number of options stand out from the pack and are extremely good. However, in this guide, we focus on the best probiotics for bloating, gas, and weight loss. Our list provides the four probiotics that best fit these criteria.
Before compiling this guide, we evaluated all of the most popular probiotics. We looked at a few of the less popular options too.
One of the main things we wanted to see was the correct strains of bacteria. All of our top picks provide them and, as you will have noticed, certain strains come up again and again.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a good example. All four supplements provide it.
We also wanted to see plenty of good customer reviews. All of our chosen probiotics have them.
There were also certain things we did not want to see, such as unnecessary binders and fillers. If any of these supplements had them, they would not have earned a place on our list.
The usage cost was a ranking factor too. Some probiotic supplements are prohibitively expensive. Believe it or not, some of the poorest options have the highest prices.
None of our top four products are unduly expensive and all of them come from reputable manufacturers that offer generous discounts and special deals.
Probiotic Supplement Buying Tips
When you are buying a probiotic to treat bloating and gas, you are addressing a problem that is unlikely to go away. All you are doing is controlling it. The benefits you enjoy while using the supplement will probably fade if you stop using it.
When you are using a probiotic to support weight loss, you could stop using it after you reach your ideal weight. However, there are strong arguments for not doing so.
Continuing to use the supplement will help you to maintain your weight loss. It will also provide additional benefits on top. A healthy gut helps to support a healthy body and mind.
Because using probiotic products involves a long-term commitment, there is a lot to be said for taking advantage of bulk buy discounts and special deals.
Why pay the full price per bottle every month, when adding an extra bottle to your order can provide a discount or a free bottle of pills?
All the best probiotics manufacturers offer special deals of one sort or another.
If you choose Complete Probiotics Platinum, you can grab a 12% discount when you order two bottles of pills. Order three and the discount rises to 24%.
The manufacturers of Yourbiology Gut +, and Biotics 8 do things a little differently. They offer three bottles for the price of two and five bottles for the price of three.
As for, Probiotic 40-Billion, the deal is you get a discount when you order two bottles or a discount plus a free bottle when you order three.
Best Probiotics for Bloating, Gas and Weight Loss Summary
If you suffer from any kind of digestive system issue: bloating, gas, flatulence, IBS symptoms or poor bowel regularity a probiotic supplement is highly recommended.
Not all probiotics are the same, just in any other industry there are the good, the bad and the average. We have listed the top 4 Probiotics for bloating, gas and weight loss. If you feel you cannot make a choice from the 4 supplements we highly recommend Yourbiology Gut+.
Probiotic Supplements for Bloating and Gas FAQ
Here are 5 common FAQs about choosing a probiotic for bloating and gas:
- What are the best probiotic strains for bloating and gas?
Some of the most effective strains are Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus. - How many CFUs do I need in a probiotic?
Look for a probiotic with at least 10-20 billion CFUs (colony forming units) to ensure enough active cultures. Higher CFU counts don’t necessarily mean better quality though. - When is the best time to take a probiotic?
Take your probiotic supplement on an empty stomach, either 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after, so the cultures can reach your intestines alive. - How long does it take for a probiotic to work on bloating?
It can take 2-4 weeks of consistent probiotic use to see improvement in bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. Give it time to balance your gut flora. - Are refrigerated or shelf-stable probiotics better?
Shelf-stable probiotics in blister packs are fine as they are specially formulated to survive at room temperature during transport. Refrigeration offers no extra benefits.
The key is finding a quality probiotic with proven strains and a high enough CFU count. Take it consistently, and be patient for it to improve digestion and reduce bloating for the long-term. Check with your doctor if problems persist.
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