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5 Probiotics That Will Transform Your Gut Health in 2021
What top scientists are discovering about our gut and how it can dramatically affect the quality of our lives.
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Hard time finding the right probiotic?
Smarter Reviews compiled years of research, revealing what to look for, what to avoid, and the Top 5 probiotic supplements on the market today into one quick video guide.
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6 Ways Probiotics Can Skyrocket Your Health
A deeper look at the studies...
A recent study has shown a direct relationship between bad bacterial growth in the gut and the ability to fall and remain asleep. This can lead to sleep disorders that zap our energy during the day and create erratic sleep patterns. In short, the more good bacteria in our gut, the better our sleep!
When the bad bacteria in our gut start outnumbering the good, not only does it make it more difficult to digest food, but it can sometimes lead to embarrassing gut issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. A high-quality probiotic can help correct this imbalance, leading to a marked improvement of these symptoms.
If you ever wondered how people slide past the age of 100 so effortlessly, chances are it’s because of their healthy, youthful gut. In fact, recent studies show that participants over the age of 100 who are less physically frail and enjoy greater mental acuity had one thing in common: an abundance of healthy bacterial strains in their gut. So, the fountain of youth may just be located in our gut after all!
With over 70% of our immunity residing in our gut, it becomes important to support it in any way we can. Probiotic supplements replenish the gut with helpful bacteria to boost our immune system so it can respond to unanticipated attacks.
Many are surprised to learn that our gut has over 500 million neurons that send signals to the brain via the spinal cord. When our bad bacteria is out-of-control, the gut sends confusing signals, which can lead to occasional brain fog, stress, and even memory slips. The gut and brain are intricately linked, so it’s vitally important that the gut is as healthy as possible. 
When our good bacteria is plentiful, they line up along the inside the walls of our arteries to defend against invading bad bacteria, much as soldiers would when defending a fort. But when we have too few of these good ‘wall defenders,’ the bad bacteria jam their way through these thin walls where they enter our bloodstream and travel throughout our body — definitely not a situation we'd want.
Top 5 Probiotic Supplements Of 2021
Our #1 Pick
Complete Probiotics Platinum™ by 1MD Nutrition™
Doctor-made, 51 billion CFU probiotic with 11 strains, 2 prebiotics, & more
Promotes Digestive Comfort
Helps Improve Regularity
Supports Energy & Mood
The Bottom Line
Our Smarter Shoppers have voted 1MD Nutrition's Complete Probiotics Platinum the most popular daily probiotic they tried. It is one of the best formulas on the market, due to its 51 billion live cultures, 11 robust and clinically studied strains, NutraFlora prebiotic fiber, vegan capsule composition, and no synthetic fillers or additives.
This was the only product we could find that has been endorsed by an MD, specifically a Gastroenterologist (gut and digestive health physician). It was also the only one that listed each of its clinically studied substrains. Our Smarter Shoppers absolutely loved this probiotic blend.
2. Pro-45
Total Ranking
9.5/10
A
Overall Grade
PROS
- Provides 45 billion live cultures
- 11 clinically proven strains
- No fillers or additives
- 365-day return policy
- NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber included
- Dairy and gluten free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Not endorsed by an MD
The Bottom Line
Live Conscious came in at a respectable #2 on our list, with a potent 45 billion CFUs and 11 strains.
Pro45 offers vegetarian delayed release capsules and pure ingredients. We confirmed that there are no unhealthy fillers or additives. We also checked its 365-day return policy and were impressed by how easy and straightforward it was. Our Smarter Shoppers gave this product high marks in the categories of customer service, returns, and overall effectiveness.
Unfortunately, it's not endorsed by an MD, but easy to order through their Amazon store. Though the reviews were stellar and ingredients are pure, the lack of medical endorsement led this product to come in a close second place on our top picks.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Extra Care 50 Billion
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Provides 50 billion organisms per serving
- Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Reports of less capsules in bottle than on label
- No money-back guarantee
- Refrigeration recommended for best quality and efficacy
The Bottom Line
Some Smarter Shoppers stated that the storage guidelines of this product was inconvenient.* Although the product contains over 50 billion live cultures, many reviewers believed the product lost its potency due to poor refrigeration by delivery.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Digestive Health Probiotic
Total Ranking
8.7/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Can be found in retail stores
- Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Only offers 10 billion CFUs per serving
- Contains unhealthy, synthetic fillers
- Only contains one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG
The Bottom Line
This product only offers one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG. In addition, this product only contains 10 billion live cultures. Smarter Shoppers noticed fairly short expiration dates. This product contains undesirable fillers and added colors such as gelatin, sucrose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Primal Probiotics
Total Ranking
7.9/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains 12 probiotic strains
- Clinically studied strains
- Shelf-stable
CONS
- Contains only two prebiotic nutrients
- Only 31 billion CFU
- Includes fillers such as magnesium stearate
- Prebiotics backed by limited clinical studies
The Bottom Line
Primal Probiotics contains a respectable 12 separate strains of clinically-studied probiotics.
Where Primal Harvest falls short, however, is that it contains only two prebiotic fibers, whereas several are needed to feed the various strains. Unfortunately, this product also has fillers such as magnesium stearate, which are completely unnecessary.
Still, its commitment to clinically studied strains and shelf-stable bottle give it an edge over many other probiotics.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
Benefits of a Quality Probiotic Supplement
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