Not all bacteria are bad. There are specific strains of bacteria that are actually beneficial. We have these beneficial bacteria on the surface of our bodies as well as internally. They help us fight off the bad bacteria and germs that we come into contact with. Unfortunately, many people don’t have enough good bacteria on and in their body. This results in all kinds of issues such as bloating, gas, illness, trouble losing weight, etc.
To replace the good bacteria that is missing in your body, you can utilize a probiotic supplement that will improve your microbiome. That’s what this article is about. I’ll be looking at some probiotic supplements that can help you address issues like weight loss and bloating. I’ll cover some specific supplements that you may want to consider taking. Also included will be information on how probiotics can actually help you. Let’s get started.
How Can Probiotics Help with Weight Loss?
Probiotics affect our body in a number of ways. In regard to weight loss, we can experience an easier time dropping weight when our body can efficiently produce short-chain fatty acids such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Beneficial bacteria is imperative for this function. Probiotics can also help control your appetite, so you don’t overeat or succumb to those pesky cravings that you have. Energy production in the body even relies on a diverse microbiome. Without ample energy your body will be slow to burn fat and you probably won’t be motivated to get through your exercise routine each day. There are even probiotics that can slow down the absorption of fat that you eat as part of your meals.
Almost 50 percent of the American population is obese, making it more important than ever to find ways to keep weight under control to prevent things like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A versatile probiotic can release the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps to control your appetite, so you consume fewer calories. It can also aid in the production of peptide YY, which burns calories and fat in the body.
How Can Probiotics Help with Bloating?
Pretty much everyone has experienced bloating at one time or another, with some people experiencing it on a regular basis. Babies can experience uncomfortable bloat at a very young age. Women are often very bloated at certain points in their menstrual cycle. Certain foods can trigger a bloated response, making you feel gassy and uncomfortable. Bloating can even make you look larger than you actually are.
With such a complex microbiome system in the body, we rely on trillions of different bacteria in our gut to support the digestive process and protect our health. If there’s a ratio of more bad bacteria than good bacteria in the gut, this increases your chance of experiencing issues like bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or inflammation. Adding in a probiotic to your routine can improve the bacterial diversity in the gut. Less bloating is often a beneficial side effect.
The Best Probiotics for Bloating and Weight Loss
If you’re looking to achieve less bloating, weight loss or both, it’s time to look at some of the best probiotics that can help you create a more diverse microbiome and improve your symptoms.
#1. Ritual Synbiotic+
Ritual Synbiotic helps you support your gut and digestive system in a number of ways that will benefit your entire body. You can experience less bloating, improved weight loss, more regular bowel movements, an increase in immune function and more energy with a single dose each day.
The probiotic strains LGG and BB-12 have been included specifically for their ability to reduce bloating and discomfort in the GI tract. There is also a postbiotic that has been added to heal your gut lining and improve gut barrier function. This is a delayed-release design that doesn’t dissolve until the supplement hits the portion of your gut where it will be most beneficial.
Pros
- No refrigeration needed
- Delayed release design for optimal absorption
- Made with traceable ingredients
- Heals the gut lining
- Third-party testing is used
- Free from all major allergens
Cons
- Expensive, at $50 for single bottle of product
#2. Primal Harvest Gut Restore
Primal Harvest believes in total transparency when it comes to all of their products, not just their Gut Restore supplement. This specific product is designed to support your overall gut health by creating a more diverse microbiome xylooligosaccharide prebiotics that can help you fight off those pesky cravings and help keep you feeling full for longer. You’ll be able to drop pounds faster than ever before while also improving your overall gut health. The Corebiome Tributyrin supplement has also been included for gut barrier health, immune function, energy production and overall health and wellness. B. longum BB536 probiotic has been added to Primal Harvest Gut Restore to address various digestive concerns. You can use it to promote a healthy digestive system, boost immune function and improve bowel regularity and energy levels.
Two capsules are taken each day. It’s recommended that you take Primal Harvest Gut Restore with your morning meal and afternoon meal for reduced side effects and to reap the most benefits. Primal Harvest recommends that you use this product along with a lifestyle of balanced meals, exercise, water, and plenty of rest. This product has a five out of five-star rating on the Primal Harvest website with plenty of positive customer reviews.
Learn more about Primal Harvest Gut Restore.
Pros
- Supports overall gut health
- Improves immune function
- Gluten free and dairy free
- Promotes bowel regularity
- Strengthens the gut barrier
- Made in a GMP-certified facility
Cons
- Contains coconut shells, which could be an allergy concern for some people
#3. Gundry MD 24 Strain Probiotic
This 24-strain probiotic from Gundry MD targets optimal health in the gut. The strains that have been chosen are some of the most beneficial strains that help manage digestive balance. You’ll be able to avoid toxins and protect your body against things like antibiotics, free radicals, etc. This is an excellent product if you’re looking to experience a more comfortable digestive process that is free of bloating, gas and constipation. You’ll also reap the benefits of a more energized body that can more adequately burn fat when you’re trying to lose weight. The strains that have been used by Gundry MD are resistant to acids and bile in the digestive tract. Your body will absorb everything that has been included in this supplement with ease.
Thirty billion CFUs are included in Gundry MD’s 24 Strain Probiotic. This includes the top four probiotics:
Bifidobacterium Bifidum
This is one of the most researched and beneficial probiotics that affect digestive health and immune function. Our production of this bacteria decreases as we age, which is why supplementing is so ideal.
Saccharomyces Boulardii
This is a yeast-based probiotic that promotes certain digestive benefits such as regularity and comfortable digestion.
Lactobacillus Plantarum
This ultra-powerful probiotic strain supports healthy cholesterol levels in the body while also soothing the digestive tract. This bacterial strain also supports a healthy immune response.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
This probiotic strain is one that you want to supplement with if you’re concerned with weight loss. It helps keep your body at a healthy weight more easily while also increasing your energy levels.
Learn more about the Gundry MD brand.
Pros
- Reduces gas and bloating
- Improves bowel regularity
- Maintains a healthy digestive process
- Contains 30 billion CFUs per dose
- Cellulose capsule design is easy to swallow
- Vegetarian friendly
- Does not contain caffeine
Cons
- Results can vary based on a person’s individual response to certain supplements
#4. 1st Phorm Probiotic
1st Phorm has created this Probiotic supplement to mimic the bacteria that was present in your gut when you were very young and had a high functioning microbiome. The goal is to improve digestion, immune function and metabolic health. If you have an unbalanced microbiome and are experiencing issues like improper nutrient absorption, weight gain, bloating, gas, hormone imbalance, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, eczema and poor immune function, 1st Phorm Probiotic can get you back on track.
Eight billion shelf stable CFUs are included in this probiotic blend from 1st Phorm. Healthy bacteria cultures (including the popular strain Lactobacillus acidophilus) can repair a damaged gut and promote essential gut health. Healthy habits and lifestyle choices will be easier to achieve with the use of this product, leading to increased weight loss when you’re working hard to get yourself back on track.
Pros
- Promotes healthy metabolism
- Boosts immune function
- Improves digestive health
- 8 billion CFUs included
- You get a two-month supply from every bottle
Cons
- If you’re taking a prescription medication for a diagnosed health issue, you’ll have to consult with your doctor before taking this product
#5. Hum Nutrition Gut Instinct
This is a vegan probiotic blend from Hum Nutrition that contains 10 different strains of probiotics for a more balanced gut microbiome and to promote a healthy digestive process. You can also reap the benefits of a healed and efficient gut lining when taking Gut Instinct. Lactobacillus bacteria has been included to promote proper digestion while also boosting the body’s natural immune response. Bifidobacterium is included to support a diverse and healthy microbiome. Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic that helps support hydrated skin while also shielding your skin against free radicals. Bifidobacterium breve has been included for skin elasticity and hydration. Other strains like Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus Casei and Lactobacillus salivarius help support a diverse microbiome that can reduce bloating and aid in weight loss.
Every ingredient included in this product has been thoroughly tested to ensure that everything is pure, potent and effective. Third-party testing is used, and everything is triple tested.
Pros
- Supports a healthy digestive process
- Boosts the body’s immune response
- Promotes a more diverse microbiome
- Nurtures the gut for optimal overall health
- Can be taken on an empty stomach
- Does not contain any major allergens
Cons
- Made in a facility that also processes other major allergens like tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, eggs, etc.
#6. Amy Myers MD Probiotic
Amy Myers MD Probiotic is an essential supplement that balances the bacteria in the body to promote optimal digestion and immunity. It contains 100 billion CFUs and this product is one of the strongest probiotic supplements on the market. Included are 14 of the most important bacterial strains. You won’t find any unnecessary fillers or additives in this product. It simply provides you with exactly what you need for better digestion, improved immune function, better mood, increased energy, improved weight loss and much more.
Formulated for both men and women, Amy Myers MD Probiotic addresses issues like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and digestive distress. Some of the most important strains included are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus thermophilus. Lactobacillus gasseri can help with weight loss.
I like this product because it’s not just about digestive health. It also focuses on mental health, focus, energy, etc. Lactobacillus helveticus has been included thanks to its ability to stimulate serotonin production. You’ll feel calmer, happier and more balanced with the regular use of this product.
Amy Myers also has a legitimate leaky gut supplement, called Amy Myers Leaky Gut Revive, which also helps with bloating and can help you lose weight. Something to look into if you have been noticing symptoms of a leaky gut.
Pros
- Contains 14 of the most ideal probiotic bacteria strains
- Maintains a healthy intestinal microbiome
- Supports the body’s immune response
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes the burning of fat, allowing you maintain an ideal body weight
- Supports the digestion of lactose
- Promotes serotonin production to promote a better mood
- Refrigeration is not needed
Cons
- Somewhat of a newer probiotic supplement
#7. Ombre Endless Energy
Ombre Lab’s Endless Energy probiotic supplement contains targeted probiotics that include strains that are clinically proven to affect your energy levels, alertness, concentration, digestive process and much more. Mental and physical performance are both addressed with five billion CFUs. Nutrients will be better absorbed by the body thanks to included digestive enzymes. Decreased inflammation with prevent bloating from occurring. The increased production of short-chain fatty acids improves communication between your cells, targeting specific pathogens that cause digestive and bowel issues like irritable bowel syndrome and small intestinal disease.
Strengthening your gut barrier with Ombre Endless Energy increases your productivity, which is incredibly important when it comes to weight loss. It’s important that your body is energized and ready to burn fat, whether it’s on its own or through a workout. You can even fight against free radicals with this supplement. It’s the protection that you need on a daily basis.
Learn more about the Ombre Gut Health brand.
Pros
- Contains five billion CFUs
- Holds up to stomach acid for better absorption
- Made with prebiotic fiber
- Can be taken with or without food
- Specially designed bottle products the integrity of the product without the need for refrigeration
Cons
- Not a lot of savings can be achieved when you sign up for the subscription service
Know This about Probiotics for Weight Loss and Bloating
It’s important to know that results will vary when you’re taking a probiotic for weight loss and bloating. Everybody has a very different and diverse microbiome. The challenges that you face from a gut perspective can be changed with the use of a probiotic, but you’ll need to ensure you’re choosing a product that contains the strains of bacteria that your body specifically needs. Hopefully the information I’ve included in this article point you in the right direction.
How Long Will It Take to Lose Weight Using Probiotics?
The answer to this question really relies on how much weight you’re looking to lose and from where. For instance, many people drop a number of pounds just a week or two after starting a probiotic supplement. These pounds aren’t necessarily a result of increased fat burning. They are from the removal of built-up waste in the colon that is now able to be cleared out because of more optimal digestion.
If you’re looking to take a probiotic in order to increase fat burning, you may see the most noticeable results after three months of using a product. The results are ongoing after that point as long as you’re adhering to a healthy diet and exercise plan.
The Bottom Line
So many people choose not to pay attention to their gut health in regard to whole body health. I know that I myself didn’t realize early on how connected these two things are. The microbiome is something that should be maintained to be very diverse in order to keep your weight controlled, prevent unwanted digestive upset, boost immune function, promote optimal energy levels and so much more. The probiotics that I’ve included in this article will help you achieve all of these things as long as you’re taking them routinely and complementing them with a healthy lifestyle and diet.
Tips for Success from the RD
Looking for tips on how to choose a probiotic supplement for your own personal needs? Here are my tips for success.
- Choose a probiotic based on what you’re looking to achieve. Some people want to eliminate digestive issues like bloating, gas and constipation. Other people are more interested in a boosted immune system or ample energy levels. Do plenty of research on a product to see what it claims to achieve.
- Make sure you’re considering a product that has been thoroughly tested and studied for optimal results.
- Look for a product that contains a diverse profile of probiotic strains. The more strains that you have, the more results you’ll potentially see.
Should You Take a Probiotic for Bloating and Weight Loss?
If you’re prone to digestive issues, a probiotic is an excellent supplement to work into your daily routine. Problems like bloating, gas, frequent bouts of constipation or diarrhea and irregular bowel movements can also be improved with a diverse probiotic product. If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, an unbalanced gut may be to blame. You can boost your metabolism and promote the burning of fat by creating a more diverse microbiome. Of course, you’ll want to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine as well. If you have concerns or are dealing with a medical condition that could impact your ability to take a probiotic, it’s a good idea to touch base with your doctor before starting a supplement.
