
You may be hearing a lot about gut health, probiotics and the best probiotics – but what’s it all about?
When each passing day brings news of a new health concern to worry about, a food we should no longer be eating or a brand new supplement we simply must add to our diets, it’s easy to become completely overwhelmed and fatigued by all things health.
It often seems that the more we try to look after ourselves, the harder it becomes. It’s enough to make you want to give up the whole shebang entirely and just Deliveroo another pizza.
But gut health is a real concern and one that shouldn’t occur to us after a heavy night out.
Best probiotic supplements at a glance
- Best for reaching the gut effectively: Heights Biotic+ – £40, Heights
- Best active bacteria supplement: Symprove Live & Active Bacteria Mango & Passion Fruit Flavour Drink – £49.99, Symprove UK
- Best subscription service probiotic: Feel Beauty Probiotic+ – £26.95, Feel Beauty
- Best all-round supplement: Willy’s ACV Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother – £7.40, Amazon
- Best delayed-release supplement: Physis Advanced Probiotics – £14.99, Amazon
- Best full spectrum supplement: Swiss Bio Energetics Full Spectrum Probiotic Defence – £18.97, Amazon
- Best child-friendly supplement: Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain Formula Probiotics – £21, Amazon
- Best supplement for acne-prone skin: Bioglan Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora – £15.18, Amazon
- Best supplement for eczema-prone skin: Inessa Advanced Daily Biotic – £19.99 Amazon
- Best supplement to help combat IBS: The Nue Co. Prebiotic + Probiotic – £48, Cult Beauty
- Best for a gut health boost and glowing skin: Edible Health Digestive Enzyme Blend – £24.90, Amazon
- Best for restoration and replenishment of all the good bacteria: Wild Nutrition Multi Strain Biotic – £40, Wild Nutrition
- Best for bloating and vaginal health: Vida Glow Women’s Heath Gut Pro – £30, Vida Glow
- Best for a vegan option: JSHealth Probiotic – £21.99, JSHealth
There’s plenty of research that shows the gut is the ‘second brain’ – so-called because of its connection to our thoughts, feelings and actions.
From following our ‘gut instinct’ to ‘feeling butterflies’ when we’re nervous, the state of the gut can speak volumes about what’s going on in our heads. If we don’t look after it, it stands to reason that we’re not looking after our minds properly, either.
A healthy gut equals a healthy mind, so ensuring yours has all the nutrition it needs is paramount.
Probiotics play a massive part in this. Our gut is made up of over 500 species of flora, all of which, when in balance, contribute to a healthy digestive system, metabolism and hormonal health. These flora act as a kind of barrier against any harmful bacteria that may enter and probiotics (also known as good bacteria) help them do this by keeping everything ticking over nicely.
These are the best probiotics to buy now to keep your gut feeling healthy and happy but as with any supplements, speak to a medical professional first if you’re unsure what to take.
At the ES Shopping team, we wanted to put probiotics to the test to see how they really impacted our health, from gut to mind. We tried each supplement over several weeks, paying close attention to how they affected everything from bloating and digestion to skin clarity and even mental clarity, as we know the gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain.’
However, it’s important to note that while probiotics can certainly help support digestion, skin, and overall well-being, they’re not a substitute for medical treatment.
Each product was tested for taste, ease of use, and how quickly it became a part of our daily routine. We also paid attention to how well the probiotics were absorbed, ensuring they delivered the best results.
Now that you have seen the supplement suggestions, we consulted Dr Roshini Raj, a board-certified practising gastroenterologist and founder of TULA Skincare to find out everything we need to know about probiotics.
What are probiotics?
“Probiotic extracts are a true breakthrough innovation in skincare and wellness, recognised for their clinically proven ability to soothe and calm skin inflammation, nourish skin and balance the microbiome.
“Microbiome refers to the set of organisms that are contained in microscopic bacterial ecosystems known as microbiota. These microbial organisms affect nearly every human bodily process. Aging, digestion, the immune system, mood, cognitive function and the skin. I have been studying probiotics and the gut/skin microbiome for over 20 years and there’s still so much more to learn!”
What are probiotics good for and do probiotic supplements work?
“Probiotics are a powerful, clinically effective addition to any routine. People with all skin types (sensitive, dry, oily or acne-prone) are likely to see improvements in their complexions by introducing probiotics (either topically or ingesting – ideally both!) into their wellness routine. Ingesting probiotics, either by consuming probiotic-rich foods or taking probiotic supplements, can help improve digestive balance and calm inflammation to improve skin issues and overall health and wellness from the inside-out.”