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10 Best Probiotics for Diarrhea in 2024: Top Picks for a Healthy Gut
Diarrhea causes discomfort and can disrupt your daily life. But with the 10 best probiotics supplements in this guide, relief is within reach.
How do we vet brands and products? Learn more.
In recent years, ongoing research into the potential health benefits of probiotics has led more and more people to turn to this dietary supplement to help maintain the microbial balance in the gut. This approach is particularly popular among people who prefer natural treatments for diarrhea to pharmaceutical drugs.
Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by loose, watery stools. It causes discomfort and is sometimes associated with abdominal cramps, bloating, and nausea.
Various factors can cause diarrhea, including certain medical conditions that disrupt the gut microbiome, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
An ideal way to counter diarrhea due to medications and medical conditions is through probiotics. They help reestablish the healthy gut flora, alleviating diarrhea and other related issues.
An abundance of probiotic options are available on the market, each offering unique advantages. In this article, we will look at the 10 best probiotics for diarrhea, carefully examining their pros, cons, and key features.
A Quick Glance at the Best Probiotics for Diarrhea
Probiotics are live, gut-friendly microorganisms that regulate various bodily processes, such as digestion, vitamin production, and immune function. Probiotic supplementation contains varying doses of either a single strain or a combination of multiple strains of probiotic bacteria.
It’s important to note that not all probiotics for diarrhea are the same. Different products have varying effects based on the strains of bacteria they contain, the number of live organisms (CFUs or colony-forming units), and any additional ingredients or nutrients in the supplement.
Our picks of the best probiotic supplements for diarrhea
- Best overall: Bioma
- Best everyday supplement: Elm & Rye probiotics
- Best for men: Biotics 8
- Best for women: YourBiology
- Best for restoring microbial balance: Penguin probiotics
- Best for immunity: Everest Gummies
- Best for IBS: Seed Daily
- Best for gut health: Ritual Synbiotic+
- Best vegan probiotic: Sakara probiotics
- Best affordable: HUM Gut instinct
The 10 Best Probiotics for Diarrhea
This carefully curated list contains 10 probiotic supplements designed to offer several health benefits while addressing diarrhea effectively. Whether you’re looking for a dietary supplement to ease occasional upset stomach or a more comprehensive approach to gut health, you will find a good fit in this collection.
#1 Bioma – Best overall
- Rebalances bacteria in the gut microbiome
- Supports weight management and digestive health
- Relieves diarrhea and constipation
- Free shipping
- 14-day money-back guarantee
- Improves digestion
Bioma aims to improve digestive health through a unique approach. The brand believes that each individual’s gut makeup is different. For this reason, Bioma asks customers to take a quick and simple quiz, answering questions about their digestive health.
The results offer an overview of your gut microbiome and health, which will help you purchase a supplement tailored to your needs.
Bioma’s formulation features 10 clinically-backed probiotic strains, prebiotics (fiber that offers nourishment to probiotics), and postbiotics (byproducts left after the probiotics consume prebiotics). These components work synergistically to support digestive health and overall well-being.
The brand also claims to support immune function, reduce cravings, increase fat burn, and steady weight loss.
Another aspect of Bioma that stands out is its delayed release mechanism. Gastric acid is potent and destroys all microorganisms that enter the stomach, which also includes beneficial bacteria. Bioma is designed with a special capsule that can endure the stomach’s acidity, allowing the probiotics to make it to your gut safely.
Bioma also takes different dietary preferences and restrictions into consideration. The supplement is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and keto-friendly, making it an ideal option for those on low-carb diets.
#2 Elm & Rye probiotic – Best everyday supplement
- Recognized by major brands like Forbes and Men’s Journal
- Supports the digestive system
- Improves heart and skin health
Elm & Rye probiotic differs greatly from the other supplements in this list. It only contains a single strain of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus. So, its benefits are pretty straightforward. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut and promotes healthy gut flora.
The supplement claims to aid nutrient absorption and food breakdown, promoting pain-free, healthy bowel movements.
Elm & Rye probiotic is an ideal option for beginners. Customers also love that this product comes in capsule and gummy form and has two flavors – passionfruit and strawberry.
#3 Biotics 8 – Best for men
- Relieves IBS-related and diarrhea symptoms
- Supports healthy testosterone levels
- Strengthens the gut-brain axis
- Boosts immunity
- Increases muscle growth
Biotics 8 is a supplement that supports men’s overall health and well-being. The product packs 10 probiotic strains alongside various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that restore healthy gut flora, improve digestive health, support mental health, and boost immune function.
It also contains Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast. Very few probiotic products include S. boulardii, which has been proven to improve stool consistency and prevent/treat gastrointestinal disorders. This easily makes Biotics 8 one of the best supplements for men suffering from IBS-D.
Furthermore, Biotics 8 contains prebiotics. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of probiotics and prebiotics to increase men’s testosterone levels and sperm concentration, volume, and motility.
#4 YourBiology – Best for women
- Improves digestion
- Addresses symptoms of IBS-C and constipation
- Enhances energy and focus
- Reduces stress levels
- Strengthens immunity
- Protects the skin barrier
YourBiology Gut+ is one of the best probiotic supplements for women. It packs 4 live+ strains of bacteria that deliver 40 billion CFUs to your gut, offering benefits ranging from better digestion to reduced stress levels, enhanced immune function, and protection against urogenital infections.
YourBiology contains Lactobacillus acidophilus. Research shows that Lactobacillus acidophilus reduces IBS-C symptoms and helps balance good gut bacteria. The supplement also includes Lactobacillus paracasei, a potent strain that dials down negative inflammatory responses and improves skin health.
The capsule is made from brown seaweed extract that slows down the capsule disintegration rate, increasing the survival rate of probiotics from gastric acid up to 250 times.
#5 Penguin probiotic – Best for restoring microbial balance
- Balances good bacteria in the gut
- Treats chronic and acute forms of diarrhea
Penguin probiotic is an ideal solution for people suffering from probiotic-responsive diarrhea. It is made using live strains and all-natural ingredients and works in four ways to promote the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system.
It’s claimed to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and boost immunity by restoring microbial balance and alleviating diarrhea.
Apart from acute diarrhea, Penguin probiotic also addresses yeast infections and relieves associated symptoms like itching, burning, and pain. Each serving contains 10mg of cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD has numerous health benefits, including lowering intestinal inflammation, preventing leaky gut, reducing stress and anxiety, and treating IBD.
#6 Everest Gummies – Best for immunity
- Improves overall digestive system health
- Strengthens vaginal infection defenses
- Restores bacterial balance in the vagina
Everest Gummies is an all-natural probiotic that contains minute amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Its formula is formulated to restore the healthy balance between good and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and the vagina. Therefore, it relieves and prevents diarrhea symptoms, as well as yeast infection.
Users report no uncomfortable side effects. The fact that the gummies come in blue raspberry, watermelon, and peach flavors also makes it a popular option. Everest Gummies should be regularly taken for at least a month for visible results.
#7 Seed Daily – Best for IBS
- Eases bloating and constipation
- Improves digestive system health
- Enhances gut barrier function
- Promotes heart health
- Supports skin health
Seed Daily features a unique 2-in-1 capsule technology. The outer capsule is prebiotic and carries the probiotic capsule inside. The prebiotic capsule is made of punicalagin, which converts into vital metabolites in the human gut.
The prebiotics are also non-fermenting, meaning they don’t irritate the digestive tract, making Seed Daily the best supplement for irritable bowel syndrome and IBS-like symptoms.
The inner capsule contains 24 clinically studied strains. These strains aren’t found in fermented foods and beverages and offer specific whole-body benefits for the digestive system, skin, and heart.
The team formulated Seed Daily in collaboration with scientists and doctors who are experts in probiotics. The brand also has a Scientific Advisory Board of MDs and PhDs.
#8 Ritual Synbiotic+ – Best for gut health
- Promotes healthy bacteria growth in the gut
- Fortifies the immune system
- Supports gut barrier function
- Increases nutrient absorption
Ritual Synbiotic+ features a unique 3-in-1 formula that combines 2 most clinically studied strains of probiotics (BB-12 and LGG), prebiotics, and postbiotics.
BB-12, a bifidobacterium strain, is extensively studied and is associated with frequent bowel movements, lowered gastrointestinal discomfort, and improved immunity. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) helps restore the gut microbiome, lower severe diarrhea, and strengthen digestive health.
The capsules offer a delayed response and are easy to swallow, with a pleasant minty scent. This supplement aims to provide comprehensive support for the immune system and digestive system.
A characteristic that makes Ritual Synbiotic+ stand out is that the capsules are made from vegan cellulose-derived ingredients. In addition, the brand allows customers to easily trace the origin of each labeled ingredient and the manufacturing location through its innovative Made Traceable feature.
#9 Sakara Probiotic – Best vegan probiotic
- Promotes the digestive system
- Eases bloating
- Improves skin health
- Enhances immunity
- Boosts energy
Sakara probiotic is specially formulated to relieve digestive issues and improve gut health. It blends prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and systemic enzymes. The digestive enzymes support food breakdown, improve nutrient absorption, and ease bloating.
On the other hand, systemic enzymes promote a healthy inflammation response and the body’s natural healing process.
Furthermore, this probiotic for diarrhea is made from clean, plant-based ingredients rigorously tested for quality and potency.
#10 HUM Gut Instinct – Best affordable
- Improves gut diversity and health
- Boosts immunity
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Supports overall health and well-being
HUM Gut Instinct is a vegan supplement formulated by registered dietitians. It comprises 10 probiotic strains clinically shown to prevent and treat digestive disorders.
It contains L. acidophilus, one of the best-known probiotic strains that support overall health, B. lactis, which regulates gut microbiome diversity, and L. rhamnosus, which promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
A few preliminary studies also show that some strains in this probiotic supplement have skin and psychological benefits.
Comparison Table
Includes 10 clinically-backed probiotic strains
Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics
Made with non-GMO ingredients
Gluten-free
Vegan and keto-friendly
Stimulant-free
14-day refund policy
Available as capsules or gummies
Soy, dairy, and gluten-free
Made of non-GMO ingredients
Contains probiotics and prebiotics
Third-party tested
Preservative-free
Contains 10 probiotic strains and 20 billion CFUs
Shelf-stable
Made in GMP-certified facilities
Preservative-free
Dairy, soy, and gluten-free
Vegetarian-friendly
Fortified with vitamin D
Includes 2 sources of prebiotic fiber
60-day money-back guarantee
Highly potent – contains 40 billion CFUs
Contains natural prebiotic fiber
Shelf-stable
Dairy, soy, and gluten-free
Preservative-free
GMP-certified
Free international shipping
60-day money-back guarantee
Comes in gummy form
All-natural solution
Contains CBD
Third-party tested
No artificial flavors or color
30-day money-back guarantee
Contains THC
Non-GMO
Vegan-friendly
No added sugar
Shelf-stable
Made using high-grade hemp
Comes in three flavors
24 probiotic strains
Shelf-stable
Research-backed ingredients
Vegan-friendly
Soy, gluten, and dairy-free
Allergen-free
Compostable packaging
11 billion CFUs
Shelf-stable
Delayed-release capsule
Sustainable, non-GMO ingredients
Vegan-friendly
Gluten and allergen-free
Third-party tested
Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics
3 billion CFUs per capsule
Contains 11 probiotic strains
Includes prebiotic fiber
Made with vegetarian ingredients
Nut, gluten, and soy-free
Contains 10 bacterial strains
25 billion CFUs per serving
Made using clean, vegan ingredients
Clinically-tested actives
Triple-tested and third-party validated
No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors
Preservative-free
Might not be suitable for people with a weak immune system
Contains a single probiotic family
May cause stomach discomfort at the beginning
Contains one strain of good bacteria
Not vegan-friendly
Only available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website
Results may differ from person to person
May be expensive
Only available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
Only available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website
No clear information about probiotic strains or CFU
Should be stored away from sunlight
Shipping delay due to high demand
Not FDA-approved
Not enough information about the probiotic strains
May cause mild side effects like bloating and headache
Only available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website
May cause minor side effects
One-time purchase isn’t available
May cause mild side effects
Results may vary from person to person
Should be taken on an empty stomach
Some users experience bloating
How to Choose the Best Probiotics for Diarrhea in 2024
Before recommending probiotic supplements for diarrhea, we ensure the products are efficient and do what they claim. To achieve this, we consider various factors, such as the formula, ingredients, third-party testing, and cost, among others. Here’s how we curated the list of the top 10 best probiotics for diarrhea.
Quality
We support evidence-based products that are made using high-quality ingredients. In addition, we ensure the supplements are third-party tested for purity and potency so we can be sure they contain what they say they contain and don’t have high-risk contaminants.
Nonetheless, we analyzed products with an open mind. Because sometimes, a supplement isn’t tested by a third-party certifier doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. We studied such products by researching other aspects, such as the manufacturer’s reputation, expert reviews, the science behind the ingredients used, and more.
Price
We have included products with a wide array of pricing so you can find one that fits your budget. The price of supplements in this list starts from $28 per container.
The recommended dosage varies between 1 and 2 capsules per day. So, a supplement that should be taken once daily might be cheaper despite the higher price than a product with a recommended dosage of three capsules daily.
Brand reputation
Our research involved careful analysis of the brand behind the supplements. We thoroughly reviewed their websites and claims, certifications, and customer reviews to curate products from reputed manufacturers with years of experience that follow industry standards and offer the best customer support.
Effectiveness
According to studies, probiotics must contain at least 1 million viable CFUs per gram to be effective. CFUs represent the viable bacteria count per dose. Most products in this list include at least 1 million CFUs per gram. Some contain much larger amounts.
We’ve also included supplements to suit everyone’s needs and preferences. Whether you are vegan, on a gluten-free diet, or looking for additional benefits, we have you covered.
FAQs
The effectiveness of a specific probiotic may vary from person to person. The right choice of supplement for you will depend on the underlying cause of diarrhea, strains of probiotic bacteria, CFU count, and additional ingredients.
Research shows that supplementing with probiotics will likely help prevent certain types of diarrhea. Strains that are particularly beneficial include Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and probiotic yeast.
Probiotics have been shown to promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, helping to prevent certain types of diarrhea, especially antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea.
A Word From Our Medical Team
According to a study, 34 of 100 people who didn’t take probiotics were diarrhea-free after 3 days. At the same time, 55 out of 100 people who did take probiotics were diarrhea-free after 3 days. In this case, it’s safe to assume that probiotics might help address diarrhea quickly and more efficiently.
However, before taking any probiotic supplement, it is crucial to determine if it fits your specific health needs. Look for supplements containing bacterial strains beneficial for your medical conditions and diarrhea symptoms. In addition, you should carefully analyze the formulation type, shelf-life, and storage requirements.
Lastly, not everyone has to take probiotic supplements. Often, many of the other supplements or food you eat already contain probiotics. Hence, consuming a probiotic supplement leads to bacterial overgrowth, a weakened immune system, and side effects such as bloating. They can also be expensive.
So, though probiotics benefit people suffering from conditions like IBS and IBD, healthy people can skip taking supplements and stick to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle instead.
Conclusion
Probiotic supplements are beneficial for people with diarrhea and other conditions like IBS, constipation, and UTIs. Nonetheless, they aren’t the only way to prevent or treat these health issues.
Following a healthy diet, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting quality sleep can contribute to your overall well-being and keep your gut healthy.
In case all these measures fail, consider using a probiotic supplement. This list of the best probiotics can help. If you find it confusing or overwhelming to choose a supplement, consider consulting your primary healthcare provider.