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7 Best Probiotics for IBS You Should Try in 2024
Finding the best probiotic for IBS is challenging, so we’ve compiled this list of the best probiotics you should try
How do we vet brands and products? Learn more.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is usually a lifelong problem that causes stomach cramps, abdominal bloating, and disrupted bowel movements.
Struggling with IBS symptoms can feel endless. When you’re hit with abdominal pain, acute diarrhea, or watery stools, it can ruin your confidence and self-esteem.
Although there’s no cure for IBS, there are several ways to manage symptoms and make it a less significant part of your life. Probiotics can alleviate IBS symptoms by delivering healthy gut bacteria to fight harmful bacteria, simultaneously strengthening the immune system.
In this article, we recommend the best probiotics for IBS available on the market this year. Keep reading to find the right probiotic for your gut health.
A Quick Glance at the Best Probiotics for IBS
Here’s what stands out in the best probiotics available for treating IBS symptoms:
- Best overall: Bioma
- Best for men: Biotics 8
- Best for boosting skin health: YourBiology
- Best for affordability: NOW Probiotic-10
- Best for a low FODMAP diet: Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief
- Best for vegetarians: Culturelle Probiotic Digestive Daily
- Best for an organic diet: Garden of Life Colon Care
The 7 Best Probiotics for IBS Symptoms
IBS is a multifaceted condition, but these 7 IBS probiotics rise as top choices for support.
By incorporating them into your daily routine, you could not only experience significant symptom relief but also help restore a harmonious balance in your gut flora, paving the way for improved digestive well-being.
#1 Bioma: Best for IBS
- 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 has already paved its way as one of the leading probiotics for IBS. This probiotic supplement claims to reduce IBS symptoms like bloating and digestive issues like constipation. Bioma uses a probiotic formula to improve digestive processes and aid digestion.
People with IBS often struggle to digest carbohydrates without experiencing stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation. The probiotic strains Bioma uses boost the number of good bacteria in the gut, which is proven to break down complex carbohydrates without much difficulty.
One key ingredient in Bioma is xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS), which is a sugar naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Consuming XOS in probiotic supplements stimulates the growth of good bacteria, like bifidobacterium, which benefits the gastrointestinal tract.
Another key aspect of Bioma’s probiotic supplement is that it also includes tributyrin, which promotes the growth of the butyrate probiotic strain. Butyrate is an excellent ingredient for IBS patients because it can reduce inflammation of the bowel.
Given the benefits that Bioma offers for supporting beneficial bacteria and soothing the digestive tract, it is a probiotic that is highly valued for IBS overall.
#2 Biotics 8: Best for men
- Specifically formulated for men
- Features 10 probiotic strains
Biotics 8 is a probiotic supplement designed specifically for men, having the potential to boost testosterone levels and increase muscle growth. This supplement uses 10 probiotic strains with 20 billion CFUS to strengthen the gut microbiome and relieve IBS symptoms.
Among the many probiotic strains in Biotics 8 is Saccharomyces boulardii, which reduces inflammation in the digestive tract and prevents the onset of diarrhea.
A specific probiotic strain in Biotics 8 called Lactobacillus paracasei makes it excellent for soothing IBS-related symptoms like the mixed bowel habits of constipation and diarrhea.
This supplement also uses the Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic strain, which prevents stomach cramps related to a gastrointestinal disorder like irritable bowel syndrome.
Men are generally less likely to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, but it still affects a considerable portion. Biotics 8 is an ideal way for men to get the beneficial bacteria they need to diminish abdominal pain and other common symptoms often associated with IBS.
#3 YourBiology: Best for boosting skin health
- 40 billion CFUs
- Reduces inflammation
YourBiology is the best supplement for improving your skin through probiotics. Although irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t directly impact your skin, it’s often associated with skin conditions like acne.
This is because the health of your gut microbiome affects several organs, including your skin, brain, and several organs in your digestive system. The additional stress and discomfort of IBS can cause your skin to break out more frequently.
If acne is one of the other IBS symptoms or byproducts you experience, probiotic supplements like YourBiology are perfect for reducing interior and exterior inflammation. This supplement uses a probiotic bacteria strain Lactobacillus paracasei, which has been shown to improve the skin barrier and reduce skin inflammation.
YourBiology also provides 40 billion CFUs through its probiotic strains. To keep these CFUs alive long enough to reach the gut, this probiotic supplement uses brown seaweed extract. The marine polysaccharide complex protects probiotics against stomach acid, making them 250x more likely to survive and deliver good bacteria to the gut.
#4 NOW Probiotic-10: Best for affordability
- Gluten-free
- 10 probiotic strains
NOW Probiotic-10 tackles irritable bowel syndrome using 10 probiotic strains and 25 billion CFUs. The live probiotic bacteria in this probiotic supplement colonize the gut microbiome, increasing the number of healthy bacteria present in the digestive system.
The probiotic strains featured in NOW Probiotic-10 include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium longum, each known for their positive effects on the gut.
One excellent positive of this probiotic is the ingredients it doesn’t include. This probiotic doesn’t have gluten or wheat, which are ingredients that can exacerbate IBS symptoms.
This probiotic supplement is more affordable than many others available on the market today. For those wanting to relieve symptoms like constipation, this supplement provides probiotics to increase the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in your digestive tract.
It’s easier for most people with IBS to experience regular bowel movements that don’t cause abdominal pain with plentiful gut flora.
#5 Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief: Best for a low FODMAP diet
- Supports the digestive system
- Uses PHGG to relieve abdominal pain
Some people with IBS live on a low FODMAP diet to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and constipation. Typically, low FODMAP diets involve avoiding certain foods like milk and some fruits and vegetables to decrease the likelihood of IBS attacks.
Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief uses the probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis as well as the prebiotic fiber partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) to support the digestive system and relieve abdominal pain.
Probiotics for IBS with PHGG help soften stools while increasing the bulkiness of bowel movements, making it easier for those with more severe and specific IBS symptoms to achieve digestive regularity.
According to research shared on the product page for this supplement, Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief can reduce IBS symptoms by up to 79%. This reduction includes a 67% reduction in the severity of abdominal pain and a 70% reduction in the severity of diarrhea.
#6 Culturelle Probiotic Digestive Daily: Best for vegetarians
- Vegetarian-friendly
- 10 billion CFUs
For many vegetarians, it’s challenging to find supplements that are suitable for their dietary requirements. Many supplements of this kind use dairy byproducts to create the capsules needed to deliver the probiotics.
However, Culturelle Probiotic Digestive Daily uses capsules made from plant-based ingredients. This allows vegetarians with IBS to diminish their symptoms without sacrificing their choice to avoid consuming animal byproducts.
One prominent probiotic strain used in this supplement is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is especially effective against diarrhea, diminishing its presence in the lives of those living with IBS.
The supplement also delivers 10 billion CFUs to the gut, supporting the intestinal microbiota and fortifying the gut.
#7 Garden of Life Colon Care: Best for an organic diet
- Soy and gluten-free
- Organic
The Garden of Life Colon Care supplement brings 17 digestive enzymes and over 30 microbiome strains to aid in all aspects of colon care.
Strengthening your colon and with over 50 billion live bacteria cultures, this supplement uses Bulgarian yogurt concentrate, Wild European kefir grains, and scobies. Anyone following an organic diet may prefer this supplement to other types with different ingredients.
This supplement is gluten-free, soy-free, and raw, making it unlikely to trigger IBS symptoms for most people. Some of the probiotic strains used include Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. We’ve established that each of these strains has medical studies supporting their positive impact on the gut and colon.
However, the other strains in this supplement are also backed by clinical studies. For example, Lactobacillus brevis is effective at treating the milder symptoms of IBS, including inflammation. Furthermore, Lactobacillus bulgaricus can further reduce abdominal pain and make IBS more manageable for many people.
Comparing the Best Probiotics for IBS
Uses butyrate to ease inflammation
XOS ingredients promote good bacteria growth
Decreases constipation and stomach pain
Cheaper with subscription options
Specifically designed for men
20 billion CFUs
Can boost testosterone levels
Boosts immunity
Promotes clear skin
40 billion CFUs
Probiotics are 250x more likely to reach the gut alive
Made with natural ingredients
Affordable
Gluten-free
Includes 10 probiotic strains
Can reduce inflammation
Great for low FODMAP diets
Helps achieve digestive regularity
Can reduce IBS symptoms by up to 79%
Can relieve diarrhea
Vegetarian-friendly
10 billion CFUs
Reduces diarrhea and loose stools
Shelf-stable
Organic ingredients
50 billion CFUs
Raw components
Can reduce bloating
Can be expensive
Can cause gassiness and bloating
Only for men
Can cause diarrhea
Varies individually
Only available online
Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding people
No money-back guarantee
No blanket effect on users
Can cause stomach cramps
Non-vegan ingredients
Causes headaches for some users in early stages
Can be ineffective for some users
Can cause bloating
No third-party testing
Largely targeted at mild symptoms
Can cause diarrhea
How to Choose the Best Probiotics for IBS in 2024
We used several factors to determine which probiotics for IBS were the best ones to recommend this year. Let’s review the core principles of what makes an excellent probiotic for IBS in 2024.
Quality
The quality of a supplement depends in part on the ingredients they use but also on the quality of the packaging and how the supplier stocks their supplement. Each of the supplements we’ve listed in this article uses high-quality ingredients.
The best ingredients for probiotics include strains that have medical research supporting their effects on the gut. For this specific article, we looked for supplements with ingredients that have been tested on people living with IBS to ensure effectiveness.
Price
There is no “right” price for supplements, but we recommend avoiding particularly cheap or expensive brands. Formulating effective probiotics isn’t cheap, so some supplements sold at surprisingly low prices may rely on the placebo effect to make a significant difference for customers.
Equally, some brands market themselves as luxurious supplements and use the luxury title to justify charging obscene prices for a monthly supply of capsules. Striking the balance and finding a supplement that delivers genuine results without overcharging is the ideal.
For this article, we sought out supplements using excellent ingredients without an excessive price.
Brand reputation
A brand’s reputation represents its transparency and customer service capabilities. For example, a company with very little public information about its ingredients, country of origin, or ethos will not appear on this list.
However, brands that proudly display their mission statement and provide clear information about their ingredients are excellent examples of good brands.
The best brands should have proof from a trustworthy, authoritative source that supports the claims of effectiveness for the probiotic strains they use in their products. Brand reputation represents the confidence buyers can have in these companies, which is why it’s so crucial to choose the right probiotic for IBS.
Effectiveness
When the other factors line up well, it’s highly likely that the effectiveness of the supplement will also be very high. It’s important to remember that all supplements have a chance of being ineffective for some people, and there is no guarantee that they will improve your experience with IBS.
Supplements are not intended to be a cure or a treatment for any illness or disorder, but they can provide significant relief. We chose supplements for this list based on how many of their customers found them effective and helpful in diminishing painful symptoms like constipation, bloating, and stomach cramps.
FAQs
There are numerous probiotics that are effective in reducing the impact of IBS and relieving various symptoms. Probiotics with strains that are proven to positively impact symptoms are the best. For example, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and many Bifidobacterium species are ideal for probiotic supplements for IBS.
Both prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial for addressing the symptoms of IBS. Prebiotics serve as nourishment for probiotics, enabling them to survive stomach acid and reach the gut intact. In fact, many probiotic supplements leverage prebiotics to enhance their efficacy.
Probiotics for IBS should be taken with meals for the best results. You’re more likely to experience common symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea if you take probiotic supplements without lining your stomach with food at the same time.
A Word From Our Medical Team
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frustrating condition that has no cure. However, there are ways to minimize the symptoms of IBS and make it a manageable disorder. Probiotic supplements represent one way individuals can increase their intestinal microflora levels and strengthen their intestinal barrier.
Using IBS probiotics to increase the number of good gut bacteria helps stabilize the gut microbiome. With plentiful beneficial gut microbiota, your digestive health can improve significantly.
Several probiotic strains, like Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus plantarum, are all clinically proven to help alleviate IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and the associated bloating symptoms.
It’s important to mention that people with IBS suffer higher rates of anxiety and depression than those without digestive health problems. Therefore, strengthening the gut may improve almost all aspects of physical and mental health for people with IBS.
Nonetheless, always ensure you consult a physician before starting a course of probiotic supplements for IBS, particularly if you are pregnant.
Conclusion
Probiotics for IBS can make the disorder significantly more comfortable by improving the gut microbiome and strengthening the digestive tract. Common symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, and even anxiety can all be eased with a balanced biome of healthy bacteria throughout the gut.
One way to positively impact your gut’s microbiome is by making simple lifestyle changes like dietary changes. Eating more probiotic-rich and fiber-rich foods like yogurt and kefir and avoiding foods that frequently cause flare-ups can help ease many common symptoms of IBS.
Our top picks for the best probiotics for IBS are Bioma, Biotics 8, and YourBiology. They are reputable brands using excellent ingredients. They also provide research evidence to support their choice of ingredients. If you struggle with IBS and want to learn more about it, you can also review our blog, which unravels the mystery behind IBS-related abdominal pain.