Please use this handout along with the Whole Health handout “How a Healthy Gut Makes for a Healthier You.”  It is a tool for you to use together with your health care provider if you will be taking probiotics as part of your medical treatment.

Not all strains of probiotics have been studied for all conditions.  This is a growing area of research.  It’s a good idea to choose a probiotic that already has been researched.  It’s more likely to help your condition.  The following recommendations are based on a review of research findings.  The conditions listed are those that have been researched the most.

Probiotics are dosed in “Colony-Forming Units,” or CFUs.  This is how the amount of good probiotic bacteria is measured.  The scientific names of bacteria have two main parts.  For example, one common probiotic is called Lactobacillus acidophilus.  Many bacteria share the first part of that name.  They are in the same “family,” but they are not the same probiotic.  So, it is important to make sure that the second part of the name is exactly the one you are looking for.

It is important to use a reliable and high-quality brand.  Independent organizations such as Consumerlab.com conduct tests of brands to make sure they actually contain what they say they do.  In addition to these tests, the labels “USP Verified” or “Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)” indicate that the product is likely of good quality.

Note: the goal is not to take probiotics continuously for the rest of your life.  Instead, it is best to support your gut with good prebiotic food, which will help it remain healthy on its own.  Prebiotic foods encourage good bacteria to grow.  For a list of these foods, see the Whole Health handout, “How a Healthy Gut Makes for a Healthier You.”

Please also note that although this handout contains information briefly describing some medical conditions, it is not meant to diagnose a specific condition or replace an actual medical evaluation.  Also, probiotics are generally very safe, but they should still be thought of as a type of medicine.  Please talk with your health care team to determine whether you should take one of the probiotics listed below.