3 Probiotics GUARANTEED To Help With Your Leaky Gut

More In-Depth Review Of Our Top 3 Probiotics

#1 Rated Probiotic: Review Of 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum

At our #1 option is an amazing probiotic from 1MD called 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum. 

If you have any issues with your gut, weather it be constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or any other symptom, I can’t recommend this one enough.

Before I dive into 1MD as a brand, I want to take a quick dive into the research behind this one. 

1MD is made up of a lactobacillus/bifidobacterium strains, which are the most highly-researched probiotic strain, and the research is overwhelming at helping leaky gut. 

When choosing a probiotic, research has shown that having multiple research-backed strains for the greatest level of effectiveness–and 1MD has 11.

It’s also important to choose a probiotic with a high amount of CFUs, short for “Colony Forming Units. This simply means how much bacteria is in each serving. 

In short, the higher CFU, the stronger its effect.

Depending on the problem you’re trying to solve, different doses are found to more beneficial. For leaky gut, studies have shown that probiotics with between 10 billion CFU to 100 billion CFU are the most effective. 

That’s a wide range–so in other words, it means the research is not so conclusive. So… that means that we don’t have to be too crazy about the CFU count and as long as you take a probiotic with a good amount of CFU, you should be good. 

1MD Platinum has 50 billion CFU–more than enough to help heal your leaky gut. 

Another thing I like about this probiotic are its 3rd party certifications. Supplements are an unregulated industry and studies have shown a large amount of supplements don’t contain what they say they contain–which is terrible and misleading. 

It’s why I always look for 3rd party verification–and 1MD has 2 of them–GMP and NSF.

In short, these ensure that the 1MD actually has the probiotic strains and CFU count it says it has. 

Another issue with probiotics is that they get destroyed by stomach acid before they reach the small intestine where they can help heal leaky gut issues. 1MD has a delayed-release capsule, which is a cool technology which, as you may have guessed, avoids getting dissolved by the stomach acid and stays intact before reaching the small intestine. 

Another thing I look for are reviews, and well, 1MD has a ton of them–with over 1238 reviews and a 4.9 rating, this is fantastic.

These reviews do a great job summing up the powerful effects people have received from using 1MD platinum probiotic and healing their leaky gut.

All in all, I love this probiotic from 1MD and can’t recommend it enough for helping heal issues with leaky hut. It is research-backed, 3rd party certified, and has everything you want in a probiotic. If you’re serious about healing your leaky gut, this is the one you want. 

Pros

• Contains 11 research-backed lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains
• Has 50 billion CFU–more than enough to heal leaky gut
• 3rd party certified–in other words, it contains what it claims to contain
• Has delayed-release capsule–ensures the probiotics actually make it to your gut
• Free shipping
• Over 1,238 reviews 

Cons

• N/A

Check Price Of 1MD Platinum Probiotic Here.

#2 Rated Probiotic: Amy Myers MD 100 Billion CFU

If you are a fan of the site, you know how much I love Amy Myers supplements, and their 100 billion probiotic supplement is another fantastic choice

Here’s why. 

While 1MD got the top spot for its delayed capsule-technology, Amy Myers 100 billion CFU is not far behind.

This Amy Myer’s probiotic contains research-backed ingredients (which I’ll go into below), comes with free shipping, is 3rd party certified, contains 14 different strains of bacteria (which is a huge positive), has 100 billion CFU’s per capsule, and has a ton of reviews.

The only real downside I can find is the price. But even that, honestly, isn’t a downside.

I’d rather have a quality probiotic that heals my leaky gut than “save” money on crappy probiotics that don’t work. 

And unfortunately, due to a lack of regulation and accountability in the supplement industry, there are a lot of low quality probiotics that don’t help with leaky gut issues. 

Price aside, let’s dive into what makes this probiotic so great. 

Let’s start with its 3rd-party certification. 

Like 1MD, Amy Myers has 3rd party GMP certification for quality.

I screenshotted this right from Amy Myers’ website:

Another thing I look for when choosing a probiotic supplement to help with leaky gut are its reviews and well, holy reviews–over 533 reviews and a near perfect 5-star rating.

It doesn’t get better than that. 

This review shows how effective this probiotic can be for helping with leaky gut issues

Like 1MD, this probiotic contains lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains, which have the most research backing them, and with 100 billion CFU, this one’s strong enough to completely cure your leaky gut.

The verdict: If you are looking for an evidence-based probiotic supplement that has everything you want: great reviews, research-backed ingredients, 10+ strains, 3rd-party certified, 100 billion CFUs–this is the one you want. 

**Check price of Amy Myers 100 Billion CFU Probiotic Here ($10 discount automatically applied)**

Ingredients:

Pros:

• Best option, hands down, for healing leaky gut
• Contains research-backed probiotic strains proven to heal leaky gut
• Has 3rd party certification for quality 
• Tons of amazing reviews – over 533 reviews and a near perfect 5-star rating
• Free shipping

Cons:

• Expensive (But well worth the price)

Our #3 Rated Probiotic: Just Thrive Probiotic Review

Coming in at our #3 option is our top soil-based choice: Just Thrive. 

Just Thrive is a soil-based probiotic that is new to the scene. 

Soil-based probiotics have very promising research backing them up, and have been shown to help with the following:

• IBS symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating
• Respiratory tract infections
• Leaky gut
• Healthier microbiota
• Decreased inflammation
• H. pylori infections

 However, they are simply too new to the scene to have even close to the body of research of our first 2 options. 

This is why this is getting the 3rd option. 

With that being stated, soil-based probiotics have their place and should be considered if you’ve already tried a lactobacillus/bifidobacterium strain (our #1 option) and/or a Saccharomyces boulardii strain (our #2 option).

Then and only then do I recommend a soil-based probiotic like Just Thrive. 

So let’s dive into what I love about Just Thrive.

Unlike our top 2 choices on the list, Just Thrive has a near 100% survival rate. 

So while I recommend a 100 billion CFU probiotic at our #1 option simply because a high majority die before getting to the gut, high-quality soil-based strains like Just Thrive easily survive the gut. 

The result–you only need 2-3 billion CFU–Just Thrive has 3 billion. 

The body of research suggests a wide range of 2-8 billion CFU/day, so I always recommend starting low with probiotics with 2-3 billion–making Just Thrive a great choice here. 

There are only 4 strains of bacteria in this one: Bacillus Indicus HU36, bacillus coagulans, bacillus clausii, and bacillus subtilis HU58.

While I recommend probiotics with over 10 strains typically, this doesn’t apply to soil-based strains.

Why?

Soil-based probiotics are different and there simply exists no soil-based probiotics with more than 4 strains. 

Before we dive into the research, let’s go over the reviews–and they are great. 

They have 642 reviews, nearly all of which are 5 stars.

One thing I am iffy about with Just Thrive is that they don’t have 3rd party certification, like our top 2 options.

Not a dealbreaker–but definitely would be nice to see another company verify that what they claim is in their supplement is actually in their supplement. 

Based on their credibility as a company and the positive reviews, I don’t think it’s too big of a deal.

Now let’s get into the research. I put each individual strain and linked studies to disorders it has been proven to help with:

1. Bacillus Indicus HU36: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5561432/
2. Bacillus coagulans: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25120896/
3. Bacillus subtilis HU58 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25120896/
4. Bacillus clausii – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23443952/

I want to dive deeper into Bacillus Indicus HU36 for a minute. What makes this strain unique and helpful is its ability to produce potent antioxidants. 

Oxidative stress is a major cause of leaky gut issues–which is what antioxidants do best. In this point in time, Bacillus indicus HU36 is the only probiotic strain that produces antioxidants–which works to reduce oxidative stress, decreases inflammation, and supports immune cells. 

So, if you have serious leaky gut issues, Just Thrive can easily be the solution to future fart-free days and snake-like poops. 

Yeah, I said it. 

The Verdict: When it comes to soil-based probiotics, Just Thrive gets my vote. If the top 2 options on this list didn’t work for you, this is the one you want.

Ingredients:

Pros:

• Although limited studies conducted, research shows exciting results for healing leaky gut
• Best option if our #1 & #2 choices weren’t effective
• Great reviews – over 643 reviews and a near perfect 5-star rating
• Free shipping

Cons:

• Not 3rd party certified
• Expensive
• Limited research conducted

So What Exactly Is Leaky Gut? 

According to gut health experts, the gut is a selectively permeable membrane which means that there are some nutrients that are allowed to pass through while keeping out certain undesirable bacteria. 

A leaky gut is usually a sign that the membrane is so worn-down that both good and bad substances can flow through without any regulation. 

Things that irritate the gut lining include stress, too much exercise, and lack of sleep. Fungal overgrowth and certain food sensitivities like gluten intolerance can also cause leaky gut. 

The most important thing is to bring the ecosystem within your gut microbiome into homeostasis through proper lifestyle, diet, and supplementation, making sure to follow the right probiotic protocol. 

When this is done, the cells that line the lower bile and colon tighten up, and leaky gut is corrected. 

There are 3 Types of Probiotics

I’m sure you’ve seen all the Latin-sounding probiotic words when looking at supplements, but what does it all mean? 

Thankfully, it’s not all jibberish, and it’s simple to understand– which I break down. 

Probiotics typically fall into three categories:

1. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Probiotic Blends

This category of probiotics consists of microorganisms that produce lactic acid in order to improve overall health. This is the most well-researched probiotic category out there (currently over 500 clinical trials) and it consists of a combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. 

Here are a few examples of probiotic strains that you’d find under this category:

• L. Rhamnosus: L. Rhamnosus gets attached to the intestinal cells so the bad bacteria can’t pass through to your digestive system. 

It has been proven in multiple studies, to boost the immune system through pro and anti inflammatory pathways. 

This strain also aids in the prevention of urinary tract infections, especially those concerned with antibiotics.

• L. Casei: Assist with digestion and nutrient absorption. It also helps with ulcers and all sorts of gastrointestinal problems. 
• L. Acidophilus: This one is often used in the treatment of respiratory infections, it helps to relieve IBS, and has been shown to decrease the frequency of vaginal infections.
• L. Plantarum: A probiotic that helps with general digestion while lowering intestinal permeability, and preserving critical nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. It’s essential to have in the body. 
• B. Lactis: Increases immune function while helping to fight off infections. It also allows you to recover faster, and you need this strain for healthy digestion. 
• B. Bifidum: Helps to curb the proliferation of bad bacteria. It also enhances the function of the immune system and aids in the digestive process. Basically, it’s good bacteria that helps to keep the bad bacteria in check. 

2. Saccharomyces Boulardii Probiotics

This category of probiotics (the 2nd most research type of probiotic) is a type of yeast that’s very beneficial to the body. It has been shown to help with various conditions, including IBS, Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, and it can correct gut imbalances.  

3. Soil-Based Probiotics (Bacillus Strains)

As the name implies, soil-based probiotics are derived from the soil and water. These live microorganisms are commonly used to make up for the bacteria that human beings miss due to our reduced contact with nature. Some of the most well-known soil-based probiotic strains include:

• Bacillus coagulans: This lactic-acid forming strain is unique for its ability to withstand stomach acid in order to work more effectively at alleviating IBS, constipation and intestinal gas. 
• Bacillus subtilis: This spore-base bacteria has been shown to boost immunity and help with leaky gut. 

What Else To Look For In Probiotic Strain  

Now that you know about the 3 most researched probiotic strains available, it’s time to dive into some of the criteria we used to come up with our list of options. Trust us, this will make it so much easier to figure out which probiotic to pick. 

• Refrigeration vs Non-Refrigeration 

Heat is known to kill probiotics. So why do most probiotics not have to be refrigerated?

Typically, probiotics that come in non-refrigerated form, either in capsules or blister packs, are freeze-dried and in packaging that prevents moisture– and as a result, can survive at room temperature. 

And while they can survive at room temperature, if they are stored in a warm environment, they will die and be ineffective. 

Refrigerated probiotics, on the other hand, may not be freeze-dried or packaged in a way to survive at room temperature and will need to be refrigerated. 

• Dosing

Probiotics should be dosed in billion units. If you see something in the millions, walk away. That’s really low for a supplement of this kind. 

For children, you want a dose that is in the 5 to 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) mark, while adults are recommended to opt for something in the 10 to 15 billion unit per capsule. 

20 billion units or more are in the higher end and are often recommended for those with autoimmune diseases, immunity problems, or taking antibiotics. 

Regardless of the probiotic that you choose, it’s always a good idea to start with a normal dose, especially if you’re just taking the probiotic for general health. But, if you’re targeting a leaky gut then it’s good to start with a high dose over 20 billion units. 

• Strains

When choosing a probiotic, you want one that offers a variety of strains, anywhere from 8 to 16 should suffice. This should include a variety of Lactobacillus and Bifidus, and saccharomyces strains, which are some of the most well-researched probiotic strains available. 

• Consider Your Health Condition

What kind of health condition are you looking to treat by taking a probiotic? This is an important question to ask yourself in order to narrow down your options. 

For instance, if you have seasonal allergies or a histamine intolerance then you’ll want to stay away from certain strains of probiotics that can worsen the issue, such as certain strains in the lactobacillus family. 

Of course, we’re focusing on leaky gut here, so the probiotics you’ll find below are chosen to specifically help with a leaky gut. 

• GMP

GMP stands for good manufacturing practices and seeing this sticker on your probiotic supplement is an indicator that certain steps have been taken to ensure the safety, quality and purity of that probiotic. 

A lot of great brands even have internal testing labs which they use in addition to third party testing to vet the strains they’re working on to make sure that they’re clinically validated. 

• Micro Encapsulation 

Look for enteric-coated or micro-encapsulated probiotics because those are less likely to get destroyed by the acid in your stomach when you consume them. Many low-quality probiotics are not micro-encapsulated because this is a costly process. But, failure to micro-encapsulate these supplements can mean they’re unable to survive through the intestines and populate the gut. In short, the probiotics die before they reach your gut and are useless. 

• Hypoallergenic

When trying out different probiotics, it’s not uncommon to come across one that either has ingredients you’re allergic to or simply don’t have an effect.

If you have any allergies, you want to make sure that your probiotic supplement is made without the use of any undesirable allergens, additives, or preservatives that might negate its effects. 

Top Tip: Once you find a probiotic you like, check the label to find out what the intake recommendations are, and whether you should take them with food in the morning or right before you go to bed. 

Things To Know About Probiotics:

• How Do Antibiotics Damage The Gut? 

There are many factors that can really mess up your gut health, but none more notorious as taking excess antibiotics which are unfortunately over-prescribed in many cases. Broad-spectrum antibiotics specifically, target a lot of bacteria and end up cleaning out everything in your gut which opens up room for other less desirable types of bacteria to take root.

• What’s The Difference Between Good Gut Bacteria and Bad Gut Bacteria? 

When talking about the gut we often hear words like good bacteria and bad bacteria are thrown about. The truth is not that simple. The problem is an imbalance that’s brought about by having too much of one thing and not enough of another.

Keep in mind that good bacteria is still a foreign bacteria, another living being inside of us, which is why you hear phrases like probiotics “colonizing” the “host” (i.e. You). What’s often referred to as ‘good’ bacteria helps to prevent the ‘bad’ bacteria from making us sick, thus promoting a state of balance within the gut, and taking probiotics can play a huge role in making this happen.

• The Importance of Prebiotics for Probiotics

You can’t have a conversation about probiotics without understanding the role played by prebiotics on gut health. Prebiotics are specialized and valuable plant fibers found in certain foods such as asparagus, onion, bananas, wheat, and many others. You need to have high-level prebiotic fibers in your diet to feed the good bacteria in your gut that’s acquired through probiotic consumption while driving out the undesirable bacteria.

Oftentimes, low amounts of prebiotics in the food translates to bad colon bacteria and leaky gut. So, you need a good balance of probiotics and prebiotics to ensure robust health.

Wrapping it up

The gut is a robust community of little critters who’re all competing to have the upper hand (not unlike our competitive modern culture- as above so below, right?).

Both good and bad bacteria want to colonize your gut, but as we now know, you want to create a situation where your gut mostly consists of beneficial bacteria instead of damaging little critters.

Our friendly bacteria perform so many tasks throughout the body to help us maintain health.  That’s why gut health is considered the foundation of wellness, and probiotics are essential to providing your gut with good bacteria that’ll support your overall health.

Choosing a good probiotic, like 1MD Platinum Probiotic or Amy Myers MD 100 Billion Probiotic can mean the difference between doubling over in pain after every meal or enjoying a symptom-free existence where you actually feel like a normal human being.

We hope this guide will help you reach your own leaky-gut free Nirvana.