More Than a 'Gut' Feeling

With each passing day bringing us news of some new health concern we’ve got to worry about, a food item we should no longer be eating or a brand new supplement we simply must be adding 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 gets. It’s enough to make you want to give up the whole shebang entirely and just order another pizza.

But gut health is actually a real concern and one that shouldn’t just be on our minds the day after a night out.

There’s plenty of research that shows the gut is actually 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, our gut can tell us a lot about what’s going on in our heads, so 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 of paramount importance.

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.

Before we dive into the supplement suggestions, we consulted Dr. Roshini Raj, board-certified practicing 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 skin care 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.”

Best probiotic supplements at a glance

Best supplement for gut healing: Floratrex, £73.95, Amazon

Best active bacteria supplement: Symprove Live & Active Bacteria Mango & Passion Fruit Flavour Drink, £79, Symprove UK

Best subscription service probiotic: Feel Beauty Probiotic+, £25.64, 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, £19.99, Amazon

Best full spectrum supplement: Swiss BioEnergetics Full Spectrum Probiotic Defence, £17.97, Amazon

Best gut-sensitive supplement: Megafood MegaFlora, £33.43, E Vitamins

Best child-friendly supplement: Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain Formula Probiotics, £24, Amazon

Best supplement for acne prone skin: Bioglan Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora, £21.99, Holland and Barrett

Best supplement for eczema prone skin: Inessa Advanced Daily Biotic, £17.99 Amazon

Best supplement to aid digestion: HUM Nutrition Skin Squad Pre+Probiotic Clear Skin Supplement, £44, Cult Beauty

Best supplement to help combat IBS: The Nue Co. Prebiotic + Probiotic, £45, Cult Beauty

Best for an all-round boost: Purearth Immunity Pack, £65, Purearth

Best for a gut health boost alongisde glowing skin: Edible Health Digestive Enzyme Blend , £35.63, Amazon

Best for restoration and replenishment of all the good bacteria: Wild nutrition Multi strain biotic , £29.60, Revital

Best for a simple and effective daily probiotic: Naked Biotics 90 Day Starter Plan , £98.85, Naked Biotics

Best for male sufferers from abdominal pain or IBS: Sons Guts Health Supplement, £44, Sons

Floratrex

Best probiotic supplement for: gut healing

Containing 23 probiotic strains and 50 billion live CFU in every capsule, this supplement is the chief of all supplements - the one to take when you need to pull in the big guns to get your gut health in order.

Formulated by a Dr Edward F Group who was tired of having to take several supplements to get all the probiotic benefits he wanted, Floratrex contains ingredients such as lactobacillus acidophilus to help boost the immune system and reduce lactose intolerance was well as lactobacillus gasseri to help normalise cholesterol and support heart health.

Adults are encouraged to take two capsules a day whilst children are advised to take one a couple of times a week mixed into food or drink (as always, check with your doctor first, though!). Unlike many other capsules, these use organic gum acacia instead of toxic binding and filling agents, meaning the bacteria is truly allowed to thrive without annoying capsule contaminants getting in the way.

Buy now £73.95, Amazon

Symprove Live & Active Bacteria Mango & Passion Fruit Flavour Drink

Best probiotic supplement for: active bacteria

Symprove has become one of the most widely known and most renowned supplements that delivers live, active multi-strain bacteria to the gut. It does this through a unique delivery system in a water-based formulation that encourages better absorption and protects it from gastric juices. Take each morning to balance out the gut and counteract some of the side effects of IBS and upset stomachs. The mango and passion fruit taste helps to to create the healthy habit by adding a flavoursome twist. For best results, use for 12 weeks.

Buy now £37.50, Symprove

Purearth Immunity Pack

Best for: an all-round boost

Packed with ginger, probiotics, oil of oregano (which help target the sinuses) a high dose of vitamin C, B2 and B12 — the Immunity Pack from Purearth is designed to help strengthen your immune system in the most delicious way. You can purchase single cold pressed juices or opt for a variety of one-off bundles and subscriptions.

Buy now £65, Purearth