7 Best Probiotics For Autoimmune Disease – A Complete Guide
Did you know that your immune health and gut health are highly correlated? In fact, 70% of your immune system comes from your gut. This is because gut-associated lymphoid tissue represents almost 70% of the entire immune system, and 80% of plasma cells reside in gut-associated lymphoid tissue. [1]
So if you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, taking care of your gut health is an important part of your comprehensive healthcare. And for many people with autoimmune diseases, that includes probiotics.
Our top probiotic pick for autoimmune disease is the Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic with Prebiotic Fiber Blend because of its high CFU count and excellent price point, but read on for a comprehensive list of probiotic options.
How do you choose the best probiotic to treat your autoimmune disease, and how can probiotics help?
This article will provide a probiotic buying guide so you can make the best choice for your dollar and get back to feeling good.
Editor’s Picks
If you don’t have time to read the full article, check out our top picks below
Do Probiotics Help with Autoimmune Disorders?
Good news- yes, probiotics can help with your autoimmune disorder.
This 2018 study [2] notes that “over the past 40 years, probiotics have been shown to impact the immune system, both in vivo and in vitro. This interaction is linked to gut microbes, their polysaccharide antigens, and key metabolites produced by these bacteria.”
Researchers noted that “at least four metabolic pathways have been implicated in mechanistic studies of probiotics.”
In fact, the study found that numerous randomized controlled trials show “that microbial modification by probiotics may improve gastrointestinal symptoms and multiorgan inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis.”
How does this work? Well, it all lies in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Short-chain fatty acids are integral to gut health and play an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in colonocytes (cells in your large intestine). They protect colonocytes from external harm, and as 70% of your immune system comes from your gut, this is significant.
These short-chain fatty acids are produced in the colon by bacteria and probiotics. Prebiotics also play a significant role because they can selectively stimulate microbial growth and metabolic activity. By combining probiotics and prebiotics, it is possible to meaningfully shift the gut bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production.
Probiotics for Autoimmune Disease: Our Top Recommendations
1. Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic with Prebiotic Fiber Blend
With 4.5 stars and 93,265 reviews, the Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic with Prebiotic Fiber Blend is a winner. It contains both prebiotics and probiotics and a very high concentration of CFU. Plus, it’s shelf-stable, so it doesn’t require a fridge! That makes it perfect for traveling.
Pros:
- Contains 60 billion CFU, a very high concentration
- Contains 10 different live strains of helpful bacteria
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics
- Free from GMOs, soy, wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and preservatives
- Shelf-stable formula with no refrigeration required
- Stomach-stable formula with delayed-release acid-resistant capsules
- Vegan and vegetarian formula
- Third-party tested
- 4.5 average star reviews on Amazon out of 93,265 reviews
- Relatively good price point per capsule
Cons:
- None!
2. MegaFood MegaFlora Probiotic Supplement
MegaFood is a trusted brand that has been around since 1973. Its probiotics have a good reputation, and the MegaFlora probiotic is an affordable choice with excellent reviews and reported results.
Pros:
- Contains 20 billion CFU, a very high concentration
- Contains 14 different live strains of helpful bacteria
- Good price point per capsule
- GMO-free; contains no gluten, dairy, or soy
- Vegan and vegetarian formula
- Certified B Corporation, meaning it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability
- Tested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides; certified glyphosate residue-free, the world’s most common herbicide
- Small, easy to swallow capsules
- 4.6 average star reviews on Amazon out of 433 ratings
Cons:
- Not shelf-stable: requires refrigeration or freezing, so it is unsuitable for travel
3. Mary Ruth’s Liquid Probiotic For Women, Men, & Kids
Mary Ruth’s liquid probiotic is suitable for all ages and is a great option for digestive and immune support.
Pros:
- Contains 10 billion CFU
- Climate Pledge friendly product made with sustainable practices
- Certified USDA organic
- Contains 12 different live strains of helpful bacteria
- Convenient liquid can be consumed alone or added to water, beverages, and smoothies
- Vegan and vegetarian formula
- Free from GMOs, sugar, wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, and shellfish
- Raw formula
- Shelf-stable formula with no refrigeration required
- 4.8 average star reviews on Amazon out of 8,108 reviews
Cons:
- Very high price point per CFU
- CFU not advertised; research was required to determine CFU
4. Pure Encapsulations Probiotic G.I.
The Pure Encapsulations Probiotic G.I.is an excellent probiotic to treat a wide variety of gut issues. Pure Encapsulations is a trusted brand with a 30-year history of high-quality products and supplements, and with great reviews, you can’t go wrong with this probiotic!
Pros:
- Contains 10 billion CFU
- Contains no lactose, artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors, dairy, soy, nuts, gluten, yeast, coatings, shellacs, eggs, or fish products
- Shelf-stable and suitable for travel- no refrigeration is required!
- Can provide immune support through its beneficial microflora; supports proper gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) function and development which maintains normal immune system function
- Certified Climate Pledge Friendly, made with sustainable practices; compact design means fewer resources are needed to ship this product
- 4.7 average star reviews on Amazon out of 960 ratings
Cons:
- Higher price point than competitors
5. Wholesome Wellness Organic Probiotics 100 Billion CFU
The Wholesome Wellness Organic Probiotic is an excellent choice because of its high amount of live strains, high CFU, and stomach-stable formula. With over 20,000 reviews and 4.5 average stars, you can’t go wrong!
Pros:
- Contains 100 billion CFU, a very high concentration
- Contains 34 different live strains of helpful bacteria
- Shelf-stable and suitable for travel- no refrigeration is required!
- Has prebiotics as well which support the existing beneficial bacteria in your gut
- Suitable for all ages and genders
- Stomach-stable formula that survives stomach acid to make it to your digestive tract
Comes with a satisfaction guarantee - GMO-free formula containing no gluten, dairy, soy, preservatives, binders, milk, egg, shellfish, peanuts, and preservatives
- Raw formula
- Third-party tested
- Keto-friendly
- Free from hormones
- Certified Good Manufacturing Process (GMP)
- Contains digestive enzymes to support proper digestion
- Made in the USA
- Vegan and vegetarian formula
- 4.5 average star reviews on Amazon out of 20,083 ratings
Cons:
- Higher price point than competitors
- Unsuitable for children
- The high concentration of CFUs may be too much for some people
6. Ora Organic Prebiotic and Probiotic Powder Supplement
Ora is a reputable brand known for its highest-quality sourced ingredients. The Organic Prebiotic and Probiotic Powder Supplement is a reliable, shelf-stable probiotic powder excellent for travel and healing digestive symptoms. With its high concentration of bacteria, you will notice its effects quickly.
Pros:
- Contains 20 billion CFU, a very high concentration
- Has prebiotics as well which support the existing beneficial bacteria in your gut
- Contains L. reuteri, a probiotic strain particularly beneficial for women
- Suitable for all ages and genders
- Shelf-stable and suitable for travel- no refrigeration is required!
- Great for sensitive stomachs and those suffering from lactose intolerance and IBS
- Certified organic
- Comes in a tasty apple raspberry and lavender lemonade flavor
- Certified Climate Pledge Friendly, made with sustainable practices; compact design means fewer resources are needed to ship this product
- Vegan and vegetarian formula that contains no genetically modified ingredients, lactose, gluten, sugar, artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors
- 4.4 average star reviews on Amazon out of 507 ratings
Cons:
- Higher price point than competitors
- The high concentration of CFUs may be too much for some people; those concerned can start with a half dose to see how their body adjusts before increasing the dosage
7. NOW Supplements Probiotic-10 25 Billion with 10 Probiotic Strain Verified
NOW Supplements has been producing quality supplements in the USA since 1968. Its probiotic is affordable, effective, and comes highly reviewed.
Pros:
- Contains 25 billion CFU, a very high concentration
- Climate Pledge friendly product made with sustainable practices
- Lower price point than competitors
- Vegan and vegetarian formula that contains no gluten, tree nuts, soy, wheat, milk, eggs, and shellfish
- Non-GMO formula
- Stomach-stable formula
- Third-party tested
- Shelf-stable formula with no refrigeration required (though it is recommended)
- 4.6 average star reviews on Amazon out of 4,726 ratings
Cons:
- Not organic
What to Consider When Buying Probiotics for Autoimmune Disease
Shelf Stability
In order to propagate, live in your gut, and support your health, the probiotics need to be alive, but our stomach acids naturally attack the incoming bacteria. Therefore, choosing a product that can bypass stomach acids so the bacteria can survive is essential.
When choosing your probiotic for lactose intolerance, look for a shelf-stable product with capsules that are stomach-stable.
The Number of Colony Forming Units (CFU)
Colony Forming Units are the number of bacteria and yeast contained in your probiotic that can divide and form colonies. Many experts recommend between 6 and 10 billion CFU daily (remember that some of these will come from your diet, not solely your probiotic). More isn’t always better; choosing the right probiotic for you with good shelf-stability can be more important than a higher CFU.
It’s best to start with a smaller dose until you see how your gut handles it. This is because some people experience diarrhea or constipation when they start probiotics. So if your probiotic bottle recommends two a day, start with one for a few days before increasing your dose.
Third-party Testing Verification
Variations in storage conditions, transit methods, and the place of origin can affect the potency of your probiotic or even lead to bacterial contamination. A good probiotic will be third-party tested for potency and safety.
Prebiotic Content
Prebiotics are the food that your healthy gut bacteria feast on. Incorporating prebiotic supplements and foods into your diet means you take care of the helpful bacteria that are already in your gut, plus feeding the new ones you introduce with probiotics.
Added Ingredients
Many supplements contain additives like sugar, guar gum, and preservatives. It is best to choose one with minimal ingredients to reduce the chance of getting indigestion from these additives.
Refrigeration
Many probiotics need to be refrigerated. This is not necessarily a problem, but if you want a probiotic that you can take on the road with you, you may want to find one that does not require refrigeration. However, all gummies can melt, so it’s still best to keep them in a cool place whenever possible.
Money-Back Guarantee
Because not every probiotic is right for everyone, it’ helps to choose a probiotic with a money-back guarantee.
Improve Your Immune System and Gut Flora Naturally
Don’t forget to include probiotic and prebiotic foods into your diet, too. Tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, miso, pickles, chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, dandelion greens, barley, oats, apples, and kombucha are excellent probiotic and prebiotic foods to consume regularly.
Conclusion
Autoimmune diseases are complex, just like lactose intolerance. While there is no magic cure, caring for your whole health can aid in your body’s healing. Supporting your healthy gut functioning with the right probiotic and at the right time can help- it’s a great place to start.
Written by Stephanie Moore
Stephanie is a professional writer who is a ‘SIBO survivor’ herself with broad experience writing in the health field. She is a regular writer for SIBO Survivor and calls Berlin, Germany home.
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