What’s the Best Probiotic?
(It Depends — Here’s Why)
One of the most common questions I get is “What probiotic should I take?”
The honest answer is that the best probiotic for you depends on what’s happening in your gut. Different strains do very different things, and in some cases probiotics can make symptoms worse if they’re not the right fit.
Many people have already tried one or two probiotics before finding this page — sometimes with little improvement, or even more bloating — which is usually a sign that the type of probiotic didn’t match what the gut actually needed.
This is why, when possible, I recommend starting with testing. A GI-MAP stool test allows us to see what bacteria are already present, whether certain microbes may be overgrown, and what type of support is most likely to be helpful.
That said, if testing isn’t possible right now, there are a few probiotic types that tend to be better tolerated and more broadly supportive for many people.
The product links below open through my Fullscript dispensary.
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Your discount is automatically applied to all future orders.
Saccharomyces boulardii (a.k.a. Sacc B or S. Boulardii)
Saccharomyces boulardii is different from most probiotics because it’s actually a beneficial yeast rather than a bacteria.
Instead of permanently colonizing the gut, it works temporarily while you’re taking it, which makes it easier for many people to tolerate — especially if traditional probiotics tend to cause bloating.
Sacc B may be helpful for:
Supporting healthy stool consistency
Helping maintain balance when yeast or opportunistic organisms are present
Supporting gut barrier and immune function
Providing support after antibiotic use or travel
Why it’s often well tolerated
Because it’s a yeast, it doesn’t permanently colonize the gut, which is one reason many people tolerate it well.
It’s often used as short-term support rather than a long-term daily probiotic.
Best for: Inconsistent digestion, post-antibiotic support, or when traditional probiotics tend to cause bloating.
Note: product links open through my Fullscript dispensary, so pricing is visible once you create a free account. My dispensary discount (20–25% off retail) is applied automatically.
Spore-Based Probiotics (Megasporebiotic)
Spore-based probiotics work a little differently than traditional probiotics.
These organisms are naturally protected by a spore shell, which allows them to survive stomach acid and reach the intestines more effectively. Rather than trying to replace existing bacteria, they help support a healthier gut environment so beneficial bacteria can rebalance more naturally.
This can make them a helpful starting point for people who have reacted poorly to traditional probiotics in the past.
Spore-based probiotics may be helpful for:
People who experience bloating with traditional probiotics
Supporting gut balance without introducing very large amounts of bacteria
Situations where digestion feels sensitive or reactive
Supporting microbial diversity over time
Best for:
Sensitive digestion, probiotic intolerance, or supporting gut balance without introducing large amounts of new bacteria
My favorite is MegaSpore:
Traditional Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium Blends
These are what most people think of when they hear the word “probiotic.”
For some individuals, these blends can be helpful for general digestive and immune support. However, they aren’t always the best starting point, especially if bloating, gas, or histamine sensitivity are already present.
Traditional probiotic blends may be helpful when:
Digestion is relatively stable
Probiotics have been well tolerated in the past
The goal is general maintenance rather than symptom support
As with all probiotics and supplements, individual response can vary.
Best for: General digestive and immune support when digestion is relatively stable and probiotics have been well tolerated in the past.
A Final Note on Probiotics
Probiotics can be helpful tools, but they aren’t always the first place I start. In many cases, mineral balance, digestion, or the gut environment itself needs support before adding bacteria.
This is why testing can be so helpful — it allows us to choose the right support at the right time instead of guessing, and often prevents unnecessary trial and error.
If you’re unsure where to start, GI-MAP stool testing can help take the guesswork out of the process and make probiotic choices much more targeted.