Gut health often gets overlooked but it is extremely important. Having a healthy gut can impact how your whole body functions, how much energy you have, and how much nutrition you are able to get from the food that you eat.
One of the best ways to improve your gut health is to take probiotics alongside eating a healthy, balanced diet.
If you have any health conditions that impact your digestive system or your gut health then it is even more important to take probiotics.
A lot of people suffer from diverticulitis, especially elderly people, and taking probiotics can help to ease the symptoms and prevent further issues.
Which probiotic brands are the best? Which ones should you use if you have diverticulitis?
If you want to find out more then keep reading. We have put together this helpful list of the best brands of probiotics for people with diverticulitis.
What Are Probiotics?
People take probiotics to improve their gut health, but what exactly are they?
They are live microorganisms that help to restore the balance of bacteria in your gut to improve the function of your digestive system.
This can help you to absorb more nutrients from your food, have more energy, and generally feel healthier. It also helps you to restore and maintain regular bowel movements.
Probiotics need to be taken regularly in order to work effectively. Certain probiotics are better for particular health conditions.
Which probiotics you should take depends on your general health and any pre-existing health conditions you may have.
What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a disease that affects the large intestine, which is also called the bowel.
It is caused by pockets in the intestinal wall called diverticula. They can be asymptomatic, in which case the condition is called diverticulosis.
If there is a pain in the abdomen and other symptoms then the condition is called diverticular disease.
In some cases, the diverticular can become inflamed and infected which can lead to more pain and serious symptoms. This is when the condition is called diverticulitis.
What Causes Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis can occur at any time, but its main causes seem to be age, diet, and lifestyle. Genetics also plays a part.
The condition becomes more common after the age of 50, and a lot of people over the age of 80 develop the disease.
This is because the diverticula are more likely to form if the large intestine walls become weak.
If you have a diet that lacks fiber then you are at a higher risk of developing diverticulitis. Smoking and obesity can also contribute, along with a history of constipation and high usage of painkillers.
What Are The Symptoms Of Diverticulitis?
If you have diverticulitis then you will experience some or all of these symptoms:
- Abdominal Pain – often on the left side and immediately after eating. It tends to be eased by a bowel movement or passing wind.
- Blood and/or mucus in your stool
- Constipation, diarrhea, or irregular bowel movements
- A high temperature
What Are The Best Brands Of Probiotics For People With Diverticulitis?
If you have already been diagnosed with diverticulitis then it is very important to take good care of your gut. Probiotics are an excellent way to do this. But which ones should you take?
Studies have shown that the best strains of probiotics for diverticulitis sufferers are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria.
Here are the best brands that we would recommend.
Physician’s Choice Probiotics
This brand of probiotics contains 3 out of the 4 recommended strains of probiotics which are ideal for people with diverticulitis, along with many others.
It comes in a high dosage which is perfect if you want the product to get to work quickly to improve your gut health.
This product is organic, vegan friendly, and doesn’t contain any GMOs. The natural blend helps to promote intestinal health, reducing the symptoms of diverticulitis.
You will have less gas and bloating, and more regular bowel movements. It also helps to boost your immune system.
The capsules are acid-resistant and are designed to provide a delayed-release. This means that the nutrients won’t be destroyed in your stomach before it reaches your intestines.
These capsules are shelf-stable which means you don’t need to worry about storing them in a refrigerator. The main ingredients are chicory root and artichoke root.
Pros:
- Strains – This product contains 3 out of the 4 desirable strains
- Organic – It is organic and contains no GMO ingredients
- Vegan – These probiotics are vegan friendly
- Strength – The dosage is strong
- Delayed-Release – The capsules are acid-resistant for a delayed-release
- Shelf Stable – You don’t need to store them in a refrigerator
Cons:
- Size – Some customers found the size of the capsules made them uncomfortable to swallow
Garden Of Life Primal Defense
This organic soil-based probiotic contains 3 of the 4 desirable strains for people suffering from diverticulitis.
It contains homeostatic soil organisms in a shelf-stable formula that doesn’t need to be kept in a refrigerator.
This probiotic helps to support the immune system and promotes colon health and regular bowel movements. It is gluten-free and is suitable for vegetarians.
It contains no GMO ingredients and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. This product is eco-friendly and is part of the climate pledge.
Pros:
- Organic – This is an organic product
- Soil-Based – It contains homeostatic soil organisms
- Shelf Stable– You don’t need to store it in a refrigerator
- Gluten-Free – This is gluten-free
- Vegetarian – These probiotics are suitable for vegetarians
- Natural – There are no GMOs or artificial ingredients
- Eco-Friendly – This product is part of the climate pledge
Cons:
- Aftertaste – Some customers have complained that these probiotics have a strong aftertaste
Hyperbiotics Pro 15
These probiotics have a patented method of delivery which ensures that more probiotics reach your gut.
They are released slowly over 8 to 10 hours, bypassing the stomach acid and reaching the intestinal tract alive.
These probiotics are vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, which makes them suitable for a range of dietary requirements.
They help to boost your metabolic rate which keeps your bowel movements regular and can be great for weight loss.
These probiotics will help you to feel more energetic and full of life. It contains 15 different strains to improve your gut health.
The tablets are the size of a pearl which makes them really easy to swallow. They are shelf-stable and last a long time so you don’t need to keep them in the refrigerator.
This product is climate pledge friendly so it is good for the environment.
Pros:
- Slow Release – These probiotics are released over 8-10 hours to ensure that they reach the gut alive
- Dietary Requirements – They are vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free
- Weight Loss – These probiotics help to boost your metabolic rate
- Strains – It contains 15 different strains
- Size – They are small and easy to swallow
- Shelf Stable – They don’t need to be stored in a refrigerator
- Eco-Friendly – The product is climate pledge friendly
Cons:
- Loose Bowels – Some customers found that these probiotics were so effective at speeding up their metabolism that they experienced loose bowels
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic
These probiotics are suitable for vegetarians and are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. They are more affordable than a lot of the other probiotics on the market.
Despite being reasonably priced, they are extremely effective. They are suitable for both men and women and are perfect for rebalancing your digestive system.
These probiotics are shelf-stable which means that you don’t need to keep them in the refrigerator. They come in blister packs which means they are easy to slot into a pocket or a handbag to take on the go.
The capsule size is easy to swallow and gives targeted delivery of the probiotics.
Pros:
- Dietary Requirements – These probiotics are vegetarian-friendly, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free
- Affordable – They are reasonably priced and effective
- Shelf Stable – You don’t need to store them in a refrigerator
- Convenient – They come in convenient blister packs
- Size – They are very easy to swallow
Cons:
- Wind – Some customers found that this probiotic caused excessive gas
Nutrition Essentials Probiotic
These unisex probiotics contain a potent strain that is not killed by stomach acid which means it can be more effective.
They are kind and gentle on your system, so they won’t cause irritation to your stomach. They help to prompt regular bowel movements and do not cause constipation.
These probiotics are stored in FrostProtect bottles which protect the probiotics from oxygen, heat, and light which makes them last longer. They are shelf-stable which means that you don’t need to keep them in the refrigerator.
Pros:
- Unisex – They are suitable for men and women
- Potent – The probiotics won’t be killed before they reach the gut
- Gentle – They do not cause stomach irritation or constipation
- Storage – These capsules are shelf-stable and stored in a FrostProtect bottle
Cons:
- Strains – They use fewer strains than other probiotics
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know what the best brands of probiotics are for diverticulitis sufferers, it is time for you to choose which brand you want to go for. Here is some advice to consider when you are making your decision.
You should think about how much money you want to spend on probiotics. They vary in price depending on the brand and the product.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good probiotic, but you need to make sure that it is effective.
If you are going to take probiotics regularly then you need to make sure that you can afford them and fit the cost into your budget.
You should also consider the ingredients used in the probiotic. Some probiotics are organic, others are vegetarian or vegan friendly. You might want a product that contains no GMOs or artificial ingredients.
If you have dietary requirements then you need to make sure that you choose a probiotic that is suitable – whether it is dairy-free, gluten-free, or soy-free.
If you are going to be sharing your probiotics with other family members then you will need to consider their dietary requirements too.
You will need to think about how you want to store the probiotics. Some of them need to be kept in the refrigerator, but you can also get shelf-stable probiotics which can be stored at room temperature.
Shelf-stable probiotics are easier because they can be kept anywhere in your house or taken out with you in a bag to take during the day.
A lot of probiotics come in bottles and others come in blister packs which are easy to take around with you.
One feature to look out for if you want to ensure that the probiotics you choose are effective is a delayed-release.
Some probiotic products are acid-resistant which means that they will not be destroyed or broken down by the acid in the stomach and they will reach the gut alive.
Others have a special coating to protect them as they move through the stomach, or they are designed not to break down until 8 to 10 hours have passed.
Some probiotics are really good at boosting your metabolism. This is ideal for people who want to lose weight or ensure that their bowel movements are regular.
Be careful if you already have a high metabolism as increasing it further could lead to loose stools.
Some probiotic products are stronger than others or have a higher dosage. Others include a wider variety of strains.
If you want a probiotic that is specifically suitable for people with diverticulitis then check the ingredients for Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria.
Summary
Choosing probiotics is an important decision. You need to make sure that they will benefit your individual system and improve your gut health.
If you suffer from a pre-existing health condition like diverticulitis then you should check to see if the probiotic you are choosing contains the most desirable strains of bacteria to ease the symptoms.
Probiotics will not cure diverticulitis. However, they can help to make you more comfortable. Having good gut health can help to make you healthier overall and give you more energy.
