3 Reasons Your Probiotic Isn't Working & How To Choose A Better One 

While "probiotics" is often used as a blanket term, there are actually thousands of different strains of probiotics out there, with more being discovered each day. And no two strains are the same; each type of bacteria has a slightly different impact on the body. Just like you wouldn't take vitamin B-12 to help with a vitamin D deficiency, you shouldn't take a probiotic with Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 (for easing bloat1) and expect it to provide vaginal pH support (Lactobacillus reuteri UALre-16 would be better suited for that2).*

To be clear, more isn't always better when it comes to probiotics. However, the colony-forming units (CFUs) in your product should be clinically relevant. In other words, the number of strains included should match up with the number of strains that have shown to be effective in a research setting.

Some probiotics need to be consumed in large serving sizes, while others must be refrigerated once they make it to your home. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, these factors can keep you from taking the product daily (which is often essential for results).

Opt for one that you can seamlessly fit into your existing routine instead. And don't forget to pair your supplement with biome-beneficial lifestyle habits too: Get plenty of sleep, spend time in nature and get your hands dirty, eat a plant-rich diet, and only use antibiotics when necessary.

For gut health: For a supplement that supports gut health, you can't beat mindbodygreen's probiotic+. Each one-capsule serving contains 10 billion CFUs of B. lactis Bi-07, shown to ease bloating and promote gut comfort1; 10 billion CFUs of B. lactis B420, which has been shown in clinical trials3 to support the gut barrier and encourage healthy weight; 2 billion CFUs of B. lactis HN019 to support digestion and regularity; and 10 billion CFUs of L. acidophilus NCFM to encourage healthy bowel movements4. Our science team hand-picked these strains for their ability to noticeably improve digestion and nutrient absorption and promote abdominal comfort and regularity.* Read all about why reviewers are calling this supplement a "5-course meal" for the gut microbiome. Bonus: There's no need to refrigerate this shelf-stable formula.

For healthy weight: The B. lactis B420 in mindbodygreen's probiotic has been found to support a healthy weight in clinical trials. For a probiotic that's exclusively weight-focused, Bariatric Advantage's FloraVantage Control Capsules isolate 10 billion CFUs of B. lactis B420 in a clean, single-strain product.*