07/31/2025
Here are the non-negotiables:
1. Survivability
The probiotic must survive stomach acid and bile to reach the intestines. Spore-forming probiotics like Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis are naturally resistant to harsh environments, making them ideal.
Clinical Insight: Our go-to strain for inflammation and IBS symptoms is Bacillus coagulans (Probiotic 2). It survives digestion, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing of the gut lining.
2. Specific Strains with Clinical Evidence
Not all strains are the same. For example:
• Bifidobacterium bifidum supports immune modulation and digestive comfort
• Bifidobacterium breve helps protect the colon and reduce leaky gut
• Akkermansia muciniphila (a strain we highly value) supports metabolic health, glucose control, and weight loss
Clinical Insight: Akkermansia is hard to find in retail probiotics but is one of the most promising bacteria for improving metabolic flexibility, reducing inflammation, and restoring gut barrier function. These are all crucial for weight loss and long-term health.
3. Therapeutic Dosing
A quality probiotic should contain the right number of colony-forming units (CFUs). Too low makes it ineffective, too high can overwhelm the system. We typically aim for 5 to 20 billion CFUs depending on the patient’s needs and symptoms.
4. Combination with Gut-Healing Support
Probiotics often work better when paired with other supportive ingredients, such as:
• Immunoglobulins (like Transform GI) to bind and remove harmful microbes
• Prebiotics to feed beneficial bacteria
• Botanicals (like oil of oregano) in cases of bacterial overgrowth such as SIBO
Clinical Insight: In tougher cases of dysbiosis or IBS, we combine Probiotic 2 with Transform GI for better results. For resistant cases, we may add oil of oregano as a natural antibacterial.
Not sure which probiotic is right for you? Our team can guide you through a personalized recommendation and help you access clinical-grade options available online or directly in our offices. Save 10% when you subscribe and save!