In the forever-expanding world of gut-health, probiotics have stood their ground as a prominent and undisputed champion. Though, as we take a closer look at these friendly bacteria, we tend to wonder – are all probiotics the same?

In this blog post, we’re embarking on a journey into the vast world of probiotics, uncovering what sets them apart and identifying the best strains for gut health. Find out more below. 

What Are Probiotics? 

Let’s begin with the basics - what are probiotics, exactly?

Probiotics are live bacteria that we consume for their vast range of health benefits. They operate carefully to maintain a delicate balance in our microbiome. Aside from assisting with digestion and nutrient absorption, this wide community of microorganisms also plays an important role in our immune function and mental health. 

So, for all these reasons and more, supporting our microbiome with probiotics can be a great way to ensure the system remains well-balanced and running smoothly. 

Are All Probiotics The Same? 

Now, let’s answer that popular question - are all probiotics the same? Contrary to popular belief, probiotics aren’t a ‘one size fits all’ scenario. 

It’s more of a diverse ecosystem, with each strain offering unique qualities to support the gut in different ways. 

Let’s take Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains for example. While some strains excel at promoting digestion, others are better at protecting immune function. Since these strains have differing benefits, it grants us the opportunity to tailor our probiotic intake surrounding individual health goals and needs. 

What Probiotics Are Best For Gut Health?

At this point, you might be wondering - what probiotics are best for gut health? Understanding the benefits each strain of probiotics offers is crucial when it comes to picking a probiotic. 
To make this process a little easier, we’re going to take a closer look at two key probiotic strains that stand-out in the world of gut-friendly microbes. Let’s take a look. 

First up, there’s Lactobacillus Casei – well-known for its digestive benefits that assist with promoting a harmonious gut environment. 

This probiotic strain is praised for its ability to break down complex carbohydrates, which in-turn helps to facilitate smoother digestion. 

On top of this, Lactobacillus Casei can create an environment in the gut that doesn’t favour the survival of bad bacteria - helping to keep the microbiome positively balanced. 

If you’re on the hunt for probiotics containing Lactobacillus Casei, we’d suggest PERKii’s Mango Coconut Smoothie or Strawberry Watermelon Probiotic Drink. Not only are these drinks quite tasty, they also contain micro-shielded Lactobacillus Casei probiotics - which has a survival rate of 10,000 x compared to non micro-shield probiotics travelling through the gut. 

Another widely studied probiotic strain that you’ve likely come across would be various forms of Bifidobacterium -  such as Bifidobacterium longum.

These strains specialise in supporting the large intestine, as they break down fermenting undigested carbohydrates. This process supports the cells lining the colon, and contributes to a thriving gut environment. 

For anyone chasing probiotics containing Bifidobacterium strains, PERKii’s Berry Shot or Sparkling Orange Mango Passionfruit Probiotic Drink would be great options. These probiotic drinks are bottled with billions of target release probiotics that’ll survive the journey to your gut and maintain balance in your microbiome. The best part? Their fruity flavours are very refreshing on the palate. 

When it comes to probiotics, it’s important to remember - diversity matters. After all, choosing the best probiotic strains can make all the difference in nourishing a flourishing gut. Though with a little insight, the process becomes a whole lot easier. Cheers. 

*The information in this article should be considered as advice only. Before using probiotics or implementing any of the information above, speak with your healthcare professional.