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expert reviewedAuthor: Expert reviewer:
Updated on January 11, 2023
mbg Nutrition & Health Writer
By Eliza Sullivan
mbg Nutrition & Health Writer
Eliza Sullivan is a food writer and SEO editor at mindbodygreen. She writes about food, recipes, and nutrition—among other things. She studied journalism at Boston University.
Expert review by
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN
mbg Vice President of Scientific Affairs
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN is Vice President of Scientific Affairs at mindbodygreen. She received her bachelor's degree in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania and Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia.
Prebiotic drinks Last updated on January 11, 2023 Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission. You probably know that kombucha is good for gut health and digestion, but when it comes to the why, the answer is pretty simple: probiotics. These bacteria help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which supports gastrointestinal health and function.* Plus, a healthy gut can then enhance everything from skin health to mood and more. But kombucha is only one of the many types of probiotic drinks you can enjoy. There are a number of beverages that, through some type of fermentation or another method, contain probiotics. We took a look at the options available and rounded up our favorites. Read on to find your new favorite gut supporting tonic.
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The best kombuchas.
Kombucha is the original legend of probiotic drinks, in many ways. Made by combining tea (and sometimes other flavors) with certain strains of bacteria or yeast, then fermenting it, some producers also add bonus probiotic strains after fermentation. It's fizzy, slightly sweet, and definitely a bit funky—but once you get hooked, there's no going back. It's also not super difficult to make yourself—you'll want to consult experts and make sure you know what you're doing before getting started.
This brand is one you very well might find everywhere from the aisles of Whole Foods to your local corner shop—it's that popular. Their trilogy flavor has raspberry, lemon, and ginger combined into a fresh, tart, refreshing kombucha.
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I first tried Rowdy Mermaid kombucha because I was seduced by the sleek packaging in my local coffee shop, but I've since become totally obsessed. This flavor, in particular, is special because it features fenugreek, fennel, ginger, and turmeric—all Ayurvedic spices that can aid digestion.
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mbg's Brooklyn, New York, neighbor Pilot Kombucha is a female-run business with a former chef at the helm, who started brewing kombucha to aid her digestion after decadent meals. The fresh flavors of grapefruit and mint in this option are refreshing and delicious.
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The best yogurt drinks.
You probably know that yogurt can be a great source of probiotics, so it's no surprise that yogurt drinks would have probiotics, too. If you've gotten this far in this article and are thinking...hang on, I think I'd rather eat my probiotics: here's our list of our favorite plant-based yogurts to try.
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If plant-based is your priority, you may have rejoiced when Icelandic yogurt brand Siggi's hit shelves with plant-based options (I know I did). This specifically branded probiotic coconut drink has pea protein, too.
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If plant-based isn't as much your priority, this Chobani drinkable yogurt is perfect. The slightly more grown-up flavor of raspberry açai stops it from feeling too much like a lunchbox item, and it specifically touts "multi-benefit probiotics" for immune, digestive, and gut health support.
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The best kefirs.
True kefir is made similarly to yogurt, and the final product is also comparable though it's more liquidy and meant for sipping. These days, you'll find many products labeled kefir, though, that aren't milky—like aqua kefirs or water-based kefirs—which are a good option for a dairy-free take.
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This organic kefir is also labeled grass-fed, meaning the cows the dairy comes from are raised with strict standards for quality of life. It's made with whole-fat milk and has no added sugar.
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This sparkling beverage is made with water kefir culture, giving it a light and refreshing consistency. With lemon and cayenne, the flavor is punchy and sweet at the same time.
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If it's just lactose that's the concern, rather than dairy in general, this organic kefir is the perfect option. The plain flavor has no added sugars and is even a great choice for baking projects.
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The best probiotic shots.
If you're looking for something a bit quicker to get your daily dose of probiotics (and for some reason a probiotic supplement doesn't fit the bill), turn to these probiotic shots. In just a few fluid ounces, get a dose of probiotics and some other ingredients with benefits, too.
In addition to the probiotics, this shot has inflammation-fighting benefits thanks to turmeric, ginger, and black pepper (which is necessary for our body to absorb the benefits of turmeric).
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For a fruitier take on the probiotic shot, this targeted shot for digestion pairs cantaloupe juice with ginger juice, clementine juice, and apple cider vinegar along with the obligatory probiotics.
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If you've tried Pressed juices before, you may not be surprised to find the people slinging some of our favorite green juices have a killer probiotic shot, too. This one has apple, red cabbage, lemon, ginger, and of course: probiotic cultures.
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The best probiotic sodas & juices.
If you're wondering how probiotic sodas and juices are different from, well, everything else on this list, the key is in how it's made. Where kombucha and kefir involve fermentation, sometimes makers just add probiotic strains to sodas and juices—and we get to reap the benefits.
Another one I tried for the first time in a local coffee shop, the punchy grapefruit (plus a little ginger) flavor of this soda would be a delight even if I wasn't already excited about the fact that it contains probiotics.
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This option is borderline juice, but because of the slightly sparkling zing, it may also be considered a soda. However you choose to classify it, the lemon, cayenne, and maqui berry (similar to blackberry) flavoring is not one to be skipped.
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If you, like much of our editorial team, are obsessed with sparkling water: Good news! The team at Humm, who also make kombucha, have launched a probiotic seltzer and even added some vitamin B12, C, and D for good measure.
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The best prebiotic drinks.
While this list focuses on probiotic drinks, the world of prebiotic sodas has blown up lately—so we'd be remiss to ignore it. Prebiotics are, essentially, a type of fiber that nourish the probiotics that our gut needs to stay healthy.
Health-Ade's new pop comes in a few flavors, but this strawberry vanilla is a favorite of ours. The drinks have prebiotics, antioxidants, and acids like acetic, lactic, gluconic, and glucaronic acid, which support natural detoxification.
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Ginger and lemon are already digestion support sweethearts, but this sparkling tonic from Olipop has plenty of other ingredients to be excited about: nopal cactus, calendula flower, marshmallow root, and slippery elm bark—to name a few.
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This prebiotic soda tastes like a summery strawberry lemonade and has only seven ingredients including apple cider vinegar and strawberry and lemon juice.
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The takeaway.
If you're looking to add more probiotics to your daily routine, consider a probiotic drink. They're easy (and delicious) to sip on during the day and can be a seamless addition to your routine.
And if you're looking for a more targeted venture, consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement with strain transparency and potency in mind. mindbodygreen's probiotic+ contains four probiotic strains, specifically designed to ease bloating, aid digestion, support a healthy weight, and elevate your gut microbiome.* And for more product recommendations, check out one of our probiotic roundups.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.
FAQs
What drinks are high in probiotics? ›
- BUTTERMILK.
- Simple Milk Kefir.
- Probiotic Lemonade.
- Coconut Water Kefir.
- Fermented Orange Juice.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Drink.
- Probiotic Green Juice.
Often referred to as "friendly" or "good" bacteria, probiotics help keep the normal healthy balance of bacteria in your gut — specifically the lining of the gut which includes the microbiome.
What probiotic is best for gut health? ›A general recommendation is to choose probiotic products with at least 1 billion colony-forming units and containing the genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus or Saccharomyces boulardii, some of the most researched probiotics.
What are the 3 super foods for your gut? ›- Leafy Greens. Leafy greens are a powerful prebiotic and are high in vitamins C, K, B complex, folic acid, beta carotene, iron, iodine, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sulphur and chlorophyll. ...
- Asparagus. ...
- Oats. ...
- Greek Yoghurt. ...
- Apples. ...
- Ginger.
- Yoghurt. Live yoghurt is an excellent source of so-called friendly bacteria, also known as probiotics. ...
- Kefir. ...
- Miso. ...
- Sauerkraut. ...
- Kimchi. ...
- Sourdough. ...
- Almonds. ...
- Olive oil.
- Bananas. Bananas are a popular yellow fruit that is easily available in the market. ...
- Custard Apples. Custard apples are rich in antioxidants and are extremely beneficial for heart and brain health. ...
- Watermelon. ...
- Grapefruit. ...
- Almonds.
Probiology is one of the most potent probiotics on the market, thanks to its 40 billion CFU's (colony-forming units). This means that it is highly effective in restoring balance to the gut microbiota. Unlike other probiotics, Probioogy can do this safely without causing stomach issues.
How much probiotic drink should I drink a day? ›For adults, drinking one or two bottles every day, is recommended. For children, one bottle a day is recommended. For infants over the age of 8 months and toddlers, one bottle a day is recommended.
How many times a week should you drink probiotic drinks? ›For most probiotic supplements, taking them once a day is likely all that is needed to help support your gut microbiome and digestion.
What happens to your body when you start taking probiotics? ›When you start taking a probiotic supplement, you introduce good bacteria into your gut. This may lead to a number of benefits such as healthy digestion and regularity, plus less bloating and gas, which means more abdominal comfort.
Is it good to drink probiotic drinks everyday? ›
A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it's safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily. It's important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine.
What is the best probiotic for senior woman? ›- Garden of Life Dr. ...
- Renew Life Women's Probiotics.
- Culturelle Probiotics for Women.
- Nature's Way Probiotic Pearls Women's.
- Innate Response Formulas Flora 20-14™ Ultra Strength.
- Women's Care Probiotics with WiseBiotics® from Nature Wise.
- OLLY Probiotic Gummy.
- Physician's Choice Women's Probiotic.
Best Overall Probiotic: Ritual Synbiotic+
The website claims to help with bloating, gas and diarrhea, and support the immune system and gut barrier function. It's recommended that you take this probiotic once daily, with or without food.
The probiotic strain in Culturelle® - Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®) – is the #1 most clinically studied strain of probiotic. Considered the premier probiotic in the world, over 1,000 scientific studies and over 30 years of research have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®).
What fruit is best for gut health? ›- Pears. As you may know, fibre plays a huge role in supporting gut health. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Apples. ...
- Blueberries. ...
- Kiwis. ...
- Peaches. ...
- Grapefruit. ...
- Pomegranate.
As part of a balanced diet, eggs contribute to a healthy digestive tract and can be helpful during acute digestive problems. In addition to being packed with nutrients, eggs are usually easy to digest compared to some other high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes.
What naturally kills bad bacteria in the gut? ›An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and probiotics are all strategies to put in place before trying antimicrobials or antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria.
Is peanut butter good for gut health? ›Peanut butter is loaded with gut-healthy fiber. But what really is fiber? Fiber hangs around in your digestive system and strengthens the good bacteria in your gut, while aiding the digestive process and helping your body remove toxins. Fiber feeds you and your gut bacteria.
What is the secret to a healthy gut? ›Eating a plant-based diet that includes fermented foods and fiber from colorful fruits and vegetables, having healthy sleep habits and managing stress levels are other ways to support a healthy gut. If you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle, start easy with small diet changes and build from there.
Are grapes good for gut health? ›Grapes are a great source of insoluble fiber, which can help regulate your bowel movements. And since grapes are much higher in fructose levels than many other fruits though they are still a good choice for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Is Pineapple good for your gut? ›
They are great for gut health.
"Pineapple is unique in that it is our only source of dietary bromelain, which is a digestive enzyme that helps break down protein foods," she says, explaining how the fruit helps aid the digestive process.
In terms of probiotics, they said research indicated that Lactobacillus spp, bifidobacteria, and Akkermansia muciniphil helped produce the inflammation-reducing SCFA butyrate.
Which yogurt has the most probiotics? ›Kefir contains more probiotics than any yogurt. With up to 61 different strains of microbes, it can be an excellent source of probiotics.
Who should not take probiotics? ›Although probiotics are generally safe to use, findings of a review from 2017 suggest that children and adults with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems should avoid using probiotics. Some people with these conditions have experienced bacterial or fungal infections as a result of probiotic use.
Should older adults take probiotics? ›Studies have shown that probiotics can be beneficial to seniors and aging adults for more than just the keeping the body regular. Probiotics can help older adults maintain a healthy gut and strong immune system while fighting off harmful bacteria such as Clostridia and Bacteroides which are more common with age.
Should you drink a lot of water when taking probiotics? ›Drink lots of water.
This is good advice in general, given the many benefits of hydration, but it's also a key element of making the most of your probiotic supplement.
The short answer: It takes most people 2 to 3 weeks to feel significant benefits when they start taking probiotics. That's because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.
Is it better to take probiotics in the morning or at night? ›Research shows the best time to take a probiotic is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or before going to sleep at night. Probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
What are the signs you need probiotics? ›- Brain fog, decline in memory, or cognitive dysfunction.
- Abdominal pain, stool changes, or excess gas and bloating.
- Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances.
- Mood disturbances, depression, or anxiety.
Probiotic drinks with adequate amounts of good bacteria may have benefits for digestive health, as well as immune, respiratory, and metabolic health. Probiotic foods and drinks are likely similar when it comes to effectiveness. Probiotic foods, drinks, and supplements are very safe for most people.
Can you take probiotics if you have high blood pressure? ›
Given the negative effects of high blood pressure, adding probiotic foods to your diet should be a no-brainer. After all, it's one of the few, drug-free methods out there to help take control of your blood pressure and stave off vein disease.
What are the negative side effects of taking probiotics? ›The most common side effects are a temporary increase in gas, bloating, constipation and thirst. Some people can also react poorly to ingredients used in probiotic supplements or to naturally occurring amines in probiotic foods. If this occurs, stop using probiotics.
How long does it take for probiotics to improve gut health? ›If you are taking a high quality, multispecies and multistrain supplement, you can expect to notice initial improvements and health benefits of probiotics in your digestion as early as the first 1-2 weeks after starting your probiotic. Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days.
What is the best time to take probiotics? ›While the time of day is ultimately up to you, this expert suggests that probiotics may be most effective if you plan to take them about 30 minutes before a meal — and most effective if you take your supplement before breakfast.
Are probiotic drinks better than pills? ›1. Probiotic drinks and foods are live and the bacteria is active. This means when it gets to your intestines it goes right to work. Pill and powder probiotics supplements take up to 6 hours to colonize in your intestines (if they even make it there).
Are there side effects to taking probiotics everyday? ›You might have stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually go away after your body gets used to them. If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues. Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects.
What is the fastest way to improve gut health? ›Eating a plant-based diet that includes fermented foods and fiber from colorful fruits and vegetables, having healthy sleep habits and managing stress levels are other ways to support a healthy gut. If you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle, start easy with small diet changes and build from there.
How can I improve my gut health ASAP? ›- Eat more whole grains, nuts, load up on veggies, beans and fresh fruits. ...
- The link between your teeth and your gut. ...
- Eat fermented foods that have beneficial bacteria. ...
- Eat more dark chocolate and foods with polyphenols. ...
- Blend in the spices. ...
- Limit artificial sweeteners.
16:8 Fasting
Sears suggests 12 to 14 hours of fasting overnight, with your eating window ending between 5 and 8 p.m. Don't restrict your calorie intake during the eating periods. Most of your gut bugs need food to survive—not to mention you need food for energy and other functions—said Devkota.
- Filtered water.
- Cranberry juice.
- Orange juice.
- Pineapple juice.
- Celery juice.
- Coconut water.
Are eggs good for gut health? ›
As part of a balanced diet, eggs contribute to a healthy digestive tract and can be helpful during acute digestive problems. In addition to being packed with nutrients, eggs are usually easy to digest compared to some other high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes.
What are signs of poor gut health? ›Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste. You feel tired more often than not. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.
What can I drink in the morning for my gut? ›- Sip on some kefir in the morning.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Enjoy a cup of coffee.
- Include fiber-containing drinks.
- Incorporate a smoothie.
Pickles are also high in particular types of fibre that feed beneficial gut bacteria, acting as prebiotics – food for the probiotic gut bacteria. Studies have shown that adding fermented vegetables to your diet may help with digestion and manage symptoms of constipation and diarrhoea3.
How can I reset my gut in 3 days? ›- removing foods that feed harmful bacteria and cause inflammation.
- introducing plenty of prebiotic foods, which feed beneficial bacteria.
- encouraging healthful practices, such as getting enough sleep and exercise and staying hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. Drinking lukewarm water has been shown to be good for digestion as well. Also, try eating plenty of foods high in water content. This includes fruits and vegetables like watermelons, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery.
How do I get my gut bacteria back in balance? ›- Eat a diverse range of foods. ...
- Eat lots of vegetables, legumes, beans, and fruit. ...
- Eat fermented foods. ...
- Eat prebiotic foods. ...
- If you can, breastfeed for at least 6 months. ...
- Eat whole grains. ...
- Eat a plant-based diet. ...
- Eat foods rich in polyphenols.