A healthy intestinal flora plays a central role in your well-being. It not only affects your digestion, but also your immune system, your energy and even your mood. If the delicate balance of intestinal bacteria becomes unbalanced – for example due to stress, antibiotics, poor nutrition or lack of sleep – this can lead to symptoms such as flatulence, a bloated stomach, constipation or diarrhea.
That's why many people turn to probiotics. But the market is huge. There are countless products, different strains of bacteria, different dosages and large differences in price. No wonder many are unsure: Which probiotic is really good for the intestinal flora?
In this article we look at:
- what probiotics actually are
- when they can be useful
- what you should pay attention to when buying
- and which ones 3 probiotics are particularly popular and are often recommended.
This gives you a clear overview and allows you to better decide which product might suit you.
What are probiotics anyway?
Probiotics are living microorganisms, usually certain strains of bacteria that can have a positive effect on your intestinal flora. They belong to the so-called “good” bacteria.
Live in your gut Trillions of microorganisms – this complex ecosystem is called intestinal flora or microbiome.
If the intestinal flora is in balance, it can fulfill many important tasks:
- Supporting digestion
- Production of certain vitamins
- Protection against harmful germs
- Immune system support
- Influence on metabolism and energy
If this balance is upset, it is often referred to as a Dysbiosis.
Typical causes can be:
- Antibiotics
- highly processed diet
- Diet high in sugar
- stress
- Lack of sleep
- alcohol
Probiotics can help to support the intestinal flora again.
When can probiotics be useful?
Probiotics are not a miracle cure. However, they can be useful in certain situations.
Many people use them, for example:
digestive problems
Flatulence, a bloated stomach or irregular bowel movements can be related to a disturbed intestinal flora.
After antibiotic therapy
Antibiotics not only kill harmful bacteria, but often also many beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Stressful periods
Chronic stress can affect the intestinal flora.
Unbalanced diet
Too little fiber or too many heavily processed foods can disrupt the balance in the intestines.
However, it is important: Not every probiotic works the same. Different strains of bacteria can have different effects.
What to look for in a good probiotic
Before we get to the specific products, it's worth taking a look at the most important quality features.
Many products seem similar at first glance – but the differences can be big.
1. Number of bacterial strains
A good probiotic often contains several different strains of bacteria, for example:
- Lactobacillus
- Bifidobacterium
- Lactococcus
- Streptococcus thermophilus
The more diverse the strains, the broader the spectrum can be.
2. Amount of bacteria (CFU)
The number of bacteria is in CFU (Colony Forming Units) specified.
Many high-quality probiotics contain between 5 and 50 billion bacteria per daily dose.
However, a high number alone is no guarantee of quality – the strains themselves are also crucial.
3. Enteric-coated capsules
The stomach is very acidic. Without protection, many bacteria would die there.
That's why they are enteric-coated capsules makes sense so that the bacteria arrive alive in the intestine.
4. Additives
A good product contains as much as possible few unnecessary additives.
Some also contain:
- Prebiotics
- fiber
- Plant extracts
These can support the effect.
The 7 best probiotics for your intestinal flora (comparison)
Below we look at three well-known products that are often recommended and have good reviews.
Important: Every intestine is individual. A product that works well for one person does not necessarily work the same for everyone.
1. OMNi-BiOTiC 10 – Broad probiotic for the intestinal flora
OMNi-BiOTiC 10 is one of the better-known probiotics in German-speaking countries. The preparation contains ten different scientifically studied bacterial strains and is often used to stabilize the intestinal flora after stress such as stress, antibiotics or digestive problems.
The combination of different bacterial strains is intended to support the diversity of the intestinal flora and can be particularly useful in phases in which the balance of intestinal bacteria is disturbed.
Characteristics
- contains 10 different strains of bacteria
- approximately 5 billion active bacteria per serving
- Powder to dissolve in water
- free from gluten, lactose and animal ingredients
- often after Antibiotic therapies recommended
Advantages
- contains one wide mix of bacterial strains
- easy to take because it is as powder is available
- well suited for Supporting the intestinal flora
- often recommended by doctors and therapists
Disadvantages
- compared to some other probiotics relatively expensive
- must be freshly dissolved in water every day
- As with all probiotics, the effect can vary from person to person
Useful for whom
OMNi-BiOTiC 10 may be particularly interesting for people:
- the one Probiotic with multiple bacterial strains seek
- theirs Want to specifically support intestinal flora
- the one after one Antibiotic treatment want to build their microbiome
- the under Digestive problems or flatulence suffer
2. Kijimea Irritable Bowel Pro – Focus on digestive problems
Kijimea has become particularly known through advertising, especially in connection with irritable bowel problems.
The product is based on a special bacterial strain.
Characteristics
Kijimea Irritable Bowel Pro mainly contains the bacterial strain:
Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75
This strain has been specifically studied and is said to support the intestinal barrier.
The product is in Capsule shape offered.
Advantages
- targeted bacterial strain
- easy to take
- specially developed for irritable bowel syndrome
Possible disadvantages
- contains only one strain of bacteria
- comparatively expensive
- Effect varies from person to person
Who can it be useful for?
This product is often used for:
- Irritable bowel symptoms
- Flatulence
- stomach pain
- irregular digestion
3. Probable balance – many strains of bacteria
Probielle Balance is another well-known probiotic that is often purchased online.
The focus here is on one high diversity of bacterial strains.
Characteristics
Probable balance contains up to 10 different bacterial strains.
These include several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species.
The intake takes place via Capsules.
Advantages
- many different tribes
- easy to take
- often cheaper than pharmacy products
Possible disadvantages
- fewer clinical studies than some brands
- Quality may vary depending on batch
Who can it be useful for?
This probiotic is often used for:
- general support of the intestinal flora
- Structure after antibiotics
- long-term gut health
4. SymbioLact Comp – probiotic from the pharmacy
SymbioLact Comp is one of the well-known probiotics from the pharmacy and is often used to support the intestinal flora. The product contains several lactic acid bacteria as well as biotin, which can contribute to the normal function of the mucous membranes.
Characteristics
SymbioLact Comp contains several probiotic bacterial strains from the group of lactic acid bacteria. It also contains biotin, which, among other things, contributes to the normal function of the mucous membranes.
The product is usually as Drops or liquid offered and can be easily taken.
Advantages
- several probiotic bacterial strains
- also contain biotin
- often recommended in pharmacies
- easy to take
Disadvantages
- relatively expensive
- Taste not pleasant for everyone
- fewer bacterial strains than some other products
Who can it be useful for?
SymbioLact Comp is often used for:
- Supporting the intestinal flora
- digestive problems
- after antibiotics
- sensitive digestion
5. Darmflora Plus Select Intens – high amount of bacteria
Darmflora Plus Select Intens is a probiotic that relies particularly on a high number of probiotic bacteria. Many people use it to support intestinal flora, especially after antibiotic treatment.
Characteristics
The product contains several probiotic bacterial strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. The number of bacteria it contains is comparatively high.
The intake takes place via Capsules.
Advantages
- several different strains of bacteria
- high amount of bacteria
- easy to take
Disadvantages
- less known than some pharmacy products
- The effect can vary from person to person
Who can it be useful for?
This probiotic is commonly used for:
- Build-up of intestinal flora after antibiotics
- digestive problems
- Supporting intestinal health
6. Innovall RDS – especially for irritable bowel syndrome
Innovall RDS was developed specifically for people who suffer from irritable bowel symptoms. The product contains several probiotic bacterial strains that are intended to specifically support the intestinal flora.
Characteristics
Innovall RDS contains various probiotic bacterial strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups.
The product is usually as Powder or capsules offered.
Advantages
- several probiotic bacterial strains
- specially developed for irritable bowel syndrome
- easy to take
Disadvantages
- relatively expensive
- The effect can vary from person to person
Who can it be useful for?
Innovall RDS is often used for:
- Irritable bowel symptoms
- Flatulence
- stomach pain
- sensitive digestion
7. Nature Love Probiona Culture Complex – High-dose probiotic with 180 bacterial strains
Nature Love Probiona Culture Complex is one of the high-dose probiotics and relies on a particularly large variety of bacterial strains. With 180 coordinated bacterial strains and 300 billion CFU per daily dose The product is aimed at people who want to specifically support their intestinal flora.
Characteristics
- 180 coordinated bacterial strains
- 300 billion CFU per daily dose
- Capsules for easy consumption
- high dosage for targeted support of the intestinal flora
- made by Nature Love
Advantages
- very high number of bacterial strains
- high dosage with 300 billion CFU
- easy to take as capsules
- popular with people who want to support their intestinal flora in the long term
Disadvantages
- higher price than some other probiotics
- the high dosage is not necessary for everyone
Who can it be useful for?
Nature Love Probiona Cultures Complex may be particularly interesting for people:
- who want to specifically support their intestinal flora
- the one high-dose probiotic seek
- the value on one wide variety of bacterial strains place
- who want to support their intestinal flora after stress, for example due to stress or taking antibiotics
Comparison of the seven probiotics
Which product suits you best depends heavily on your personal complaints and goals.
| product | Bacterial strains | form | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| OMNi-BiOTiC 6 | 6 tribes | powder | very well-known pharmacy product |
| Kijimea Irritable Bowel PRO | 1 tribe | Capsules | specifically for irritable bowel syndrome |
| Probable balance | several | Capsules | good all-round support |
| SymbioLact Comp | several | drops | also contains biotin |
| Intestinal Flora Plus Select Intens | several | Capsules | high amount of bacteria |
| Innovall RDS | several | Powder/capsules | developed for irritable bowel syndrome |
| Sunday Natural Probio cultures | many | Capsules | high quality ingredients |
How long should you take probiotics?
Many people expect instant results. But the intestines need time.
Experts often recommend taking at least 4 to 8 weeks.
If the intestinal flora is severely disturbed, taking it for a longer period of time may make sense.
Some people also use probiotics coursewise, for example:
- after antibiotics
- in stressful phases
- for digestive problems
Probiotics alone are often not enough
An important point is often forgotten:
Probiotics can only have a limited effect if the diet is not right.
The intestinal bacteria need food – and this comes primarily from fiber.
The following are particularly helpful for the intestinal flora:
- Vegetables
- legumes
- Whole grain products
- Nuts
- seeds
- fermented foods
Fermented foods sometimes contain natural probiotic bacteria themselves.
These include, for example:
- sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- kefir
- Natural yogurt
Common mistakes when taking probiotics
Many people make small mistakes that can affect the effect.
Too short intake
A few days are usually not enough.
The intestinal flora changes slowly.
Expectations too high
Probiotics are not a quick, miracle solution.
They can support – but cannot replace a healthy diet.
Incorrect storage
Some products have to be stored in the refrigeratorso that the bacteria survive.
So it's always worth reading the packaging carefully.
A notice: Which probiotic is best suited depends on individual needs and the respective application goal.
Conclusion: Which probiotic is the best?
There is no one perfect probiotic for everyone.
However, the three products presented are among the most well-known and popular options:
- OMNi-BiOTiC 6 – proven classic with several trunks
- Kijimea Irritable Bowel Pro – Targeted approach to irritable bowel symptoms
- Probable balance – many bacterial strains in capsule form
Which product is best for you depends on your individual situation.
However, a holistic approach is more important than the individual product:
- high fiber diet
- enough sleep
- Reduce stress
- Movement
Because healthy intestinal flora is not created by a single capsule – but by many small habits in everyday life.
If you want to improve your intestinal health in the long term, probiotics can be a building block. However, the overall picture of your lifestyle is always crucial.
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