Pro Tips on Probiotics

You’ve probably seen all the articles and read all the hype: Probiotics are supposed to be the answer for all kinds of digestive issues and a whole host of other health issues too.

But even though you’ve tried a bunch of different brands, you’re still feeling gassy and bloated and not really noticing a positive difference. So why didn’t it work?

Well…when you find the right probiotic – the one that really works the way it’s supposed to – it can be like finding a winning lottery ticket. Or even better!

So where do you start?

Here are some specific features to look for:

• Multiple strains (diversity is helpful for gut resilience)

• CFU count (colony-forming units): 10–50 billion CFUs per serving is a general sweet spot.

• Delayed-release or enteric coating to help survive stomach acid

• Refrigeration or shelf-stable? Both can be effective if stored properly, but shelf-stable with robust strain technology can be more convenient.

• Third-party testing or reputable brands that ensure potency and purity

Unfortunately, the average probiotic on the shelves of your grocery store will not deliver optimal results. Nor will simply eating a little more yogurt each morning. That’s because the vast majority of probiotics fail to survive the trip from your grocery story or pharmacy to mouth to your intestines. Many are “dead on arrival” when they hit your gut, making it all but impossible for them to have any impact on your digestive health.

Even the “live” probiotics in the refrigerated section are largely ineffective. Think about it… if your probiotic needs to be refrigerated, it likely won’t survive your body heat, let alone the harsh acid inside your digestive tract.

So this is the brand I highly recommend and trust:

Shaklee Optiflora® DI – Probiotic

• CFU Count: 10 billion CFU

• Strains: Includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, two well-researched strains for digestion, immunity, and bloat support.

• Delivery System: Patented triple-layer capsule for targeted release —helps bacteria survive stomach acid and reach the intestines.

• Benefits:

  • Supports regularity and reduces bloating

  • Strengthens immune function

  • Helps restore balance in the gut microbiome

Great for daily digestive support and excellent if you’re dealing with gas, bloating, or irregularity.

Shaklee Optiflora® – Probiotic + Prebiotic System

• What it is: A two-part system with a probiotic pearl + prebiotic powder.

• Probiotic Pearl:

  • 500 million CFU ( acidophilus and B. longum) in a triple-layer capsule

  • Smaller dose than Optiflora DI, but very stable and gentle

• Prebiotic Powder:

  • Nourishes healthy bacteria

  • Helps improve gut balance over time

• Benefits:

  • A gentle daily option especially for maintenance

  • Supports the growth of good bacteria and enhances nutrient absorption

A good starting point or light daily support if you’re sensitive to higher-dose probiotics.

Shaklee EZ-Gest

• What it does: calms your digestion with five digestive enzymes that help relieve discomfort you may feel after eating and allows you to get relief from undigested foods.

• Benefits:

  • Helps reduce bloating and gas

  • Improves regularity

  • Enhances the effectiveness of any probiotic you’re taking

If you want to maximize gut healing and reduce bloating., try pairing this with either of the Optiflora probiotics.