We’ve all heard that probiotics are good for digestion but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Different probiotic strains serve vastly different purposes, from reducing anxiety and improving sleep to managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, or even supporting oral health.
In this post, we’ll break down some of the most clinically studied probiotic strains and what they specifically do for your health. If you’ve ever wondered “Which probiotic should I take for my issue?” this is your guide. Click HERE to check out the probiotics in store.
1. Bifidobacterium longum
Brain Health | Sleep | Inflammation
What it does:
This strain is part of the microbiota from birth and plays a central role in regulating the immune system and brain-gut communication. B. longum, have been shown in clinical trials to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve resilience to daily psychological stress. In other words, this probiotic may help your brain feel better. Furthermore, studies have shown that B. longum can alleviate anxiety and depression like symptoms. In addition, B. longum can help reduce BUN or ammonia levels which can further assist for patients with chronic kidney disease.
It’s also known to lower markers of systemic inflammation, making it supportive for people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Some evidence shows improved sleep quality, especially when gut health is a contributing factor.
Best for:
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Anxiety, stress, and mild depression
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
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Fatigue and poor sleep
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Brain fog or cognitive “slowness”
- Chronic Kidney Disease
2. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Digestive Health | Diarrhea | Childhood Eczema
What it does:
L. rhamnosus GG is one of the most researched probiotic strains in the world. It’s unique for its ability to survive stomach acid and stick to the intestinal lining, where it helps protect against harmful microbes. It’s especially effective in preventing and treating diarrhea from antibiotics, infections, or travel. In addition, L. rhamnosus can also help reduce BUN or ammonia which can further assist for patients with chronic kidney disease. Studies have shown that L. rhamnosus with L. helveticus and B. longum have improved stress induced abdominal pain, clinical symptoms of depression as well improved sleep.
One of its most surprising uses? When given to mothers during pregnancy and to infants during early life, it significantly reduces the risk of eczema and allergic conditions in children. It also helps restore balance in the microbiome after antibiotics.
Best for:
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Traveller’s or antibiotic-associated diarrhea
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Preventing eczema in infants
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General gut flora balance
- Alleviate anxiety and depression-like symptoms
3. Lactobacillus plantarum
IBS | Bloating | Gut Lining
What it does:
This strain is famous for helping people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It helps regulate digestion, reduce gas production, and ease bloating. What sets it apart is its ability to enhance mucosal barrier function, helping repair and protect the gut lining. In addition, L. plantarum can help increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor which is involved in neurogenesis.
If you’ve ever felt like food “sits in your stomach” or experience frequent gas after eating, this strain may help normalize the microbial environment and ease discomfort.
Best for:
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IBS (especially IBS-D)
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Food intolerances
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Gas and bloating
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Leaky gut symptoms
- ADHD
4. Saccharomyces boulardii
C. diff | Gut Infections | Antibiotic Recovery
What it does:
This is a probiotic yeast, not a bacteria, and it’s incredibly resilient. It isn’t killed by antibiotics (because it’s a yeast), so it’s often used alongside antibiotics to prevent C. difficile infection and diarrhea.
It’s also shown to reduce inflammation in the gut, promote antibody production, and prevent bad bacteria and pathogens from sticking to the intestinal wall. It helps rebalance the gut after travel, antibiotics, or food poisoning.
Best for:
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C. difficile infection (prevention and recurrence)
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Traveller’s diarrhea
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Post-antibiotic gut restoration
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Candida overgrowth
5. Lactobacillus reuteri
Colic | Oral Health | Skin Conditions
What it does:
L. reuteri is a multitasker. In infants, the strain DSM 17938 significantly reduces colic and excessive crying. In adults, it’s used to combat gingivitis, support oral health, and may even help reduce plaque buildup.
In terms of immune health, L. reuteri has shown effects on oxytocin production and anti-inflammatory cytokines, potentially making it helpful for mood, skin clarity, and hormonal balance.
Best for:
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Infant colic (especially breastfed babies)
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Gingivitis and oral inflammation
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Acne and eczema
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Hormonal imbalances
6. Bifidobacterium infantis
IBS | Bloating | Gut Inflammation
What it does:
This strain is excellent for people suffering from IBS, particularly when symptoms include pain, gas, and bloating. It’s known to reduce intestinal inflammation and normalize bowel function without causing side effects like gas or cramps (which some probiotics can).
This is one of the few strains that has robust evidence for easing chronic gut discomfort and may be especially useful for people with post-infectious IBS.
Best for:
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IBS (especially with bloating and pain)
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Gut inflammation
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Normalizing stool frequency and consistency
7. Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactose Intolerance | Immune Health | Gut Repair
What it does:
This acidophilus strain helps break down lactose, the sugar in milk, making it a top choice for people with mild lactose intolerance. It also supports gut epithelial repair, which is important if you've had recent gut infections or food sensitivities.
L. acidophilus is also known to stimulate the immune system in a balanced way, without over-activating it making it suitable for immune-compromised individuals.
Best for:
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Lactose intolerance
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Immune modulation
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Gut lining support
8. Bacillus coagulans
Gas | Pain | Resilient Form | Joint Inflammation
What it does:
This is a spore-forming probiotic, meaning it’s extremely resistant to heat and stomach acid, making it shelf-stable and highly bioavailable. It has been studied for reducing gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, especially in people with IBS.
Some research also shows its potential in reducing joint pain and muscle recovery inflammation, making it a favourite among athletes and those with arthritis.
Best for:
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Gas and bloating
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IBS or functional gut pain
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Inflammation in joints or muscles
About the author:
Hi, I’m Abinaa, a fourth-year naturopathic medical student at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing, inspired by my South Asian upbringing. Through this blog, I hope to share my journey, explore topics in holistic health and wellness, and offer simple, thoughtful insights that support a more balanced and mindful way of living.
