Vegetarian Probiotics

Many strains of good bacteria found in probiotic supplements are grown without animal products. Manufacturers often use a modern process where they nurture specific bacteria using a medium, then allow them to multiply through fermentation in a nutrient bath. After the population expands enough, the bacteria are concentrated and filtered out using a centrifuge, dried and packaged into capsules, tablets and powder probiotics. 

Depending on the specific strain of bacteria and its requirements for optimal growth, it may be possible to avoid animal products entirely. Other species may need dairy-derived nutrients or other animal-based products to grow efficiently, so not all products are suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets. Check the label if you're unsure whether a supplement is ideal for your dietary needs. 

Many fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and miso, are often high in naturally-occurring histamine. However, fermented foods are also rich sources of good bacteria that help your digestive system run smoothly, and avoiding these foods could impact your microbiome. 

If you're sensitive to histamine, a probiotic supplement may be an ideal alternative to cheese, yogurt, wine, kimchi and other high-histamine foods. Many of the best vegetarian probiotic supplements, such as Culturelle Digestive Health Daily or Align Digestive De-Stress, deliver most of the same benefits of the bacteria found in dairy and other sources while being gentler on your stomach and light on histamine. 

The effects of probiotics are usually temporary as most of the bacteria found in supplements and foods persist in your digestive tract only for a few days or weeks at most. It can also take several doses for you to build up an optimal concentration to alleviate bloating, cramping and other digestive issues. Even the best vegetarian probiotics may work better when supplemented daily over long periods, but there are some ways to assist their action. 

Prebiotic supplements support your microbiome by providing food for good bacteria. These products may improve the effects of probiotics when taken together and can aid the recovery of your normal flora after antibiotic use. Fiber supplements also have similar activity and may further enhance the ability of probiotics to ease constipation, as fiber helps add bulk to support digestion. 

Bacteria don't really fit into the animal category, but this doesn't mean that all ingredients in your supplement are suitable for your vegetarian diet. Gelatin is the most common animal-source ingredient that you might find in probiotic or vitamin supplements, as it's used to create capsules to protect the bacteria inside and keep the product stable. Animal-based fillers, refining agents and other tableting aids may also be present in probiotic pills or powders, making these products unsuitable for a vegetarian lifestyle. Bacteria don't really fit into the animal category, but this doesn't mean that all ingredients in your supplement are suitable for your vegetarian diet. Gelatin is the most common animal-source ingredient that you might find in probiotic or vitamin supplements, as it's used to create capsules to protect the bacteria inside and keep the product stable. Animal-based fillers, refining agents and other tableting aids may also be present in probiotic pills or powders, making these products unsuitable for a vegetarian lifestyle. 

Many popular probiotic brands, such as Align and Culturelle, use vegetarian capsules and ingredients in some of their products to ensure they're suitable for most diets and lifestyles. You can also find vegan probiotic supplements, which can be a great choice if you want to avoid all animal ingredients entirely or if dairy tends to give you an upset stomach. 

If you're unsure whether a product is suitable for your lifestyle, the package details and nutritional label may provide you with the relevant information. Products featuring gelatin often state whether it's synthetic or animal-derived, and the ingredients list can also tell you whether the product contains anything else you'd prefer to avoid. 

Fermented foods, such as yogurt and kimchi, can have many potential benefits, but you may not eat these foods regularly enough to experience the benefits. Vegetarian probiotics, such as Garden of Life Critical Care or Align Digestive De-Stress, are a more convenient way to support digestive balance. When taken regularly, these products may help prevent diarrhea, support heart health, assist with mood regulation and aid digestion.  

With convenient in-store pickup or delivery to your home, online shopping is one of the easiest ways to stock up on vegetarian necessities at great prices. The CVS store stocks vegetarian probiotic pills, multivitamin supplements, toothpaste, lip balm and just about everything else you may need to maintain your lifestyle and well-being.