Pre, Pro, or Postbiotic? You Need All 3, and You Can Get Them in 1 Product

POPSUGAR Photography | India Yaffe
POPSUGAR Photography | India Yaffe
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If you've consumed any kind of wellness content over the last few years, you've likely heard the phrase "gut health." You might have wondered: what exactly is gut health, and is it something I need to be concerned about? Well, poor gut health can lead to bloating, indigestion, and discomfort, among other symptoms, so yes — gut health is important, and one of the easiest ways to support a healthy gut is to take a probiotic. I was curious about adding one to my supplement routine, and I'm glad I chose the Ritual Synbiotic+ ($50).

Once you understand how all three of these pieces work together, having them all in one pill is pretty major.

I chose Ritual because I take the brand's multivitamins, and I'm impressed by its commitment to science-backed products as well as the convenient subscription model. This product is unique in that it contains a prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic all in one. The prebiotic is designed to target bad bacteria in the gut, thereby promoting the growth of good bacteria. The probiotic, which includes BB-12 and LGG, is designed to provide that good bacteria to the gut as well as to relieve mild digestive discomforts. The postbiotic provides fuel for the gut lining and supports the gut barrier, keeping good bacteria in and helping to prevent leaky gut. Once you understand how all three of these pieces work together, you'll know that having them all in one pill is pretty major.

I've been taking this product for a couple of months now, and I've been pleased with the results so far. It has a minty taste, not unlike the multivitamins, and it can be taken anytime during day. It also doesn't need to be refrigerated, making it great for travel. I've noticed some small improvements, such as a decrease in gas and bloating; interestingly, my skin is also clearer. It's important to note that some people undergo an adjustment period of initial adverse side effects when introducing a probiotic into their routine (such as minor bloating or stomach discomfort), which generally resolve quickly with continued use of the product. I did not experience these initial side effects, and since my doctor recommended a probiotic supplement, I'm glad I chose one I can trust. If you want to try a probiotic supplement that is backed by science and doesn't have weird ingredients, I'd go with Ritual's Synbiotic+.