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.