What probiotics should I take for diarrhea?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a review of 17 studies involving 3,631 participants, antibiotic-associated diarrhea was significantly more prevalent in those not supplementing with probiotics. Knowing what probiotics should I take for diarrhea is crucial for restoring gut balance and alleviating symptoms caused by various factors, from antibiotics to travel.

Quick Summary

This guide explains which probiotic strains are most effective for different types of diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated and traveler's diarrhea. It covers key strains like Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, details proper administration and timing, and offers a comparison to help select the best product for your needs.

Key Points

Saccharomyces boulardii is highly effective: This probiotic yeast is a top recommendation for preventing antibiotic-associated and traveler's diarrhea due to its natural resistance to antibiotics.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is well-studied: Known as LGG, this bacterial strain has strong evidence for reducing the risk and duration of both antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea, especially in children.
Strain specificity is key: For optimal results, look for products that clearly state the full strain name (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745), as different strains have unique effects.
Timing matters for effectiveness: For antibiotic-associated diarrhea, take probiotics at an appropriate time apart from your antibiotics and continue for an appropriate duration after completion. For traveler's diarrhea, start at an appropriate time before your trip.
Consider safety before taking probiotics: Probiotics are generally safe but should be avoided by individuals with compromised immune systems or severe illnesses. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for children or persistent issues.
The amount should be appropriate: Aim for supplements with an amount supported by clinical research for managing diarrhea effectively.

Understanding the role of probiotics in managing diarrhea

Diarrhea can result from numerous factors, including infections (viral or bacterial), antibiotic use, and travel. The gut microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms, plays a vital role in digestion and overall health. Disruptions to this delicate balance can trigger digestive issues, including diarrhea. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms, can help restore balance by introducing beneficial bacteria and yeasts to the gut.

Probiotic strains for different types of diarrhea

Not all probiotics are created equal, and specific strains have shown more efficacy for certain types of diarrhea. Here is a breakdown of the most well-research options.

For antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD): Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria but also destroy beneficial gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea in up to 30% of patients.

Saccharomyces boulardii: This probiotic yeast is naturally resistant to antibiotics, making it an excellent choice to take alongside antibiotic treatment. Clinical trials have shown it can significantly reduce the risk of AAD.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG): One of the most studied strains for AAD prevention, LGG has been shown to reduce the risk in both children and adults. Multiple studies have suggested that specific amounts are most effective.
Multi-strain combinations: Products containing multiple strains, often combining different Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, can also be highly effective for preventing AAD.

For traveler's diarrhea (TD): Traveler's diarrhea is often caused by exposure to new, unfamiliar microbes.

Saccharomyces boulardii: Extensive clinical research supports the use of S. boulardii for preventing and treating TD. It works by attaching to and helping remove harmful pathogens like E. coli. Taking it at an appropriate time before and during your trip is recommended.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: This strain also has evidence supporting its use for reducing the incidence and duration of TD.

For acute infectious diarrhea (viral and bacterial): This category includes stomach flu and food poisoning.

Saccharomyces boulardii: Often considered the go-to for acute diarrhea, this yeast helps cleanse the gut of pathogens and restore flora balance. It has shown effectiveness against rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in children.
Lactobacillus reuteri: Some evidence suggests this strain can reduce the duration of acute diarrhea, especially in children.
Lactobacillus GG: Recommended by some gastroenterology societies for use alongside rehydration therapy in children with acute gastroenteritis.

Choosing and using the right probiotic

Selecting the right probiotic requires looking beyond just the name and considering several factors.

Interpreting product labels

Strain Specificity: Look for products that list the full strain name, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, rather than just the genus (Lactobacillus).
Colony-Forming Units (CFU): The amount is important, and for diarrhea, many studies suggest specific amounts per day. However, higher numbers do not always equate to better results; the effective amount is strain-dependent.
Survival Technology: Probiotics need to survive the journey through the acidic stomach to reach the intestines. Look for products with protective delivery systems, such as delayed-release capsules or lyophilized (freeze-dried) formulations.

Timing and duration

For AAD, start taking the probiotic within two days of the first antibiotic dose and continue for an appropriate duration after finishing the antibiotics. To avoid the antibiotic killing the probiotic, take the doses at an appropriate time apart. For TD, begin taking the probiotic at an appropriate time before your trip.

Comparison of key probiotic strains for diarrhea


Feature	Saccharomyces boulardii	Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)	Lactobacillus casei	Bifidobacterium lactis
Organism Type	Yeast	Bacteria	Bacteria	Bacteria
Resistance to Antibiotics	Yes, naturally resistant.	Some strains are effective when taken with antibiotics.	Effective for AAD when spaced properly from antibiotics.	Can help reduce risk of AAD.
Traveler's Diarrhea	Strong evidence for prevention and treatment.	Well-research for preventing and treating TD.	Included in multi-strain products for general digestive support.	Supports gut barrier function during travel.
Acute Infectious Diarrhea	Widely used for reducing duration and severity.	Strong evidence, particularly for children with viral diarrhea.	Effective for managing childhood diarrhea.	Can help reduce severity and frequency.
Mechanism of Action	Attaches to pathogens, produces antimicrobial factors, and modulates immunity.	Competes with pathogens, enhances gut barrier integrity, and modulates immunity.	Produces lactic acid, lowering gut pH and creating an unfriendly environment for pathogens.	Competes with pathogens and maintains healthy microbial balance.

When to avoid probiotics

While generally safe for most healthy individuals, probiotics are not suitable for everyone. People with weakened immune systems, severe illnesses, or those who are critically ill or postoperative should avoid probiotics due to a small risk of opportunistic infection. Additionally, the American Gastroenterological Association recommends against the routine use of probiotics for acute infectious diarrhea in children within North America due to insufficient evidence. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Conclusion

When deciding what probiotics should I take for diarrhea, the answer depends heavily on the cause. For antibiotic-associated and traveler's diarrhea, the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and the bacterial strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG have the most robust evidence supporting their use. Selecting a product that lists the specific strain name, contains an adequate amount, and is protected by a delivery system is crucial for efficacy. While probiotics can be a helpful tool for managing certain types of diarrhea, they are not a cure-all and should not replace proper medical advice. Consulting a healthcare provider can help ensure you choose the safest and most effective option for your specific needs, particularly for vulnerable populations or persistent symptoms. The field of probiotic research is continually evolving, and ongoing studies will continue to refine our understanding of their role in gastrointestinal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) are the most clinically supported strains. S. boulardii is a yeast and naturally resistant to antibiotics, while LGG is a highly researched bacteria shown to be effective for preventing AAD.

For antibiotic-associated diarrhea, take probiotics during the entire course of antibiotics and continue for an appropriate duration after completion. For acute infectious diarrhea, a typical duration is suggested, but always follow a healthcare provider's recommendations.

While fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi contain probiotics, their strain type and amount are often insufficient for a therapeutic effect. Supplements with specific, clinically-proven strains are more effective for moderate to severe diarrhea.

Not all probiotics require refrigeration. It depends on the formulation and manufacturer's instructions. Some products are shelf-stable and use special technology to ensure the organisms remain viable. Always check the label for proper storage.

Specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii have been used for acute infectious diarrhea in children. However, some guidelines, like those from the American Gastroenterological Association, do not recommend routine use for all cases. Always consult a pediatrician.

The effectiveness depends on the specific strains included and the condition being treated. Some multi-strain combinations have shown benefit, especially for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, some individual strains like S. boulardii have robust evidence on their own for different types of diarrhea.

For antibiotic-associated diarrhea, the timing is critical: take your probiotic dose at an appropriate time before or after your antibiotic. For general use, many suggest taking it with a meal to improve survival through the digestive tract.