FloraSport 20B by Thorne

Training hard, traveling for events, or taking antibiotics are the main reasons to keep a probiotic on hand. This 20 billion CFU capsule fits athletes who want an NSF Certified for Sport probiotic with clean testing, frequent travelers aiming to keep regularity, and anyone starting or finishing an antibiotic course. If you struggle with bloating and irregularity, a daily probiotic is worth a 4–8 week trial before more invasive workups.

Probiotics add living strains that compete with gas‑producing microbes, make short‑chain fatty acids (fuel for your colon cells), and reinforce tight junctions (the seals that keep the gut barrier from getting leaky). They also nudge immune balance by increasing secretory IgA (the antibody that lines the gut) and trimming overly reactive signaling. In practice, that shows up as fewer loose stools on antibiotics and milder upper respiratory infections in heavy training blocks.

Take one capsule with a meal. With antibiotics, separate the probiotic by at least two to three hours so fewer organisms are killed on contact, and continue for one to two weeks after the last antibiotic dose. For travel, start daily use five to seven days before departure and keep it up while away. Expect gut changes within 1–2 weeks, with steadier results by weeks 4–8.

Avoid probiotics if you are severely immunocompromised, have a central venous catheter, are in intensive care, or have had severe pancreatitis, unless your physician specifically recommends it. If you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO, excess microbes in the small bowel), probiotics can sometimes worsen bloating; consider a clinician‑guided plan first. During active fevers or unexplained infections, pause and discuss with your doctor.