Lactobacillus vs.
Spore-Based Bacillus:
Which Is Better For
Your Gut?

Discover the Benefits and Risks So You Can Take Control Of Your Health

Auther ImageBy Emily Vargas Updated: Feb 13,2023
Cheerfull Woman

Probiotics have become the go to supplement for a wide range of health goals –

From improving regularity and digestion… 1

To supporting your best immune strength and resilience.2

But with so many different types of probiotic bacteria on the market, it can be tough to cut through the clutter.

And here’s the truth: Not all probiotics are created equal.

As an example, let’s take two of the most popular strains: “Lactobacillus” and “spore-based Bacillus.”

Though they sound like they should be similar, both probiotics can have vastly different effects on the body…

And understanding the differences could be hugely important for your health.

In this article, you’ll get a close look at how each type of bacteria affects your gut, and what this means for your overall well being.

The Good, The Bad, and The Gut: Lactobacillus and the Importance of “Balance”

Stomach hurting

If you’ve ever shopped for a probiotic, you’ve likely come across Lactobacillus.

This particular probiotic is commonly found in yogurt, fermented foods, and many probiotic supplements, and is touted as being beneficial for digestion.

But is it really as helpful as it’s made out to be?

Before we answer that question…

It’s important to note that you naturally have Lactobacillus bacteria in your body.

Usually found in the mouth, intestines, urinary tract, and stomach, your natural Lactobacillus plays an important role –

Encouraging digestion and metabolism of food…

Promoting strong immune function.

And maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your system, which is crucial for total body wellness.

What does “healthy balance” mean?

You may be surprised to learn that everyday in your body – and especially your gut…

There’s a microbial turf war being waged.

On one side is your "good" (probiotic) bacteria – like Lactobacillus…

And on the other side is your "bad" (pathogenic) bacteria.

Intestine pills

When you have more good probiotic bacteria…

You’ll enjoy smooth digestion, full-strength immune power, and thriving health.

Unfortunately, thanks to things like a poor diet, bad sleep, medications, toxins, and stress…

Your balance of bacteria can quickly shift, and the bad gut bugs can gain a foothold.

    • Bloating, gas, and constipation
    • Fatigue
    • Weakened immune function
    • Mood swings
    • Weight gain
    • Poor skin health
    • Or worse.

That’s why achieving a healthy balance of probiotic bacteria – especially in your gut – is crucial for feeling your best and healthiest…

Which begs the question:

If Natural Lactobacillus Is So Helpful, Doesn’t It Make Sense To Take More For Better Health?

Senior man

Because a healthy gut full of beneficial bacteria = a healthy you, supplementing with additional Lactobacillus seems like a good idea.

Unfortunately, several studies have proven that taking a Lactobacillus probiotic does little and less for your health.

Here’s 2 critical reason why Lactobacillus probiotics fail as a supplement:

lactobacillus probiotics point 1 lactobacillus probiotics point 1

Lactobacillus is a delicate probiotic that’s sensitive to environmental changes.

When exposed to moisture outside the body, lactobacillus bacteria can become dormant and unable to reproduce…

And in high temperatures, lactobacillus gets completely wiped out (ie: dead). 3

Additionally, lactobacillus can become inactive after a period of time at room temperature, making it unsafe to store on the shelf.

The refrigerated section at the grocery store can keep Lactobacillus probiotics alive…

But if Lactobacillus can’t stand up to moisture, high heat, or even room temperature…

Do you think it will survive your 98.6 degree body temperature?

The answer is no, not by a long shot.

lactobacillus probiotics point 2 lactobacillus probiotics point 2

To work effectively and provide maximum benefit, probiotic supplements need to be alive when they arrive in your gut... 4

Otherwise, they’ll just end up being food for the bad gut bugs, potentially making things worse, not better.

But surviving from your mouth to your gut is no small feat… To succeed, a probiotic must:

Pass through stomach acid that’s strong enough to dissolve metal...5

And travel the length of your digestive tract, which is a gauntlet of bile salts and enzymes that destroy weak travelers on contact.

A recent 3rd party gastric survivability study tested 30+ conventional retail probiotics, including many Lactobacillus-based top sellers.6

The results?

99+% of all bacteria in the Lactobacillus supplements were killed by stomach acid.

Yes, you read that right:

Less than 0.01% of Lactobacillus supplements actually make it to the gut alive.

And if a probiotic can’t survive, it can’t do its job.

Doctor with goggles

Arriving Alive and the Emergence of Spore-based Technology

If your probiotic product is dead on arrival, your digestion and immunity suffer the consequences.

To ensure that you’re getting the most health benefit out of your probiotic supplement, you need something different –

A solution that’s scientifically proven to survive the unforgiving environment of your body.

Enter Spore Probiotics.

Though a lot of people are unfamiliar with the term “spore” (which simply means “shell,”)...

Spore probiotics have actually been around for decades, and are some of the most well-studied probiotics in the world.

In fact, since the 1950’s, doctors throughout Europe have prescribed spore probiotics to help patients overcome a number of health issues. 7

Like Lactobacillus, spore probiotics are “human gut commensal,” meaning they are naturally at home in your gut microbiome…

But unlike Lactobacillus, spore probiotics have one unique super power:

Intestine and bottles

They are designed by Mother Nature to SURVIVE.

Here’s why this can be such a game changer for your health:

When spore probiotics encounter a dangerous environment – like your 98.6 degree body temp or your naturally harsh stomach acid…

They put up an endospore shell.

Think of this shell like an impenetrable suit of armor –

It gives the bacteria COMPLETE protection so it can:

    • Pass through your stomach and digestive tract unharmed
    • And get to your gut 100% alive and intact.

Once in your gut, the spore bacteria quickly put down their shells and get to work:

Neutralizing the harmful pathogenic gut bacteria...

Reconditioning the “soil” of your gut so new, beneficial bacteria can grow and thrive…

And planting new types of healthy bacteria that work to crowd out any future pathogen invasions.

All this work results in a thriving population of beneficial bacteria that supports your entire body, including your:

    • Immune health
    • Digestive health
    • Mental health
    • And much, much more!

The 4 Best Strains of Spore Probiotics

Intestines illustration

Of all the spore probiotics on the market today, 4 particular strains stand out due to their potency and power.

And because these strains are clinically proven to survive from your mouth to gut 100% alive and intact…

They can promote thriving digestive and immune health.

When it comes to probiotics, you want a strain that’s tough enough to stand up to anything.

Bacillus subtilis HU58™ is so resilient…

Researchers at CalPoly University revived it from the gut of a 25-million-year-old bee that was fossilized in amber!

Studies show Bacillus subtilis can help digestion by:

Gut health is really important for women who are trying to conceive.

If your gut isn't up to scratch, it can lead to issues with fertility and ovulation...

    • Stimulating the growth of your natural, digestion-soothing gut bacteria…
    • And increasing the production of important digestive enzymes.

This works to reduce bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.8

Research also show that it can:

    • Encourage normal stools and improve occasional constipation.9
    • Help sidestep diarrhea by addressing excess water in the intestines.10

For immune health…

Bacillus subtilis activates your innate immunity (your body's natural defense system)...

And stimulates your natural white blood cell and antibody production.

White blood cells are like tiny soldiers that work to find and destroy things that can take you down…

And antibodies are like special messengers that show the white blood cells where to go so they can fight and win.

Together, white blood cells and antibodies are crucial for keeping you safe and healthy!

In the fight for your health, some of the most evil villains your body faces are free radicals.

When they gather together in your body, they can quickly:

Ruin the tissues in your intestines, causing gas, bloat, and constipation…

Injure the microvilli in your digestive tract, impairing nutrient absorption…

And damage the cells of your immune system, making it so much harder to mount a strong response…

To beat free radicals before they beat up on you, nature has given you the perfect fighter: Antioxidants.

Not only do these superhero compounds wrangle up free radicals and show them the door…

They also help repair the damage free radicals cause.

Unfortunately, getting the antioxidants through diet alone may not be enough to help your body keep up with demand.

That’s where Bacillus indicus HU36™ comes in.

This probiotic superstrain actually turns your gut into an antioxidant factory! 11

This means powerful antioxidants get created RIGHT where they can be best absorbed and used by your body.

Studies have proven HU36™ creates 15 of the most potent and protective antioxidants including, Lycopene, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, and Astaxanthin.

For you this means a strong line of defense against oxidative damage…

And strong and steady support for your digestive and immune health.

For total digestive health, one of the most powerful allies you can have on your side is Bacillus coagulans.

In a human trial, 90 days of supplementing with Bacillus Coagulans resulted in:

“A significant reduction in occasional diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, and unusual stool frequency.”12

Bacillus coagulans also helps:

Break down difficult-to-digest foods, making it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs…

And neutralize toxins, so your body can quickly eliminate them.

Have you recently (or, have you ever) taken antibiotics?

In either case, chances are good your gut is low on good gut bacteria.

By design, antibiotics destroy all the bacteria in your gut – Both bad AND good.

This can temporarily treat a bacterial infection..

But wiping out your beneficial gut bacteria can be detrimental to your digestive and overall health in the long run.

As we’ve learned, your thriving health relies on having a thriving population of good gut bacteria.

Bacillus clausii is the only strain known to resist damage from a variety of common antibiotics…

Meaning you can take it before, after, and even WITH an antibiotic to help protect your populations of good gut microbes.

This strain is also known to help treat a number of GI issues like gas, bloat, and diarrhea…

Making it a powerful ally in keeping you and your gut healthy.

How To Unlock The Power of
Spore Probiotics

women running

Are you ready to unlock your best digestive and immune health…

And say hello to a happier, healthy you!

Look no further than the power of spore probiotics!

With the right combination of 4 special strains – Bacillus subtilis HU58™, Bacillus indicus HU36™, Bacillus coagulans, and Bacillus clausii…

You can enjoy all the benefits of a robust, healthy gut.

That’s why over 70,000 customers and health influencers like Dave Asprey, Katie Wells, and Lauryn Evarts Bosstick choose Just Thrive Probiotic.

It’s the only retail probiotic that contains all 4 of the most effective spore probiotic strains...

All in their clinically-backed and most potent forms.

Just Thrive Probiotic is 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan…

And has been proven in numerous clinical trials to:

    • Beat bloat, gas, constipation, and diarrhea*
    • Address leaky gut in as little as 30 days*
    • Support digestive, immune, and urinary health*
    • Boost energy, improve sleep, and promote clear skin*
    • Encourage healthy body mass*

It's also been found to help activate white blood cells and antibodies, giving your body's natural defense system a boost.

Plus, Just Thrive Probiotic’s proprietary strain Bacillus indicus HU36™ turns your gut into an antioxidant factory…

To help protect your body from free radical damage.

No matter what your digestive or immune health needs may be, Just Thrive Probiotic is the perfect choice to help you feel your best.

So why wait? Get your Just Thrive Probiotic today and start feeling the difference!

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Customer Reviews

Based on 1304 reviews
86%
(1126)
6%
(75)
4%
(50)
2%
(27)
2%
(26)
T
Tiffany Greene
NPS score:
0 (Not at all likely)
10 (Extremely likely)
Likes: It does what a probiotic is supposed to do
Improvements: Tiffany Greene
Great Product

Never thought I would say this about a product I bought because it’s a lot of probiotics out here and none of them work like JustThrive. I didn’t see results right away but I stuck with a routine and started seeing results around the third week. Stomach wasn’t looking and feeling bloated anymore and I definitely will be keeping my subscription going.

C
Carlene Soptic
NPS score:
0 (Not at all likely)
10 (Extremely likely)
Likes: It works!!
just thrive-probiotic & antioxidant: fixed a decade+ long problem

I suffered with diarrhea (multiple times daily) for over a decade!! Went to multiple specialists, and tried multiple OTC probiotics over the years. I'm so happy that I gave "just thrive probiotics" a try! I followed the directions for just thrive probiotics and after 3 weeks my diarrhea stopped and began having normal bowel movements. I'm enjoying a "normal" life without fear of an "accident" while away from home. Thank You "just thrive' for making this product and changing my life!!

T
Tierra
NPS score:
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10 (Extremely likely)
Likes: It just works
Love

A few years ago I took the evenly well food sensitivity test and found that I was literally sensitive to just about everything. I knew I was sensitive dairy and eggs but even my ‘healthy’ substitutions were now something to be avoided. I’ve tried SO many probiotics, prebiotics, cutting everything out, drinking more lemon water, trying organic options. You name it, I’ve tried it, all to prevent my stomach from blowing up for days as if I was carrying. After hearing about these on my favorite podcast over and over I decided to invest and you guys, my stomach has not bothered me since. I went a month w/o reordering and my stomach was back to the nonsense. These really work and sometimes o can even sneak cheese without my stomach yelling at me.

J
Jamie
NPS score:
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10 (Extremely likely)
Likes: Helped my demeanor. PH issues
Cured Leaky Gut and other issues

If I could give this product 20 stars, I would! I heard about this through a podcast. I was having feminine pH issues along with a leaky gut. I got food poisoning a few years ago and my gut was never the same. I tried so many probiotics and none of them worked. My health got worse and worse. I all of a sudden had a sensitivity to oxalates in vegetables in fruits and vegetables, my tongue was burning, felt like I had needles in my bladder, hot feet, couldn't sleep and so on. I started taking this along with the Gut 4tify product and a few mo the later I was nearly completely healed. I also was mindful of my diet and their triggering foods so that my gut could heal. I've been using this product for over a year and my health has completely changed. I take this at night with 5-htp and my anxiety has almost completely diminished. I'm finally getting my gut to do what it needs at night. I am so great full for this product and I have told all of my friends about it. Thank you so much for this line of products! They're life savers!

E
Ellen Carpenter
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10 (Extremely likely)
Improvements: Price
45 days in!

I started taking this 45 days ago and have not been sick yet. I have two kids in daycare and being sick all the time was a common occurrence. I’m so thankful to have found this product!

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Sources:

1 He Y, Zhu L, Chen J, Tang X, Pan M, Yuan W, Wang H. Efficacy of Probiotic Compounds in Relieving Constipation and Their Colonization in Gut Microbiota. Molecules. 2022 Jan 20;27(3):666. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030666. PMID: 35163930; PMCID: PMC8838973.

2 Hemarajata P, Versalovic J. Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2013 Jan;6(1):39-51. doi: 10.1177/1756283X12459294. PMID: 23320049; PMCID: PMC3539293.

3 Corcoran BM, Stanton C, Fitzgerald GF, Ross RP. Survival of probiotic lactobacilli in acidic environments is enhanced in the presence of metabolizable sugars. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2005 Jun;71(6):3060-7. doi: 10.1128/AEM.71.6.3060-3067.2005. PMID: 15933002; PMCID: PMC1151822.

4 Hill, C., Guarner, F., Reid, G. et al. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 11, 506–514 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66

5 Li PK, Spittler C, Taylor CW 3rd, Sponseller D, Chung RS. In vitro effects of simulated gastric juice on swallowed metal objects: implications for practical management. Gastrointest Endosc. 1997 Aug;46(2):152-5. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5107(97)70064-6. PMID: 9283866.

6 Naissinger da Silva M, Tagliapietra BL, Flores VDA, Pereira Dos Santos Richards NS. In vitro test to evaluate survival in the gastrointestinal tract of commercial probiotics. Curr Res Food Sci. 2021 May 12;4:320-325. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2021.04.006. PMID: 34095855; PMCID: PMC8165489.

7 Spore-Based Probiotics With Kiran Krishnan: Rational Wellness Podcast 71

8 Treatment with Bacillus subtilis reduces intestinal hydrogen production in patients with gaseous symptoms, G.R.Corazza1G.Benati2A.Strocchi2M.Sorge2G.Gasbarrini2

9 The Effect of Bacillus Subtilis DE111 on the Daily Bowel Movement Profile for People With Occasional Gastrointestinal Irregularity, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04083521

10 Urdaci MC, Lefevre M, Lafforgue G, Cartier C, Rodriguez B, Fioramonti J. Antidiarrheal Action of Bacillus subtilis CU1 CNCM I-2745 and Lactobacillus plantarum CNCM I-4547 in Mice. Front Microbiol. 2018 Jul 10;9:1537. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01537. PMID: 30042756; PMCID: PMC6048234.

11 Effect of a carotenoid-producing Bacillus strain on intestinal barrier integrity and systemic delivery of carotenoids: A randomized trial in animals and humans, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 80, May 2021, 104445

12 Majeed, M., Nagabhushanam, K., Natarajan, S. et al. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study. Nutr J 15, 21 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6

13 de Castro, JA.A., Guno, M.J.VR. & Perez, M.O. Bacillus clausii as adjunctive treatment for acute community-acquired diarrhea among Filipino children: a large-scale, multicenter, open-label study (CODDLE). Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 5, 14 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40794-019-0089-5