Probiotics, gut health, and the microbiome are hot topics. After all, a healthy gut is linked to a robust immune system, healthy skin, digestion, regularity and more — while an unhealthy gut can cause brain fog, bloating, burping, and low energy.
As the editor-in-chief of Organic Authority, I’ve tried a lot of supplements, including probiotics. And honestly, I’m not sure if any of them truly helped solve my digestive issues. As much as I strive to eat a diet that’s rich in vegetables, fiber, and protein, there are times when I miss the mark — and I feel it. Symptoms like bloating, gas, and even constipation (which is the absolute worst) start to pop up. It gets especially bad when I travel, and really, that’s the last time I want to experience digestive issues.
Recently, I was introduced to Ritual’s Synbiotic+ probiotic. I thought to myself, another probiotic? But after studying the formulation and the brand’s values (I can’t help myself, this is what I do as a profession!), I had to give it a go. Here’s my honest review of the Ritual probiotic, Synbiotic+.
What Stands Out About Ritual Synbiotic+
Here’s what made the biggest difference in my decision to try it out — Ritual’s radical transparency. The vast majority of supplement brands like to keep their sourcing formulations secret to protect themselves from copy cats. Not Ritual. Their top priority is gaining your trust, even if it leaves the door open for a stolen formula. They even went so far as to develop the Made Traceable program, a first-of-its-kind traceable supply chain (more on that below!).
There’s another core value that Ritual and Organic Authority are aligned on: science. After testing out my fair share of supplements, I know too well how many on the market have very little, if any science behind them. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ science-backed formulation is three-in-one — featuring prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics (which very few probiotics on the market hit). Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and was developed without GMOs, animal products, artificial colors, and major allergens.
Probiotics 101: What Are Probiotics?
Ever heard of “good bacteria”? We generally think of bacteria as something negative and germy, but that’s not always the case. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut. They shouldn’t be confused with prebiotics, which work in tandem with probiotics.
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are an indigestible fiber that are found in plant-based foods. Because they’re indigestible, they pass through your digestive system and into your colon, where they get broken down by microorganisms. As they break down, they create short chain fatty acids that can boost various aspects of our health, from reducing inflammation to increasing immunity.
What’s the Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics?
Probiotics and prebiotics both play an important role in gut health, but in different ways. While probiotics are live bacteria that add to the good bacteria in your digestive system, prebiotics are plant fibers that feed this good bacteria. To put it simply, probiotics add new microbes to your gut, and prebiotics nourish those microbes and encourage them to grow.
Because of this complementary relationship, it’s less a question of prebiotic vs. probiotic and more a question of how to add both into your diet. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha, and kimchi. Prebiotics are in high-fiber foods like bananas, onions, leafy greens, garlic, soybeans, and artichokes. And both probiotics and prebiotics are in Ritual’s Synbiotics!
Putting Synbiotic+ to The Travel Test
After deep diving into the formulation and brand, I decided to dive in the deep end and put Ritual’s Synbiotic+ to one of the toughest tests: the travel test. I have a pretty normal pooping routine, so I know when something is off (admit it, hasn’t everyone suffered from travel back-up at least once?). Would it help keep things moving while I was on the go?
If you’re considering making changes to your wellness routine, be sure to consult with your primary care physician to see if it’s right for you.
My Normal Routine
Look, I know it can be a sensitive subject, but everyone has a pooping routine. You generally know when you’re going to have to go number two. For me, it’s the first thing in the morning — and occasionally in the afternoon. If I miss the morning, I immediately know that something is off. When I travel, that’s my first clue that something is wrong.
Synbiotic+ on the Go
To make sure my system adjusted beforehand, I started taking Synbiotic+about two weeks before I left on my trip. I took Synbotic+ with me to hang with college buddies and watch my alma mater, the Colorado Buffalos, play football.
Initially I felt some grumbling and rumbling and slight discomfort, but that can be normal when testing a new probiotic (it can even be a good sign!). I will admit to being slightly concerned, but I stuck with it. By day four or five the grumbling was gone. I also started to notice that my usual bloating had subsided and it was easier to go number two, which was a big win. But how would I do when I stepped off the plane in another city?
Travel Test: The Verdict
Usually when I travel, it’s normal for me to miss a day or two (or even three!), when it comes to moving things out of my digestive system. Not fun! That can quickly cause more bloating and discomfort, which is the exact opposite of what you want when you’re on a vacation with friends.
This time, I arrived late in the afternoon at my destination and spent my day hanging with friends and family. The next morning, I was shocked when I did my normal number two like clockwork. No back-up or bloating. I was thrilled at the prospect of attending the football game in a large stadium with thousands of people the next day feeling great (read: constipation-free). I stayed that way throughout my whole trip.
I’ve been taking Synbiotic+ now for about six weeks, and it’s really delivered. I feel like it’s helped with what seemed like constant bloating (which I’ve had for years). My stomach feels flatter and things are consistently moving through me, even when I feel like I could have been eating more veg and fiber.
Did Synbiotic+ Support My Immune System?
Aside from my pooping routine, another thing I always worry about when I travel is getting sick. Probiotics have been known to support immune health, which is a massive bonus when you know you have a busy week ahead.*
So, did the Ritual probiotic support my immunity? This one’s a little trickier to answer, but here’s what I can say: after traveling on several planes and going to a football game with thousands of people (and even partying beforehand), I did not get sick. Was that because of the probiotics? We’ll never know for sure, but it couldn’t hurt. I’m happy to report that I came back feeling great.
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12 Reasons I’m Loving Ritual Synbiotic+: Based on My Experience
1. The 3-in-1 Formulation
What does that mean? Synbiotic+ is more than just a probiotic — it’s also a prebiotic and a postbiotic, which most probiotic formulations miss! This combination works three times as hard to support a balanced microbiome.
- Prebiotic: The PreforPro® prebiotics target undesirable bacteria, which in turn supports the beneficial bacteria living inside the gut.*
- Probiotic: 11B CFUs from two of the most clinically-studied strains in the world, LGG® and BB-12®) to aid digestion and help relieve gas, bloating, and diarrhea.*
- Postbiotic: Carbiome® Tributyrin is a a major energy source for the cells that make up the gut lining in the colon. Too many people today suffer from – gut issues — needless to say, supporting gut barrier function with a postbiotic is a big deal.
2. Contains Clinically-Studied Strains
We’ve already mentioned LGG® and BB-12®, but they deserve a second mention. The Ritual probiotic formulation contains two of the world’s most clinically-studied probiotic strains to support bloat and regularity.*
These strains have over 100+ publications of human clinical trials. That’s a lot for a supplement! I’ve come across a few supplement companies with data from human clinical trials, but I’ve never seen one with this many. That science-backed reassurance is what I’m looking for when I decide to add something into my daily routine.
3. Ingredient Transparency
I’m a stickler for ingredient sourcing. I want to know exactly what’s in the supplements I’m taking and what’s going in my body. Ritual is committing to sharing the what, where, and why behind every ingredient they use. As of 2022, their Made Traceable program means that every single label shares the supplier and source of each ingredient that makes up Synbiotic+ (and all of their other supplements, too!).
Here’s the sourcing info on Synbiotic+’s ingredients (which includes dosage too):
Probiotics: 11B CFUs of BB-12® & LGG ®
Source: Strains of live bacteria
Supplier: Chr. Hansen
Final Manufacturing Location: Hvidovre, Denmark
Prebiotics: PreforPro® 15 mg
Source: Prebiotic bacteriophage blend
Supplier: Deerland
Final Manufacturing Location: Kennesaw, GA
Postbiotics: Corbiome® 300mg
Source: A short chain fatty acid
Supplier: Compound Solutions
Final Manufacturing Location: Seville, Spain
4. Ingredient Dosage
Want to know exactly how much of each ingredient is in Synbiotic+? Here you go:
- 11B CFUs of probiotics
- 15mg of PreforPro prebiotics
- 300mg of Tributyrin postbiotic
5. Delayed Release Capsule
Ritual’s capsules are unique and designed to thrive. They’re made to go beyond the digestive acids and bile of the stomach to reach the colon, which is an ideal place for probiotics to grow and survive.
The single-nested capsules are vegan and don’t contain any weird mystery animal ingredients. The innovative acid-resistant outer shell is made from hypromellose and gellan gum, with a second hypromellose inner capsule to achieve the delayed release. Plus, the capsule uses a capsule-in-capsule design that maximizes absorption while minimizing stomach discomfort.
6. No Refrigeration Necessary
This is another reason why Synbiotic+ is a great travel companion — it doesn’t require refrigeration. Why? The supplements are freeze-dried to protect them from heat and moisture. Even the bottle is designed to control moisture and protect the probiotic strains. There’s no additional stress when you travel, just throw it in your carry-on and go.
7. Supports a Healthy Immune System
It’s estimated that 70-80% of the human immune system lies in the gut1. Doctors and researchers believe that supporting a diverse population of good bacteria through gut-loving foods like yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and probiotics is essential to a healthy, happy immune system. In other words, nourish the microbiome and fend off colds!
8. Non-GMO Project Verified
I love that Synbiotic+ is Non-GMO Project Verified. When it comes to supplements, it’s easy for brands to cut corners and use genetically modified ingredients and fillers for their capsules and formulations. With Ritual, you can trust that they’ve been vetted by a third-party to ensure their formula is clean and free of GMOs.
9. Free of Major Allergens
Common allergens like gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy can be a huge source of digestive discomfort — so it would be pretty counterintuitive for your supplements to include any of these ingredients. Synbiotic+ is even free of artificial colors and animal products, so people with allergies and sensitivities can take this Ritual probiotic without stress.
10. Tested by Independent Labs
Aside from the many certifications Ritual’s products have received (Clean Label Project Certified, Certified Carbon Free, Dietary Supplement USP Certified, and more!), all of Ritual’s supplements are also tested by third-party labs to ensure purity and safety. Labs like Eurofins and IEH Laboratories have tested for microbes, heavy metals, major allergens, and other contaminants to confirm that this Ritual probiotic is safe for use.
11. Qualified Ingredient Suppliers and Facilities
It’s one thing to be transparent about your suppliers, and it’s another thing to go the extra mile and make sure they’re reputable partners.
Ritual qualifies all of their suppliers to ensure they have clean compliant facilities, and they only work with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). The ingredients themselves must also meet specifications for purity, identity, strength and structure.
12. The Ritual Guarantee
The final thing that sold me on Ritual was their confidence in their product. If you don’t love Synbiotic+ within your first 30 days, your first order is on them. To me, that showcases just how much they want their customers to truly love and benefit from their supplements.
New Year Sale: 30% off your first month! Dates: 12/26/24 – 1/17/2025
FAQs:
What can I expect while taking Synbiotic+?
When you first start taking this probiotic supplement — or any probiotic supplement, really — your gut microbiome might need some time to adjust. It’s possible to experience probiotics side effects like minor gas, bloating, or stomach rumbling (like I did!), but any effects should fade with ongoing use. However, always check with your primary healthcare provider to see if they are right for you. Probiotics are only able to stay in the gut for up to a few weeks at a time, so it’s also important to be consistent to see benefits.
How does the Ritual subscription model work?
After your initial purchase, you’ll continue to receive Synbiotic+ automatically every 30 days to keep you on track. But it’s not like other subscriptions that seem to make things as confusing as possible. I love that they make sure it’s in your control by always sending you an email reminder a few days before they charge you for a shipment. If you ever change your mind or your routine, you’re free to rush, delay, or cancel your order whenever you want.
Can I take Synbiotic+ if I’m pregnant or nursing?
Synbiotic+ has been evaluated in a study to be safe for use by pregnant and nursing women. However, Ritual recommends you still consult your healthcare practitioner before use.
What is the Synbiotic+ packaging made from?
The current Synbiotic+ bottle is made from mixed materials — polypropylene for the bottle and 100% PCR polypropylene for the cap. While the bottles are currently not recyclable, Ritual is committed to achieving 100% sustainable packaging by the end of 2025.
The packaging the bottles arrive in is recyclable, from the initial box to the recurring order mailers made from 100% recycled content.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease
Sources:
1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8001875/
