Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting time, but it’s not always smooth sailing. Morning sickness, also known as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), affects around 75% of pregnant women.

It can happen any time of the day and make even the easiest tasks incredibly difficult. While it’s a normal part of pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it without any relief. Probiotics are a promising natural remedy to help reduce pregnancy nausea. Here are the best probiotics to try:.

1. Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria commonly found in the vagina, small intestine, and mouth. It’s considered a beneficial or “friendly” bacteria because it helps maintain a healthy balance of microbes in the body.

Acidophilus may help reduce the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy by controlling the pH levels in the gut and reducing inflammation. Acidophilus can be found in probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

2. Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium is another type of friendly bacteria that lives in the large intestine. It’s responsible for many health benefits, including better digestion, immune function, and vaginal health.

Research suggests that bifidobacterium supplementation may also help reduce NVP symptoms by increasing the population of healthy gut bacteria. You can find bifidobacterium in probiotic supplements and fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh.

3. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gut and female genital tract. It plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, preventing infections, and regulating gut motility.

Studies show that lactobacillus rhamnosus supplementation may help reduce the severity and duration of NVP symptoms, especially in women with the most severe cases. You can find lactobacillus rhamnosus in probiotic supplements and some yogurts.

4. Saccharomyces Boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a type of yeast that lives in the gut. Unlike other yeasts, it’s considered a beneficial microbe that can help treat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other digestive disorders.

Saccharomyces boulardii may also help reduce NVP symptoms by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and improving gut motility. You can find saccharomyces boulardii in probiotic supplements and certain fermented foods.

5. Streptococcus Thermophilus

Streptococcus thermophilus is a type of lactic acid bacteria that’s commonly used in the production of yogurt and cheese. It’s known for its probiotic properties, including improved digestion, immunity, and lactose intolerance.

While there’s limited research on its effects on NVP, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help reduce nausea and vomiting. You can find streptococcus thermophilus in probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yogurt and kefir.

6. Lactobacillus Fermentum

Lactobacillus fermentum is a type of bacteria that’s found in the mammalian gut, including humans. It’s known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat many digestive disorders and immune deficiencies.

While there’s not much research on its effects on NVP, some studies suggest that it may help reduce nausea and vomiting, especially in combination with other probiotics. You can find lactobacillus fermentum in probiotic supplements and some fermented foods.

7. Bifidobacterium Breve

Bifidobacterium breve is a type of friendly bacteria that lives in the gut. It’s known for its ability to improve digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption.

Studies suggest that bifidobacterium breve supplementation may also help reduce NVP symptoms by decreasing inflammation and balancing the gut microbiome. You can find bifidobacterium breve in probiotic supplements and fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut.

8. Streptococcus Salivarius

Streptococcus salivarius is a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth and upper respiratory tract. It’s known for its probiotic benefits, including improved immune function and oral health.

There’s not much research on its effects on NVP, but some studies suggest that it may help reduce nausea and vomiting by preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut. You can find streptococcus salivarius in probiotic supplements and some fermented foods.

9. Lactobacillus Reuteri

Lactobacillus reuteri is a type of bacteria that’s commonly found in the gut, breast milk, and female genital tract. It’s known for its ability to improve digestive health, immunity, and bone density.

While there’s limited research on its effects on NVP, some studies suggest that lactobacillus reuteri supplementation may help reduce nausea and vomiting by increasing the population of friendly gut bacteria. You can find lactobacillus reuteri in probiotic supplements and some yogurts.

10. Lactobacillus Casei

Lactobacillus casei is a type of bacteria that’s naturally found in the human gut and many fermented foods. It’s known for its many health benefits, including improved digestion, immunity, and allergy relief.

While there’s not much research on its effects on NVP, some studies suggest that lactobacillus casei supplementation may help reduce the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. You can find lactobacillus casei in probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

Conclusion

Probiotics are a natural and safe way to reduce pregnancy nausea. Research suggests that certain strains of bacteria, including lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium, and lactobacillus rhamnosus, may be particularly beneficial.

If you’re pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, consider adding a probiotic supplement or fermented foods to your diet. As with any supplement, be sure to speak with your doctor before starting a new regimen.