Show Notes
Should you take a probiotic for bloating? Are prebiotics better? And does a probiotic with 50 billion CFUs actually work better than one with 10 billion?
If you’ve ever stood in the supplement aisle staring at dozens of probiotic bottles — or bought an influencer-promoted greens powder promising better gut health — this episode is for you.
The Team Gut Girls break down probiotics vs. prebiotics, what the research actually says about probiotics for bloating, IBS and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and why choosing the right probiotic is much more complicated than looking for the biggest number on the bottle.
Dr. Whitney Baxter, ND, Dr. Dominique Vanier, ND, and Dr. Christina Carew, ND explain why probiotic strain matters, what CFUs actually mean, how to assess probiotic quality, and why some probiotics and prebiotic fibers may actually make gas and bloating worse in certain people.
They also tackle three common probiotic myths:
• Myth #1: All probiotics are basically the same. • Myth #2: You shouldn't take probiotics while taking antibiotics. • Myth #3: More CFUs means a better probiotic.
You'll learn the difference between probiotics and prebiotics, why genus, species and strain matter, what to look for on a probiotic label, and why Canadian consumers should look for an NPN (Natural Product Number).
The Gut Girls also explore the bigger picture: your gut microbiome is more like a garden than an empty container waiting to be filled with probiotic bacteria. Fiber, hydration, gut motility, sleep, diet diversity, medications and your existing microbiome all influence that environment.
And when it comes specifically to probiotics for IBS and bloating, the evidence isn't as simple as social media might suggest. Research is mixed, guidelines remain cautious, and the reason you're bloated matters. A probiotic may be useful in some situations — but it isn't a universal solution for bloating.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• What probiotics and prebiotics actually are • The difference between probiotic genus, species and strain • Why strain specificity matters when choosing a probiotic • Whether higher CFUs mean a probiotic is more effective • How probiotics can interact with antibiotics • Why probiotics and antibiotics are generally separated by at least two hours • Why Saccharomyces boulardii is different from bacterial probiotics • What to look for when buying a probiotic in Canada • Why expiry dates and end-of-shelf-life viability matter • How prebiotic foods feed your existing gut microbiome • Why fiber and prebiotics can sometimes increase bloating and gas • How SIBO and visceral hypersensitivity may affect probiotic tolerance • Where probiotic research is strongest • What the evidence says about probiotics for IBS and bloating • Why identifying the underlying cause of bloating matters • Questions to ask your healthcare practitioner before starting a probiotic
Before starting a probiotic or other supplement — particularly if you have an underlying health condition, take medications, or are immunocompromised — speak with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Because Better Gut Health Changes Everything.
More from Team Gut Girls
Could your bloating, constipation, fatigue, or stubbornly low iron be a clue to celiac disease—even if you’ve never had diarrhea? And if you’ve already gone gluten-free, can you trust a negative celiac blood test? In this episode of Team Gut Girls, Dr. Whitney Baxter, ND and Dr. Dominique Vanier, ND unpack three common celiac disease myths that can delay diagnosis and make gluten-free living more confusing than it needs to be. We explore why what you eat before testing matters, why celiac symptoms can extend well beyond the bathroom, and where gluten cross-contact deserves your attention. Shared toasters and crumb-filled peanut butter jars? Let’s talk. Your shampoo? A different conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why going gluten-free before testing can lead to a false-negative result • How celiac disease can show up as constipation, bloating, fatigue, iron deficiency, or symptoms outside the gut • What tTG-IgA and total IgA blood tests measure—and where an intestinal biopsy fits in • What to discuss with your healthcare provider if you’re already gluten-free • How family history and other autoimmune conditions can influence screening decisions • Which kitchen habits help reduce gluten cross-contact • Why ongoing symptoms after going gluten-free deserve another look You’ll also leave with practical questions to bring to your next appointment, so you can move from “Could gluten be the problem?” toward a clearer plan. RESOURCES Celiac Canada: https://www.celiac.ca More episodes and transcripts: https://www.teamgutgirls.com If this episode helped connect a few dots, follow or subscribe to Team Gut Girls and share it with someone navigating unexplained gut symptoms. Because better gut health changes everything. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider before changing your diet or starting a gluten challenge. If celiac disease is suspected, discuss testing before removing gluten.
Bloating, constipation, and that “I went, but I’m still not empty” feeling—could your pelvic floor be part of the puzzle? In this episode of Team Gut Girls, pelvic floor physiotherapist Susannah Stewart joins Dr. Whitney Baxter, Dr. Christina Carew, and Dr. Dominique Vanier to explore an often-overlooked connection in gut health: how your pelvic floor, diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and nervous system work together to help you poop—and what happens when that coordination gets disrupted. If you’re dealing with persistent bloating, straining, trapped gas, or incomplete bowel movements, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what might deserve a closer look. And yes, you can poop every day and still have constipation. We unpack: How pelvic floor tension and difficulty relaxing can contribute to constipation and abdominal discomfort. Why stress, anxiety, and pain can influence bowel function. Toileting posture and habits that can make emptying easier. Pelvic organ prolapse and its potential role in incomplete evacuation. Dyssynergic defecation—when the muscles involved in pooping aren’t coordinating—and where biofeedback fits. Why “just do Kegels” isn’t helpful advice for every pelvic floor. What to expect from pelvic floor physiotherapy, including consent, comfort, and options beyond an internal exam. Postpartum body image, core recovery, and moving beyond pressure to “bounce back.” Expect practical insights, myth-busting, and an honest conversation about the things we don’t talk about nearly enough. Because understanding your bloating sometimes means looking a little farther south. Learn more and find episode transcripts at https://www.teamgutgirls.com. Follow Team Gut Girls for more conversations about gut health, hormones, and women’s health—and share this episode with someone who knows the frustration of a bathroom trip that feels unfinished. This episode is for education and does not replace individualized medical advice.
If you’re dealing with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, or other digestive symptoms, you may have wondered: Should I get a gut health test?
When Bloating, Bleeding & Indigestion Need a Closer Look
You treated the SIBO. You felt better. And then… the bloating came back.