GoodBelly Probiotic Juice Drinks have started showing up at my pharmacy, and of course, patients are curious. I’ve been getting a few different questions about the GoodBelly probiotic juices, and so thought that I’d review the probiotic… and maybe try some juice!
GoodBelly’s juices are specifically designed to promote healthy digestion through the inclusion of probiotics. They are loaded with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v), a strain known for its ability to survive the acidic environment of the stomach and contribute to a healthy balance in the gut. It’s a strain that I’ve written about before, and it’s one of the more well studied and researched beneficial probiotic supplements (you can read my review of the Lactobacillus plantarum strain here).
But my overall review, as a pharmacist, is that GoodBelly’s probiotic juices are a tasty way to get a good probiotic. But, it’s not the cheapest way to get the bacteria, it’s only a single strain (you can combine them for better results), and it’s got a decent amount of sugar from the fruit (no added sugar though). However, if juice is your jam (maybe that was kind of a fruit joke?), and you are an otherwise healthy person, this isn’t a bad product at all.
Is GoodBelly Good for You – a Pharmacist’s Review?
GoodBelly’s juice products are tasty (in my opinion) and contain at least 50% juice, plus have a well-researched probiotic, L. plantarum – so if you like juice and want probiotics, they aren’t bad for you. They are also Non-GMO, Dairy-free, Soy-free, Vegan, and Kosher, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Additionally, they offer gluten-free flavors, making them a versatile option for those looking to incorporate probiotics into their diet. The juices are actually pretty tasty, with options like Blueberry Acai and Tropical Green – my nieces and I tried the pomegranate blackberry flavor, and we all liked it. However, the high sugar content, ranging from 18 g to 19 g per 8 oz serving, may be a consideration for those monitoring their sugar intake. Well, really for anyone, sugar is only good for you in moderation.
You can get it at Amazon or Target, or at your local pharmacy or grocery store. It’s pretty easy to find. It’s going to come in at just under a dollar a dose – not cheap, but not crazy expensive.
What is GoodBelly Good For?
Given the presence of Lactobacillus plantarum, GoodBelly is beneficial for maintaining a healthy gut flora. This probiotic strain has been associated with improved gut health, reduced inflammation (as one study shows here), enhanced immune function, and potentially lowered cholesterol levels (study here), based on various clinical studies. So it’s actually a pretty well researched probiotic. Therefore, GoodBelly may be a good choice for those looking to improve their digestive health, boost immunity, and manage inflammatory conditions, as it combines the benefits of probiotics with the nutritional value of juice. A few, major caveats: 1) there are a lot of small, well conducted studies on L. plantarum, but I haven’t seen enough – the science is still getting figured out; and 2) if you are having health issues or have concerns about your digestive health, talk to your doctor before beginning a supplementation program – these could be signs of a serious condition that need to be treated.
GoodBelly Juice Review
The various flavors offered by GoodBelly, like Mango, Pomegranate Blackberry, and Tropical Green, are pretty yummy sounding flavors – but how do they taste? Will my niece like them? Well, when she had to take a pretty serious antibiotic regimen to fight off an ear infection, I recommended she try to get some probiotics to help her digestive system stay healthy – and these juices were an easy way to do that. The juices are tasty, with the Blueberry Acai flavor receiving notable praise for its deliciousness, making it a preferred choice for many. The suggested serving size is 8 oz, but considering the product contains 20 billion CFUs per 8 oz and 10 billion CFUs are typically sufficient, a 4 oz serving is probably the right size for most people, especially a kid.
I’ve written an entire article on what CFUs are (colony forming units – how many billion live bacteria there are in a probiotic supplement). Basically, 1 to 10 billion is a great number of CFUs to take as a supplement, so GoodBelly is clocking in at 20 billion per serving, maybe a bit too much in my opinion. Thankfully, you can just take half a serving; it’s not like you have to cut a pill or anything, just pour a bit less juice in your cup! If you want to learn more, you can also read my guide to how many probiotics you can take.
Does GoodBelly Work?
GoodBelly offers a 12 Day Belly Reboot, allowing consumers to try the product with a money-back guarantee. That’s pretty cool, although if you read my article on how long it takes probiotics to work, you’d understand that at least 2 weeks is about how long you need to take them before you can see any results Many consumers have reportedly experienced positive results within this period, suggesting that GoodBelly does work in promoting digestive health. However, individual results will for sure vary, and it’s important for consumers to monitor their body’s response and consult healthcare providers as needed. Not every bacteria will work for every person.
GoodBelly Probiotics Review – How Good is the Bacteria?
The probiotics in GoodBelly products, specifically Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, are chosen for their resilience and potential health benefits. Most GoodBelly products contain 20 billion CFUs per serving, while the GoodBelly SuperShot contains 50 billion units, providing a higher concentration of probiotics. That’s probably more that you really need to take. And as I’ve already written, there is research on L. planetarium showing that it may help reduce inflammation, aid in digestive health and possibly even lower cholesterol. So GoodBelly has a good bacteria – which I’ll now dig into in more detail.
Lactobacillus plantarum – The Bacteria in GoodBelly Juices
Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial bacteria naturally found in the human gut and various foods. It is a gram-positive, lactic acid bacteria, well researched and reviewed for its potential health benefits, substantiated by quite a few clinical trials and medical studies. This strain has been shown that it may improve gut health by competing with harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, potentially lowering cholesterol levels, and even improving skin health.
Is Lactobacillus plantarum a good probiotic?
Yes, Lactobacillus plantarum is considered one of the most promising probiotics due to its extensive range of potential health benefits. Clinical studies suggest that it is effective in maintaining gut health, treating chronic diarrhea, reducing inflammation, and improving immune response. However, it is crucial for individuals to consult their doctor before starting any supplementation, especially those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, to avoid potential risks or interactions. So it makes sense why GoodBelly has supplemented their juices with this particular one.
How do you take Lactobacillus plantarum?
Lactobacillus plantarum can be taken as a supplement, following the dosage instructions on the label or consumed through fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. Healthy individuals can generally take Lactobacillus plantarum daily, but a consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before beginning any new supplement regimen. And, of course, GoodBelly juices contain 20 billion CFUs of L. plantarum per 8 oz serving, maybe a bit too much in my opinion.
Is Lactobacillus plantarum safe?
For most healthy individuals, Lactobacillus plantarum is safe, but those with weakened immune systems or specific underlying medical conditions should seek advice from their healthcare provider before starting any probiotic supplementation.
Going back to basics, incase this is your first time reading about probiotics:
What are Probiotics – Reviewing the Basics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that may be beneficial to human health, particularly the digestive system. The human body is host to a vast number of microorganisms, known collectively as the microbiota, which play a crucial role in our health and well-being. That’s right, there is a whole world living in your gut! While the term “bacteria” often brings to mind diseases and infections, our bodies are home to a myriad of beneficial bacteria that help maintain our health.
Probiotics are often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy by balancing the levels of good and bad bacteria, thus improving or maintaining the natural balance of microorganisms in the intestines. They can be found in a variety of foods, primarily fermented ones like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, and are also available as dietary supplements. And, of course, products like GoodBelly juices are another way to get these healthy bacteria – as are yogurts like Chobani, which I’ve reviewed as well.
Conclusion
GoodBelly Probiotic Juice Drinks offer a delicious and convenient way to incorporate the health benefits of probiotics into one’s diet. The bacteria in Good Belly, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, enhances the product’s potential to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and boost immune function. However, individuals with specific dietary restrictions or health conditions should consult their healthcare providers before incorporating GoodBelly products or any new supplements into their routine, and be aware that the juices do have a decent amount of sugar.
