What Is The Right Amount Of Probiotics To Take Per Day
The right dose of probiotics to take each day likely varies depending on the product and individuals based on their unique gut microbiome. Generally speaking, research shows that probiotics are safe to take and that there is a low risk of adverse effects.
The dosage for probiotics is given in colony forming units , and its typically recommended to find a supplement that has 106 109 CFUs. But more CFUs doesnt necessarily mean greater benefits.
Probiotics are live cultures, and over time those cultures die, so its hard to know exactly how many CFUs are present in a probiotic supplement at the time you take it. This is also the reason why its so difficult for scientists to pinpoint a recommendation for the amount of probiotics to take and understand if there is an amount of probiotics that is too high.
As a good rule of thumb, at least half of the CFUs will still be alive and active before the best by date on a probiotic label. Because the precise CFU amount is hard to calculate, its more important to find the correct strain of bacteria to provide you with the benefit you are looking for versus the product with the most CFUs.
The delivery mechanism of probiotics is also important and can affect how the body is able to digest and absorb the beneficial bacteria. Thats because the acidic environment of the stomach can destroy probiotics before they are absorbed. Encapsulation and freeze-drying are common techniques used to maintain probiotic functionality.
Taking Excess Probiotics Can Cause Mild Discomfort
Taking more than a usual dose 1 to 10 billion colony forming units of probiotics doesnt necessarily mean better results and, instead, might provoke some mildly uncomfortable side effects.
Some research has shown that using more bacteria may, in fact, counteract . If the bacteria get to the food before us, they can turn it into gas, says Farhadi. On top of excess gas, you might experience bloating or a generally upset stomach. Diarrhea can also occur, but thats about as bad as it gets.
Side effects, most commonly gas, may also occur when someone first starts taking probiotics, as their gut may experience some changes in bacteria levels. Usually, though, if someone is taking an average dose, these side effects should wear off soon, once the body adjusts.
Is It Ok To Take Probiotics Every Day
A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, its safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily.
Its important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine. They are best used as part of a daily health regime, rather than as a quick fix option, though there are some situations where certain strains can be taken for a short time, such as alongside antibiotics. Fermented foods containing live cultures have been part of traditional diets in many different ethnic groups for centuries. Learn more by reading about our 5 favourite fermented foods. People have been consuming probiotics for generations in foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and kombucha , but it has only been more recently that we have been able to consume specific strains for specific purposes, in easy-to-take capsules, powders, or kids gummies.
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They Can Increase Infection Risk For Some
Probiotics are safe for the vast majority of the population, but may not be the best fit for everyone.
In rare cases, the bacteria or yeasts found in probiotics can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in susceptible individuals (
50 ).
Research also suggests that people with severe acute pancreatitis should not take probiotics, as this may increase the risk of death .
Summary
People with compromised immune systems, venous catheters, recent surgery, acute pancreatitis or prolonged hospitalizations should avoid taking probiotics.
Probiotics Dosage With Antibiotics And After Taking Antibiotics
Antibiotics when ingested target to kill the harmful bacteria in the body. Unfortunately, this also leads to the death of the good bacteria.
When this happens, the ratio of the good to bad bacteria is tilted and can result in diarrhea. You may use probiotics to aid in the restoration of the bacteria in the gut.
However, this needs some caution. For instance, there is need to take the probiotics at least 2 hours after ingesting the antibacterial.
Secondly, you need to follow the manufacturers advice on the number of capsules for instance to take per day so as to lead to a good gut re-colonization.
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Side Effects Resulting From Weakened Immune Systems In Dogs
Research into lactobacillus included in probiotic supplements has found that L. bacillus may thrive too much in a dogs immune system weakened by disease, malnutrition or even old age. Although a rare occurrence, overgrowth of lactobacillus may allow bacteria to spill over into the dogs bloodstream and produce a systemic infection or inflammation.
The immune system of a dog is weakened with old age.
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Amines In Probiotic Foods May Trigger Headaches
Some probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, contain biogenic amines (11,
14 ).
Amines can excite the central nervous system, increase or decrease blood flow and may trigger headaches in people sensitive to the substance .
One study found that low-histamine diets reduced headaches in 75% of participants. However, a review of 10 controlled studies found no significant effect of dietary amines on headaches .
More research is needed to determine whether or not amines can be direct triggers of headaches or migraines in some people.
Keeping a food diary including any headache symptoms you might experience can help clarify whether fermented foods are problematic for you.
If probiotic-rich foods trigger your symptoms, a probiotic supplement may be a better choice.
Summary
Fermented foods rich in probiotics naturally contain amines. Some people may experience headaches after eating these foods, and should instead opt for probiotic supplements.
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Is It Possible To Take Too Many Probiotics
If youre taking probiotics every day, youve probably wondered if its possible to overdose on them. Well, the good news is that theres no evidence that taking too many probiotics will cause significant harm. However, you may experience some mild side effects.
There is no long-term danger in healthy individuals related to taking probiotics supplements, including probiotic capsules. There is generally no harm in raising your intake of probiotics when recommended by a qualified healthcare provider.
However, the directed use of the product should be taken into account and its important to note that taking particularly large doses of probiotics can result in temporary side effects in some circumstances. Side effects are typically lessened when decreasing the amount of probiotics consumed.
Should I Give Probiotics To My Kids
Probiotics can be beneficial for both adults and kids. If your child has an illness that requires an antibiotic medication for treatment, taking a probiotic can help shorten symptoms. Probiotics can also be used to help relieve constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea, gas and eczema in children.
Introducing probiotics into your childs diet through food is typically a safe way to give them probiotics. Foods like yogurt and cottage cheese are often part of a balanced diet and can add in good bacteria without much risk.
There are commercially available probiotic supplements specifically designed for infants and children. However, it is important to talk to your childs pediatrician before giving them any probiotic supplement or changing the childs diet to include probiotic-rich foods.
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What Is The Right Dosage
The dosage of probiotics is measured in colony-forming units , which represent the number of bacteria or fungal cells in the sample that can form their own colony. An average probiotic supplement will include anywhere from 1 to 10 billion CFUs, however, the right dosage of probiotics looks different from person to person and depends on diet, age, weight, and the bodys tolerance for probiotics.
A healthy adult will generally consume about 20 billion CFUs daily through food and supplements, so its unlikely you will overdo it on probiotics by simply taking one daily supplement along with a balanced diet. Nevertheless, its best to determine the dosage that you need by consulting with your personal healthcare provider or nutritionist. They can best evaluate your current diet and medical needs and make personalized dosage and strain recommendations that will prevent bloating or other discomfort.
Certain Ingredients Can Cause Adverse Reactions
In addition to offering different strains of bacteria, probiotics supplements can often include other ingredients introduced during manufacturing which can lead to adverse reactions. Some people may experience side effects from probiotics not because of the microbes themselves but because of other ingredients within the supplement, such as lactose, soy, or egg. Its important to check supplement labels and avoid these probiotics if you have sensitivities or allergies to these types of common ingredients.
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Taking Probiotics Reduces The Bodys Productionof Probiotics
This is just plain false. From clinical studies we know thattaking probiotics can actually:
- Increase bacterial diversity, or health, of your bacterial community
- Fight pathogens and their toxins
- Promote a more rapid recovery from imbalances in your gut organisms
- Promote a healthy immune response in your gut
- Reduce gut inflammation
- Encourage the growth of healthier microbes in your gut
- Reduce leaky gut aka damage to your gut lining.
So we clearly see that taking probiotics actually helpsbalance our community of healthy bacteria.
What Are The Best Probiotic Strains For Regular Consumption
- Lactobacillus: These micro-species are found in yogurt, fermented foods, as well as Probulin Digestive Probiotics. Lactobacillus may help to support digestion by helping the production of enzymes that may help with the breakdown of lactose as well as other hard to digest foods.
- Bifidobacterium: By supporting the production of antimicrobial chemicals, Bifidobacterium may support a more friendly environment for the good bacteria to thrive. These bacteria get nutrients from lactose and may help you digest dietary fibers. Theyre also found in Probulin Digestive Probiotics.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast is often found in certain probiotic supplements. Regular consumption of Saccharomyces boulardii may strengthen the intestinal barriers function to benefit overall digestive health. It may also help support digestive regularity and digestive comfort.
If your daily diet consists of foods that are too insufficient to maintain a healthy microbial balance in your gut, taking probiotic supplements may help support the growth of healthy bacteria that further contributes to healthy balance. Probulin Digestive Probiotics contain a diverse combination of probiotic strains that may greatly support your gut, digestive, and immune function.
The primary function of any probiotic supplement is to support the digestive environment with the introduction and production of good bacteria in your gut.
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Taking Too Many Probiotics
Taking a higher dosage of probiotics is not necessarily better for your health, and the good effects can actually be cancelled out if you overload on probiotic-rich foods and supplements too quickly. Your body will need time to adjust to a higher dosage, as the new microbes are just beginning to settle in the gut. Tamara Duker Freuman, a registered dietitian in New York, explains, Different bacteria feed on different dietary compounds in the gut, and they produce gas as a byproduct. An overload of probiotics may cause an interaction with the fiber, starch, and sugar in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, nausea, or diarrhea.
There are other factors that may cause a probiotic to produce negative effects, such as if it’s made of poor-quality cultures or stored improperly . Its important to be intentional when it comes to choosing the right strains for your body and making sure you follow the supplement directions.
Probiotics, just like any other type of supplement, are meant to support an otherwise healthy diet and lifestyle. Adding lots of bacteria into your gut environment, even if theyre good, may negatively impact those who suffer from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth . SIBO occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine that dont belong there, causing a host of symptoms, such as severe bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and increased flatulence.
How Often Should You Consume Probiotics
To find your optimal probiotic schedule, we need to break things down into times per day and time of day for healthy bacteria consumption:
According to resources like Harvard Medical School, it is best to take one dose of probiotics per day in the form of a supplement or a probiotic-rich snack or meal.
If youre using healthy foods as your probiotic source, you can reach this daily dose by packing your probiotics into a single meal or snack or by spacing them out throughout the day.
As probiotic consumption becomes a part of your daily schedule, youll likely find a period when you most enjoy these foods, or perhaps when you feel they most benefit your digestion.
This same approach applies to what will be your best time to take probiotics.
As scientists are pretty split on whether probiotics work best on an empty or full stomach, the general advice is to find the time of day that works best for you and your body.
There are myriad probiotic-rich foods to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any snack in-between, so you wont have difficulty establishing routines that work for you.
However, it is essential to try and stick to your routine, as research shows that consistency is likely more important to probiotic efficacy than consumption at any specific time of day.
For example, if you like a delicious serving of sauerkraut, kimchi or fermented dressing with your lunch, youre most likely to receive the full benefits of its probiotics if you eat it at the same time every day.
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Adverse Reactions To Certain Ingredients
There are instances when you might react to taking too many probiotics because of other ingredients found in the product and not the microbes themselves.
In addition to different bacterial strains, manufacturers include other substances such as soy, eggs, or lactose in their products. These ingredients can lead to adverse reactions in people prone to allergies. Furthermore, some people, such as vegans and people with lactose intolerance, are not supposed to eat foods containing these ingredients. Hence, it is vital that you read the supplements label and check for any ingredients you are allergic to so that you can avoid the risk of allergies.
Luckily, there are several variants of probiotic goods, so you should be able to find some that are vegan-friendly or free from ingredients you do not want.
Can You Overdose On Probiotics
Taking the most common probiotic supplementseven large doses or over extended periodsis not likely to lead to an overdose for healthy individuals. The most common side effect of probiotics is digestive discomfort.
Scientific research on the gut microbiome and probiotics is relatively newit didnt start gaining attention until the 1990s. While the evidence is still growing, it does not appear that long-term use of probiotics is harmful since your gut already has tens of millions of beneficial bacteria. Most likely, any good bacteria in excess of what your body needs will just leave the body via your next bowel movement.
But probiotics are not advised for everyone. Those with a serious illness or weakened immune system might need to avoid probiotic supplements as they can cause adverse effects, including infection, even in doses that dont seem like too much. Adding a probiotic supplement to their wellness routine should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
While serious risks from taking too many probiotics are rare, you can still experience side effects.
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Love Your Best Friend With Probiotics
Side effects of probiotics in dogs is minimal to none and should never deter a dog owner from giving their dog the great health benefits of safe, high-quality probiotics.
Probiotics helps ensure your dog stays healthy, happy and most of all, energetic!
Disclaimer: The advice and information on this website is not intended to be used as a replacement for professional medical advice from a veterinarian.
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Your Microbiome Army And Its Probiotic Reinforcements
Probiotics are more like reserve soldiers for an army. They come in, strengthen the army to fight the battle, and then leave. The power is that as you strengthen the army, you support the army to get stronger and wage a better fight. This is why strain matters because you have to fight different enemies. Not all bacteria are interested in eating uremic toxins. So if you just consume any old probiotic or dont really get enough bacterial strains for long enough, your microbiome army isnt really helped.
Strain-specific therapy for kidney disease is such an important part of therapy that researchers focus on just sorting through which bacteria are helpful for what. For example, Probiotic Advisor, run by Dr. Jason Hawrelak, is a database/website that completely focuses on guiding clinicians on strain specific probiotic therapy. It is not just kidney disease where strain matters. There are a lot conditions where it matters .
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When Should Someone Not Take Probiotics
Probiotics are some of the safest natural supplements available, and have very few contraindications. There are a few groups of people who it is recommend exercise a degree of caution when they are considering supplementation with live cultures, an example of which is people who are immunosuppressed , and people with dark blood in their stools. Under these circumstances, it would be wise to seek the advice of a GP before considering probiotic supplementation. In fact if ever in doubt, always speak to your doctor about any health supplements. For more information see our contraindications FAQ.
With regards to medications and natural remedies, there are no known contraindications. The only point to take in to account here is if a supplement has antibacterial or anti-fungal properties. If it does, like garlic for example, then it is recommended that you take the probiotic at least a couple of hours either side of the other supplement, so as not to damage the bacteria. But with regards to safety, probiotics can be taken alongside all natural remedies without any problem.