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.
What Does The Research Say
Probiotic doses are listed as colony forming units , which means the number of live strains in each dose.
Different brands will have different suggested doses and uses, so its important to understand the information listed.
Recent research found that the type of microbe strain, health condition, product formula, dose, and the quality of the product are all important for effectiveness.
The condition or symptom youre trying to treat can affect how the probiotic works and when youll see results. If youre taking a probiotic for general gut or immune health, youll need to take it awhile to see results.
On the other hand, if youre taking a probiotic for relief from diarrhea, you may see faster results.
For example, has shown that, when used in combination with rehydration therapy, treatment with probiotics can reduce the duration and frequency of infectious diarrhea in as little as 2 days.
Another study demonstrated that people who consumed a high-dose probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus fermentium for 12 weeks experienced significantly less upper respiratory infections and flu-like symptoms compared to a placebo group.
Plus, it was shown that the probiotic drink boosted the immune system of the participants by increasing levels of antibodies including sIgA in the gut after 12 weeks.
Depending on what youre taking probiotics for, you may see symptom improvements anywhere between a few days to a few months.
Probiotics And Fiber Can You Take Them Together
When taking any supplement, most people check to see if any other product or element of their diet could negatively impact their new usage of supplements. For example, it is recommended to avoid calcium and polyphenols when taking an iron supplement as it can inhibit the absorption of heme and non heme iron. Another example that many people know about is the interaction of grapefruit juices on many active ingredients .
Fiber and Probiotics: The Powerful Duo
Buying a probiotic supplement is no different than the considerations above. After buying a well-researched probiotic product, it is very important to think about what can help or hinder the benefits of those probiotics. Fortunately, fiber is an amazing addition to your probiotic regimen. Here we will explain why you should consume fiber with your probiotic supplements.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria that when administered to the host promote overall health. These are not just any bacteria, but strains of bacteria that are commonly found in your gut microbiome. Your gut has both good and bad bacteria. The goal is to stimulate the host, nourish, and stimulate the growth of the good bacteria. At the same time, one also wants to avoid the bad bacteria, which can cause pathogenic illnesses.
What Is Fiber?
Can I Take Probiotics with Fiber Supplements?
Foradapt Is a Trusted Provider of Probiotic Supplements
Recommended Reading: When Is The Best Time To Eat Probiotic Yogurt
Issues To Be Aware Of
If you’re considering trying probiotics, there are a few issues you need to be aware of.
Probiotics are generally classed as food rather than medicine, which means they don’t go through the rigorous testing medicines do.
Because of the way probiotics are regulated, we can’t always be sure that:
- the product actually contains the bacteria stated on the food label
- the product contains enough bacteria to have an effect
- the bacteria are able to survive long enough to reach your gut
There are many different types of probiotics that may have different effects on the body, and little is known about which types are best.
You may find a particular type of probiotic helps with one problem. But this doesn’t mean it’ll help other problems, or that other types of probiotic will work just as well.
And there’s likely to be a huge difference between the pharmaceutical-grade probiotics that show promise in clinical trials and the yoghurts and supplements sold in shops.
Page last reviewed: 27 November 2018 Next review due: 27 November 2021
Seek Out Fermented Foods
Fermentation concentrates plants nutrients, especially B and C vitamins, and inoculates the gut with a host of beneficial bugs. The list of food options is long: yogurt, miso, tamari, sourdough bread and kombucha, for example, are all fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics. Sauerkraut is one of the cheapest probiotics you can buy, adds Rawlings. Whenever possible, buy natural sauerkraut fermented in saltwater because foods preserved in vinegar can disturb the guts natural acid levels.
Recommended Reading: Fda Approved Probiotics For Infants
Exception #: Probiotics May Improve Foodintolerances Gradually
Preliminary research shows that probiotics can be helpful for reducing dairy intolerance. However it takes between 6 months and 3 years.
This study corresponds with what I have seen in my clinical practice. As patients improve their gut health, bloating, fatigue, mood, and many other symptoms can start to abate fairly quickly. However, food intolerances do persist much longer. The good news, as I have seen many times, is that as gut health improves, food intolerances often do diminish over time.
Dietary Triggers
In addition to taking probiotics, it can be very helpful to identify and eliminate foods that trigger symptoms. There are a few diets, like the Paleo diet and the low FODMAPs diet, that are designed to help you identify food intolerances and are excellent tools for improving your gut health.
And while its important toavoid foods that trigger reactions, I encourage you to gradually reintroducefoods and broaden your diet as much as possible over time. It can take sometrial and error and it isnt always a linear process. You may test a food itemseveral times and continue to react and then suddenly you find you are able totolerate it in moderate quantities.
Based on the research so far,long-term probioticsupplementation is likely to support this process.
For more information about diets that can help eliminate food triggers, see Finding the Right Diet for Your Gut.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Taking Probiotics Daily
Taking probiotics daily will allow you to reap the most benefits from all the good bacteria entering the gut. Firstly, they help to support your immune system. Did you know that roughly 70% of your immune system is in your gut? Therefore, a balanced and healthy immune response is very much dependent on strong communities of helpful bacteria in the gut.
A premium-quality probiotic supplement can help to support the foundation of your health at its core. Probiotics can also encourage a balanced microbiome. The bodys delicate balance of bacteria can be under attack by unhealthy lifestyle choices and environmental factors some of which you cant help, like medications and aging. These factors can have significant impacts on your healthy microflora balance. This is why taking probiotic supplements everyday are essential, as they will help to make sure that the healthy bacteria levels in your body are replenished so that your body can maintain a healthy state.
Probiotics can also help in terms of your day-to-day mood. Did you know that having a gut feeling is much more than having a hunch? A healthy gut environment plays a significant role in terms of your emotional and mental balance. The good bacteria in your intestinal tract support hundreds of nervous system chemicals being produced, which will regulate your mood.
Don’t Miss: Baby Probiotics With Vitamin D
When Is The Best Time To Take Probiotics
The performance of probiotics can depend on the time of day when you choose to take them. They are widely considered to be most effective when they have been taken on an empty stomach. That means the safest time to take them is either early in the morning before you have eaten or at night after you have already digested your last meal for the day.
Why does this timing matter so much? Its because of the threat that is represented by your natural stomach acids. Your stomach acid is powerful enough to kill many different kinds of bacteria, including the most healthy ones for you.
When probiotics are combined with food, they linger in the stomach until the food is crushed. This leads to long-term exposure to the acids. When the stomach is empty, supplements can move through the digestive system quickly. This means they only have limited exposure to acids.
The time of day isnt the only timing that matters. The effectiveness of probiotics may depend on regular use. Several studies have found that symptoms probiotics were intended to treat only resolved after several days or weeks of use.
Portioning Out Your Probiotic Versus Having It All At Once
If you really want to, you can even split up your probiotics dose to rev up its impact on your gut. “If youâre splitting up your dose, it might make sense to take one half in the morning and one half in the evening to maximize the beneficial effect on your gut flora,” says Richards. Dr. Sonpal agrees, noting that taking probiotics this way won’t overwhelm your gut, and “it’ll help you assess your system’s reaction to the probiotic in increments instead of all at once,” he says. “It also gives your system the opportunity to adjust to the effect of probiotics at smaller doses.”
So, since the time itself doesn’t exactly matterâyou don’t have to take them in the a.m. or p.m. specifically, just plan it around your meal timesâGreenfield says the only downside to not taking them at one of these optimal times is that there would be a decrease in potency. But you really don’t want that, so stick with what the pros say for the sake of your healthiest gut ever.
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. , our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.
Don’t Miss: 1 Md Complete Probiotics Platinum
Can You Take Probiotics With Other Supplements Or Vitamins
Since eating fat with probiotics helps some of the microorganisms survive the journey from the mouth to the digestive system, there is evidence to show that taking omega-3 with the probiotic can also help keep more microorganisms alive longer.
Otherwise, there are no other known interactions with taking probiotics and other supplements.
Read Also: Does Tramadol Make You Constipated
Youve Taken The First Step Whats Next
Here at Renew Life, we believe the journey toward being stronger for life is all about the little things we do every day to keep our minds and bodies healthystarting with supporting a balanced gut.
The human gut is a veritable powerhouse of potential, which is why we make products specifically with the health of your entire digestive system in mind. Our single-minded focus has made us a leader in the industry, and all of our probiotics, digestive enzymes, herbal cleansing formulas, fiber and specialty supplements work together to help you achieve digestive balance and harmony.*
All the best on your journey!
Read Also: Do Probiotics Help Keep You Regular
Factors That Determine How Long It Takes Probiotics To Work
We wish we could just say it takes X amount of time for probiotics to start working. However, too many variables are at play. It comes down to the type of strain and each strains generation time .
Other factors include:
- The total colony-forming unit count
- The types and quantity of food consumed with the probiotics
- The stomachs pH level
- The amount, if any, of prebiotics in the stomach
Some probiotic supplements also use freeze-dried technology, which extends the life of the probiotics inside the capsule. While this is a definite plus, this puts the strains in a lyophilized state, or lag phase. This means it may take some time for the probiotics to wake up and begin germinating once ingested.
You can see now why we cant just say it takes X minutes or Y hours to begin noticing changes.
/6is This Combination Safe
Probiotic bacteria essentially requires prebiotics as a source of nourishment to survive. Hence you would have noticed that some probiotic pills or products include prebiotics, though usually in mild amounts. The moment when probiotics enter the intestines, they come into contact with prebiotic food sources. This provides food for the bacteria and allows them to multiply, allowing them to combat dangerous bacteria present in the gut system.
Also Check: Infant Probiotic Drops With Vitamin D
Mistake #: Youre Not Taking The Right Dose
Like mentioned previously, the dose must be proven effective to make a claim on package in Canada. A dose is measured in colony-forming units . Look for a product with at least 10 billion CFU, because that appears to be a minimum dosage across the scientific literature, and take as directed, says Nielsen.
The best way to ensure youre getting the most out of your probiotics, experts say, is to follow a balanced high-fibre food plan, understand the type of probiotic youre taking, review its clinical research, take the appropriate dose and store them according to the package directions. And if you have any concerns talk to your health care provider. Then youll have no worries that your probiotics are failing you.
What Quantity Of Probiotic Should You Take Daily
Okay, there isnt a recommended dosage of probiotics that you should take daily. Researchers are still conducting studies to discover the optimum strain and quantity of probiotics. It is essential to recognize that the daily dose can differ because not all probiotics are the same. A lot of probiotics are delivered in a range of 1-10 billion CFU/dose. Yet, there are some products that have proven to be effective at lower levels, whereas others demand significantly more.
Read Also: Phillips Colon Health Probiotic Ingredients
Lower Anxiety And Better Response To Stress
The gut and the brain stand in constant communication with one another. Oftentimes, an imbalance in gut bacteria goes along with increased anxiety. In fact, several psychological disorders including Alzheimers disease and depression have been linked to an altered gut microbiome.
In addition, leaky gut is often associated with inflammation in the brain, which can also impact mood and how you respond to stressful situations. OMNi-BiOTiC STRESS Release has demonstrated in clinical studies to improve positive mood and focus by strengthening the gut barrier function and by acting on the gut-brain axis.
Mistake #: You Put Your Probiotics Into A Personalized Pill Box
Sure, organizing your daily pills and supplements in a handy pill box will help you to remember to take them, but it could compromise how effective your probiotics are. Like crackers, probiotic capsules will expire more quickly when exposed , says Millette. And Nielsen agrees. She says to keep your probiotics in sealed individual doses away from bright light and heat.
Recommended Reading: Great Value Probiotic Trail Mix
Probiotics + Prebiotics = The Ultimate Gut Health Combination
Probiotics are most definitely superheroes when it comes to rebalancing your microbiome and reducing lipopolysaccharide levels.
But probiotics trusty sidekick, prebiotics, can help push the process along, too.
Prebiotics are essentially food for your good bacteria. And if your good bacteria eat well, they grow in numbers.
Feeding your good bacteria prebiotics will help your probiotics accomplish their tasks — up your good bacteria count, cut your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.
Prebiotics come in natural forms in certain types of foods. But they can be concentrated into supplement form for extra strength too.
Sunfiber is one of the most effective and best studied prebiotics out there. We highly recommend getting your hands on some if you want to strengthen your good bacteria.
How To Monitor Theeffectiveness Of Your Probiotic Supplements
When improvements to your well-being are gradual theyare sometimes easy to overlook. Keeping a written record of symptoms can bevery helpful.
Heres an approach that will help you to be as objective aspossible in monitoring the effects of probiotics during your trial:
1st Take stock of your symptoms
They might be fatigue and depression, or bloating, or joint pain, or constipation, or insomnia, or an unstable dose of thyroid medication. Whatever they are, take stock of how often and how severe your symptoms are.
2nd Reevaluate symptoms after 3-4 week on the probioticprotocol
Are you improving? If so, keep on the probiotic protocol. You are not looking for a complete resolution. If so, that is great. But dont expect everything to be fixed completely at the 3-4 week mark. You are looking for a clear trend of improvement. If so, great, we are on the right track. Keep going.
3rd Look for when you hit your peakimprovement
Once you peak or plateau, great. This is another milestone. Keep this constant for another four weeks, soyour body can integrate and you can lock in this new level of good health.
After four weeks
Finally Try to gradually find the minimaleffective dose
Technically, you dont have to do this but I find less ismore with supplements. I like people tocut their dose of probiotic supplements in half, then reevaluate after 3-4weeks. If this goes well try coming offyour probioticscompletely.
Also Check: Pre And Probiotics For Women
Th Study: Ibs & Strain
DrMR:
For this next study, theres much more to unpack. Im going to touch on it briefly here. Its entitled: Strain-specific and outcome-specific efficacy of probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. This looked at 32 randomized control trials, and they found efficacy for a few different probiotics. They go all the way down to the specific strain designation. Bacillus coagulans is one of the species in our soil-based formula, but this one is the species designation: MTCC 5260. There is also evidence for Lactobacillus plantarum strain designation: 299v. There is evidence for Saccharomyces boulardii strain designation: CNCM I-745 and also for Saccharomyces cerevisiae: CNCM 1-3856. They also found some efficacy for global IBS outcomes. And there were some positive findings for single ingredient probiotics
DrMR:
DrMR:
DrMR:
DrMR:
DrMR:
DrMR:
DrMR:
