Use Probiotics With Multiple Strains
Single-strain probiotics might offer fewer benefits for your body, so a high-quality, multispecies and multistrain product for optimal benefits would be ideal for you. Each probiotic strain performs different functions. Also, as the bacterial strains work in teams, their combination could help yield optimal and additional results.
Should You Take Probiotics On An Empty Stomach
While you can take probiotics on an empty stomach, it’s always best to follow any label instructions and take a probiotic as directed on the label. While each label will vary, depending on the probiotic some labels may suggest taking them on an empty stomach, while others suggest taking them with food, and sometimes it won’t specify at all. In that case, take your probiotic at any time you’ll remember to take it, or at the same time every day.
Consistency is key for getting the most out of anything, whether it’s exercising, eating well, or taking your supplements.
How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Clear Up Bv
Probiotics should clean up vaginal infections within two weeks. However, it may take longer, depending on the severity of the problem.
Symptoms like itching, white discharge and burning are caused by irritation and vaginal inflammation. Antibiotics are the most effective treatment for many illnesses but are not always required.
Some vaginal infections can be treated with probiotics alone, without the need for antibiotics. Probiotics can also keep vaginal infections from coming back.
Read Also: Custom Probiotics Acidophilus And Bifidus
What Are Some Foods That Contain Probiotics
There are many foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso soup. Probiotic supplements are also available. When choosing a probiotic supplement, it’s important to read the label carefully.
Some probiotic supplements only contain one strain of bacteria, while others contain multiple strains. It’s important to choose a probiotic supplement that contains multiple strains of bacteria, as this will increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
In addition, it’s important to choose a probiotic supplement that contains live and active cultures. This ensures that the probiotic bacteria are alive and able to colonize in your gut.
When choosing a probiotic supplement, it’s also important to consider the CFU count. This stands for colony forming units, and it indicates the number of live and active cultures in a probiotic supplement. The higher the CFU count, the more beneficial bacteria there are in each dose.
Do Probiotics Have Any Risk Of Side Effects
For example, your doctor may recommend that you avoid probiotics if you have a compromised immune system or have recently recovered from a serious illness. If adding probiotics destabilizes your internal balance, you may also experience:
- Gas and bloating
- Redness and swelling
- Allergic reactions due to increased levels of histamines
Talk to your doctor to find out if its safe for you to take probiotics.
Don’t Miss: Probiotic With Amylase Lipase And Bromelain
The Role Of Stomach Acid
Stomach acid has a key role in the human digestive system. The amount of acid your stomach releases on your brains demand decides your digestive health.
The extremely low pH of your stomach is important for digesting the main nutrients in your food. If your stomach does not produce substantial amounts of acidic juice, the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats will be compromised.
Not only will it affect your metabolism, but lesser stomach acid levels will also threaten your bodys defense mechanism. The second major purpose of stomach acid is to kill any germ, including bacteria and viruses, that may have entered your body via food. So, in case of subpar levels of stomach acid, the germs that are not killed will trigger an immune response in your body.
The ideal pH level of your stomach is between 1.7 to 2.0. As the probiotics move from the stomach to the intestine, the pH level increases substantially. Generally, the pH value goes up steadily throughout the small intestine. However, some parts of your large intestine have a 7.0 pH, which is a neutral level.
Most healthy bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract are inhabitants of your small and large intestines, thanks to a higher pH value. While taking probiotics, keeping a count of your supplementation timing is vital to save healthy bacteria from destruction.
Why You Should Take Probiotics With Your Biggest Meal
To answer that question thoroughly, first lets discuss the importance of choosing the right probiotic supplement.
Probiotic supplements are formulated to deliver high quantities of beneficial bacteria to your gut while working with your bodys normal functions, including the gastric acids in the digestive system.
In that sense, probiotic supplements can be a life jacket for your beneficial bacteria.
It is important to note that the number of CFUs in a probiotic isnt that important. This is a point of confusion for many people, due to misinformation and misconceptions . Survivability, on the other hand, is critical, and if your probiotics are not taken at the right time and not formulated for survivability, it doesnt matter how many probiotics are in your supplement.
Like any nutritional supplement, probiotics from different sources can vary greatly in effectiveness. Survivability studies with some of the leading probiotics indicate that 99% of the strains cannot survive digestion. This shocking finding suggests that most people are paying for products with less than 1% survivability. When it comes to optimizing your levels of beneficial bacteria, its crucial to choose the highest quality option: spore-based probiotics.
In contrast to other strains of beneficial bacteria, spore-based probiotics thrive during the digestive process, naturally protecting themselves from your stomach acids, and using the food you eat as fuel to better colonize your gut microbiome.
Also Check: Purina Pro Plan Probiotics Reviews
Qualities Of The Best Probiotics
Its easy to walk into a generic nutrition store and purchase a cheap probiotic that promises to deliver a few million or billion bacteria into your gut. Dont want to leave your bodys health to chance, make sure you can identify the signs of a high-quality probiotic product.
First, examine the ingredients in your probiotic. You want to find natural ingredients that are gluten-free, soy-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free. This means its safe for all adults and children to use, even those with specific allergies or intolerances.
Its also critical for your probiotic to include many different probiotic strains since each type of bacteria serves a unique purpose.
This is exactly why Vive Biotics is formulated with strains of bacteria that specifically address issues like constipation, colon health, IBS, vaginal yeast, leaky gut, and sensitivity to allergens.
Vive Biotics even takes it a step further by offering billions of CFUs with a reliable 97% absorption rate. Most standard probiotics only provide a 10% absorption rate, which means that 90% of the probiotics you pay for are killed before they reach the gut.
Vive Biotics is entirely different- nearly all of the potent beneficial bacteria you put into your body survive to do their job.
Best Time To Take Probiotics
While choosing a quality supplement is important for getting the most benefits from probiotics, when we take our probiotic supplements also determines how impactful they will be.
In order for healthy microbes to work, they need to make it through our stomachs and to our intestines, which is not necessarily an easy journey, due to the presence of stomach acid, enzymes and high heat.
Also Check: Probiotics Really Good For You
Stomach Acid And Timing Probiotic Use
The vast majority of your healthy gut bacteria live in the small and large intestine where they are not exposed to stomach acid. The bacteria in your probiotic supplement must travel through the stomach to reach the small and large intestines.
Certain factors such as the timing and size of your last meal determine how quickly your probiotic bacteria can pass through the stomach into a more hospitable environment.
When Is The Best Time To Take A Probiotic Tips To Boost Your Gut Health
Bumps and itchiness, diarrhea and constipation no one wants to deal with these symptoms! However, our lifestyle is getting increasingly busier with work and family. So much so that it seems that we are more prone to getting sick and less able to fight all those little bugs.
Unfortunately, you will probably be hitting up the medicine cabinet regularly if you dont take care of your health. While these medicines are convenient for fast relief, they are often riddled with harsh chemicals. Such medications can actually make your symptoms even worse: in many cases, popping pills simply makes your immune system weaker.
If you regularly eat fermented foods like probiotic-rich yogurt or kombucha, you are already on your way to a healthy gut. The next step is supplementing your routine with high-quality probiotics.
When you regularly take probiotic supplements, these powerful little guys will help keep a happy balance in your digestive system. So, it can focus on fighting off pathogens that might threaten your health.
With the help of a probiotic supplement, you can deal with IBS or yeast infections that sometimes result from oral or vaginal antibiotics. Probiotics are known for relieving digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea and are also great for your bodys healthy immune system function. In addition, probiotics are helpful to promote healthier skin and hair and encourage a better mood and more energy throughout your day.
Read Also: Women’s Probiotic For Bv
But First What Are Probiotics
Probiotics help balance and regulate the microbiome of your digestive system by colonizing your gut with beneficial bacteria. Generally, our bodies are good at maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria and bad bacteria. But sometimes, things like illness, medications, and other factors can create an imbalance.
For example, an antibiotic is meant to wipe out bad bacteria in your system, but it also eliminates some good bacteria along the way. When youre experiencing an imbalance of bacteria in your gut flora, you can add more probiotics to your diet or take a probiotic supplement to help restore the balance of good bacteria in your body.
Research has shown that probiotics can help improve gut health, alleviate bowel issues, and even support a healthy immune system. So how do you get enough probiotics? Probiotics can be naturally found in fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, or miso. Or you can take a probiotic supplement.
Ready to start your personalized routine?
Should I Take Probiotics With Other Medication
Generally, it’s safe to take your probiotic with other supplements in the morning or at another hour of your choosing. Antibiotics, however, should be taken alone, and a doctor may instruct you to discontinue other supplements due to temporary illness. Dr. Asike maintains that probiotics are generally safe for most individuals, and the likeliest side effect may be some temporary bloating or extra gas, which usually sorts itself out over time.
Read More:
Don’t Miss: Best Children’s Probiotic For Constipation
What Are The Signs You Need Probiotic Supplements
After learning all about what a probiotic is, you might be wondering if you need a probiotic . While there’s no neon sign telling you that you need to take probiotics, anyone who is trying to maintain their overall health should consider incorporating a probiotic as part of a healthy regimen. A healthy microbiome impacts all aspects of head-to-toe wellness and a probiotic can help protect that microbiome. And certainly, if your goal is to support the health of your gut, a probiotic is a good idea.
Truly benefiting everything from digestive and heart health to immune and brain health, some specialized probiotics can even promote a healthy stress response and optimal liver function. If you have a health goal, there’s probably a probiotic for it. Talk about a Jack of all trades! That being said, if you’re still wondering if you “need” probiotics, it would be best to discuss with your healthcare provider what is right for you.
The Right Dosage Of Probiotics
It’s also important to make sure you’re getting the proper dosage. If you don’t get enough probiotics, they may not work as effectively. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for exactly how much you should take, Harvard Health points out that most adults need somewhere between 5 billion and 10 billion colony-forming units, or CFUs, per day and that it’s best to take just one dosage, rather than splitting up your intake throughout the day.
If you’re taking probiotic supplements, you’ll also need to make sure you’re storing them properly. Harsh conditions, like high temperatures and too much light, can kill the probiotics, rendering them ineffective before they even leave the bottle. Take care to protect them from heat, dampness and air, and refrigerate them, if required.
Before taking probiotics or any natural supplements, however, you should get clearance from your health care provider. Probiotics can potentially be harmful for people with compromised immune systems or those who are allergic to some of the ingredients in the supplements.
Read Also: Procter And Gamble Align Probiotic
Choose The Right One For Your Health Condition
If you have a particular health condition, you may want to consider a specific strain of probiotic or consult a medical professional to find one thats best for you.
Experts agree that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains benefit most people .
In particular, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may reduce your risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea, while E. coli Nissle 1917 may help treat ulcerative colitis (
Summary
For a probiotic to work, its live microorganisms must reach your large intestine and colonize it. Look for a supplement that guarantees at least 1 billion live cultures on the label and ask your healthcare provider whether a particular strain is best for you.
Final Thoughts On When Is The Best Time To Take A Probiotic
While the best time of day to take a probiotic is ultimately up to you, it is advised that they are most effective if taken 30 minutes before a meal and consumed before breakfast. This will allow the probiotic supplement to get to where it needs to be without being sabotaged by your stomach acid.
You can take them with a light snack or meal if you feel you need to eat something before bedtime, just be sure that you’re not including foods known to trigger heartburn or other digestive problems. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.
You May Like: Gr 1 Rc 14 Probiotic Mix
What Is A Probiotic
A probiotic is a specific kind of good bacteria consumed tosupport digestive health. You can get added or natural probiotics in cultured foods such asyogurt, kombucha, or kimchi. However, food probiotics usually dont provide specificamounts of microorganisms for specific health benefits. For a more reliable andregular source of good bacteria, you can turn to a probiotic supplement.
Should I Take My Probiotics With Other Medications
Even if you toss back vitamins or other medication in the morning , you should still take your probiotics at nighttime. With more time in your gut, the good bacteria can get to work healing your digestive issues. And that’s exactly what you want if you’re investing in a supplement.
The bottom line: The best time to take a probiotic is generally at nighttime before bed. But speak with your doctor before taking any sort of supplement to make sure it makes sense for you and your body/condition.
Don’t Miss: Can Probiotics Cause Weight Loss
Do All Probiotic Supplements Have To Go In The Fridge
No, but many probiotic companies recommend storing their products in the fridge to ensure maximum potency. If you are buying a probiotic supplement that doesn’t need to be refrigerated, make sure it has an expiration date and check that the manufacturer uses stable strains of bacteria that don’t need refrigeration.
Stomach Acid Vs Probiotics
The time it takes for your probiotic to kick into action depends on all these factors, as well as the individual probiotic you’re taking. That’s why it’s important to always read the label of your supplements, and check in with your doctor, to make sure you’re getting the maximum performance for your needs. However, as a general rule, Dr. Goodman said, “Many probiotics should be taken on an empty stomach, at least an hour before breakfast or right before bed at night, but at least two to three hours after the last meal. In this way, they can pass through the stomach faster and avoid being killed by the stomach acid.”
The health benefits of probiotics are at their most powerful when they aren’t being subjected to the harsh acidic environment of your stomach acids, which can destroy the delicate microorganisms. Your stomach produces stomach acid to break down the food you eat, which is a natural part of your body’s digestive function. However, it’s certainly not an ideal situation for taking probiotics.
“The thing is, when you have food in the stomach, it becomes more acidic thus, there is a chance the good bacteria will be diminished/killed before they reach their destination,” said Dr. Goodman. “And this is not what we want, right?”
- Bacillus subtilis
- Bacillus licheniformis
- Bacillus clausii
Related: 8 Signs You Have Low Stomach Acid
Recommended Reading: Will Probiotics Help With Bladder Infection
It Can Depend On The Strain
Finally, its important to note that not all probiotic strains and formulas are alike.
For example, lactobacillus is a common probiotic strain. It relies on glucose to survive in an acidic environment like our stomachs. For that reason, it may pair best alongside sugar and carbohydrates.
However, different probiotic strains, and combinations of strains, may perform differently.
Should I Take A Probiotic Supplement Every Day
The short answer is yes. You should make it your habit to ingest a probiotic daily if your health allows. Doctors recommend taking probiotic supplements at least once daily, either with milk or water.
You will find different types of probiotics in the wellness aisle. From tablets to liquids suspensions, capsules to powders, supplement manufacturers provide multiple probiotic types to choose from as per your liking. However, the most important thing is to take a dose of probiotics on an even basis regardless of the bacterial strains or probiotic forms you prefer.
If you are unsure of the best probiotic option to choose for a daily dose, experts recommend looking for multi-strains or multi-species products. Single strain supplements are suitable for people facing a certain health problem and searching for a solution.
Since multi-strain probiotics contain several strains of healthy bacteria, they can control and fix various health issues simultaneously. Hence, multi-species probiotics provide more benefits overall.
If your concern is to treat irritable bowel syndrome, choosing a probiotic with Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus will do the job. Most importantly, you should note that no one over-the-counter supplement brand offers probiotics better than others regarding strains. So, you should look into multiple supplement brands to find the one that offers multi-species or multi-strain probiotic products.
You May Like: How Long Between Antibiotics And Probiotics
