We all are very well aware of the benefits of taking probiotics and how they can help us in rejuvenating our microbiome. They contain live bacteria that can improve gut health and aid in digestive processes. Have you ever thought about the best time to take probiotics? Although there is no specific timing for taking probiotics but taking the supplement at the right time can optimize the benefits.
Probiotics help us in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory bowel syndrome, diarrhea caused by bacteria, viruses, or antibiotics. Along with this, they can also help in improving urinary health, allergies, and oral health condition. There are three main types of bacteria that are incredibly beneficial for our body:
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus is the most common family of healthy probiotics, which are also found in natural sources such as yogurt and kefir. These bacteria can help in fighting diarrhea, and these natural sources are easily digestible by lactose-intolerant people.
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium is also present in dairy products. They are particularly helpful in treating irritable bowel syndrome. It also supports other digestive functions.
Saccharomyces boulardii
These bacteria are found in yeast, and they help in several digestive system processes.
Benefits Of Probiotics Supplements.
Millions of microbes reside in our gut and perform several essential functions that are mandatory for our survival. However, there are specific processes that partially destroy out microbiome and disturb the functioning of the body. Stomach disorders, poor diet, and taking antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in our bodies. The deficiency can be fulfilled with natural probiotic food sources such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, pickles, and cheese, etc. if that still doesn’t fix the problem, you can switch to taking probiotic supplements. These supplements can help in curing bloating, constipation, gas and irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
The stomach acid and probiotics
Probiotics are highly effective at the later end of the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics capsules need to reach there safely to provide maximum benefits. Bacteria in the probiotics are prone to stomach acid. The corrosive environment created by the acid ma not let the probiotics reach the end of the GI tract. The empty stomach is highly acidic, with a very low pH. However, as soon as food enters the stomach, the pH rises, and the environment becomes less acidic, making it easy for the live bacteria to pass safely. So, we just came to that probiotics should not be ingested on an empty stomach.
Best Time To Take Probiotics.
The preferred time of taking probiotics depends on the type of probiotics. If the coating of the probiotics is acid resistant, it can be consumed at any time. However, if there is no such coating, it is better to choose an appropriate time to take these good live bacteria.
Take Them Anytime With Anything.
First things first. If the probiotic capsules you are using come with an enteric coating, then you can take it any time as the stomach acid won’t have an adverse effect on it. One significant benefit of taking delayed-release probiotics on an empty stomach is that there will be combatively fewer chances of bloating or gas. These are some common side effects of taking probiotics.
Gummies Or Chewable Probiotics.
If you are taking unprotected probiotics, you will have to be more careful about the timing. Research has shown that taking the probiotic supplement thirty minutes before a meal. Not only this, taking probiotics with milk can enhance the delivery of the live bacteria into the lower end of the gastrointestinal tract. Remember that water and juice can decrease the survival rate of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium longum. The science behind taking probiotics at different times depends on the type of live bacteria your body requires. Make sure to invest enough time in knowing your probiotic supplement.
Effect Of Time Of The Day On The Productivity Of The Probiotic Supplement.
For some people, taking a probiotic supplement in the morning is the best, and for others, it is a nightmare. Each person on the earth has his unique microbiome and system with its personalized settings. Try to find yours, and it could be from the following options.
Take Them With Meals.
If you already have an upset stomach or are having diarrhea, you can take the supplements with every meal. It should be continued until the problem is resolved.
Take Them Before You Sleep
Taking probiotics before bed is not only beneficial for the gut but also for the liver. It will not only give you a good night’s sleep but also efficiently run the repair processes.
Taking Them Early In The Morning
The best approach is to take the probiotic supplement in the morning. Make sure to take the capsules at the same time every day, if possible. Just take it half an hour before breakfast, and you are good to go.
Taking Probiotics Supplement At The Wrong Time
In general, probiotics are very well endured by most users, and if they know the right time, they have nothing to fear. Test yourself with different techniques. Take probiotics on a void stomach or half an hour before the meal. The most common side effects of taking probiotics supplements are having bloating or temporary gas. Usually, these side effects occur for the first few times and then disappear. However, if these side effects are persistent, there are chances the supplement is lacking appropriate strains of bacteria that are required for proper function. It’s a hit and trial method. You will have to find the best supplement and then the right time to take them.
Quality Of Probiotic Supplement.
The quality of probiotic supplements pays a key role in providing the benefits you are looking for. Each dose of your probiotic supplement should contain 100 million to one billion viable microorganisms to provide you with enough health benefits. Probiotics can die during their shelf life. It is important to note that the number of probiotics is the time of production should be way higher so that the required number of bacteria survive the shelf life. Moreover, consult your doctor and discuss your case with him/her in detail so that they may suggest the appropriate dose and strain of bacteria you require to fix the issue. Certain strains of the same bacteria may not be suitable for you, which is why you should invest enough time to search the right probiotic supplement for yourself.
How Often Should We Take A Probiotic Supplement?
Probiotics are not meant to stay in the body for long. We excrete them out as soon as they reach the rectum. The best approach is to keep taking the supplements until the problem is resolved. However, you should always consult your doctor before making a self-prescription.
Probiotics And Other Medications.
If you are on medicine for any chronic health issues, remember to consult your doctor first. After that, make sure that none of the drugs you are already taking can interact adversely with the probiotic supplement. Some of them include antibacterial and antifungals, including, griseofulvin, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin. If you are on these medicines, do not take the supplement with them and take these at other times.
When To Go For Probiotic Supplements?
Probiotic supplements should be the last option on the list. If you are having digestive issues, the key to their solutions lies in the diet. Your diet should have all the essential nutrients in the right quantity. If you still think you need an external source of probiotics, go for the natural sources. There is a wide range of probiotic foods available everywhere. Choose the ones you like and make a delicious combination, and add it to your diet. If you are not suffering from any chronic digestive health issues, there are chances that your problem will be resolved by using natural supplements. If the doctor advises and there is no other way left, buy the supplements from a reputable source and use them until your health issues are resolved.
Take Away.
You can select any time that suits you to take the probiotic supplements. However, there are few essential things to keep in mind while choosing a time and probiotics:
- The probiotic supplement you are taking should contain more no less than 10 billion live organisms in every dosage. The description of the product should tell the number of live organisms at the time of production and the number throughout the shelf life.
- Take acid-resistant probiotic supplements on an empty stomach to avoid the side effects.
- Do not take probiotic supplements with chlorinated water. It will kill the good bacteria and reduce the impact of the dose.
- Make sure to buy a well-tolerated probiotic supplement obtained from acacia gum, garlic leek, onions, and other such options.
- If you are facing repetitive side effects on taking probiotics supplements, switch to natural probiotic food. They are well tolerated by the stomach and do not have any potential side effects.
