Probiotics are live yeast and bacteria that are good for you, particularly in your digestive system. Your body is full of bacteria; some of which are good, and some of which are bad. It’s no surprise that probiotics fall into the “good” category. They help to keep your gut healthy, providing many benefits, which we will touch on below. A lot of people wonder whether they should take daily probiotic supplements or whether this is too much. You came to the right place – we’re going to answer all of the questions you may have about when to take your probiotic supplement so that you can get a better understanding. So, let’s get to it… how often can you take probiotics?
There is actually no blanket answer to this question, as we’re all different. However, it’s typically recommended that probiotics are taken on a daily basis. Several studies have been conducted that have shown the many benefits of taking probiotics daily.
How many probiotics per day can I take?
As mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to probiotics, so it is crucial to figure out what works for you. Luckily, there is a lot of research that you can draw upon to help make a more educated decision when taking probiotics. The efficacy of your probiotics depends heavily on the dosage of your probiotics.
For example, a study in the American Family Physician August 2017 issue indicated that a dosage of a minimum of five billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day was more effective when compared with lower dosages (ie. if your probiotics are less than 5B CFUs you’re selling yourself short). Research from Harvard Health Publishing encourages people to take this in one dose per day, rather than taking several smaller doses.
When is the best time to take your probiotics?
To optimize the effectiveness of your probiotics, we suggest the best time to take your probiotic being shortly before you eat your first meal of the day. If you forget to take your probiotics on an empty stomach, take them when you remember (we’ll let it go this time). And if you completely forget (first of all, it happens but don’t make a habit of it), don’t bother doubling up the next day. Instead, take one capsule, as usual.
Is it bad to take a probiotic daily?
Not only is it safe to take probiotics on a daily basis, but it’s recommended you do so. Creating a consistent routine increases probiotic benefits, which we’ll dive into. Because probiotics are natural (they’re the bacteria your body literally needs to be its healthiest), they are safe to consume every day. No research indicates that the body can become dependent on probiotics.
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 body’s delicate balance of bacteria can be under attack by unhealthy lifestyle choices and environmental factors – some of which you can’t 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.
In fact, around 90 percent of the serotonin in your body is made in your gut. Serotonin is known as your brain’s “happy chemical.” Therefore, making sure your serotonin levels are balanced is one of the best things you can do to make sure that you live a happy life. Think we’re done? Far from it, the good news doesn’t stop here. Daily probiotics can help improve the appearance of your skin, maintain your blood sugar levels, reduce fatigue, boost energy levels, freshen your breath, support healthy weight management, and support nutrient absorption. No, it’s not too good to be true… this is just how your body is meant to function.
What quantity of probiotic should you take daily?
Okay, there isn’t 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.
Which are the best probiotic supplements you can take daily?
What’s most important here is that you’re choosing probiotic strains that are clinically validated – you can choose a probiotic with infinite CFUs, and if the strains are generic, they’re not proven to work. And that is what we call a big waste of money. We would also advise looking for probiotics that contain Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces boulardii, or Bifidobacterium, as these are three of the most researched probiotics.
Is it safe to take a break from probiotics if you are consuming it everyday?
Yes, it is safe to take a small break here and there. We always recommend checking in with your body. After all, you know your body better than anyone else does. Once you have been on probiotics for a while, consider how you’re feeling. Some people give themselves a few days off probiotics every month to evaluate the way they feel their body changing. It is all a learning experience; learning about your body and what works for you.
So there you have it: a little bit of insight into probiotics and answering how often should you take probiotics. Sure, probiotics can feel like a “choose your own adventure” ride, but it’s important to remember that consistency is key – hopefully now you understand the benefits of taking probiotics daily.
