Surprising Reasons You Should Take A Daily Probiotic
By now youve probably heard of the microbiome, the community of trillions of microorganisms that live inside and on your body. But did you know that microbes are so fundamental to life that they outnumber human cells by about 10 to 1?
Our microbiome is full of all kinds of microbes, both good and bad. When our microbiome is balanced, the good guys work hard to keep us vibrant and healthy. However, when too many of the bad guys are hanging around, the good bacteria lose their footing and cant do their jobs properly.
The good news is that we can swing the balance of the microbes in our microbiome in favor of the good guys by consuming probiotics, or beneficial bacteria. Probiotics work to replenish the beneficial bacteria in our body and provide a myriad of important, supportive health benefits.
Here are the top 10 reasons why taking a daily probiotic supplement is one of the best things you can do to support your overall health and wellness. Probiotics for Women and Probiotics for Men are a great start toward overall wellness.
1. Encourage a balanced microbiome
From modern diets filled with sugar and additives to exposure to antibiotics in both medicine and food, your lifestyle can wreak havoc on your bodys delicate balance of bacteria. Even aging, stress, environmental toxins, and medications can have indiscriminate effects on your healthy microflora balance.
2. Support immune function
3. Support nutrient absorption
4. Maintain your mood
6. Freshen breath
References:4
Where You Get Your Probiotics From Also Matters
Aside from when you take your probiotic, its quality will also affect how much good bacteria makes it to your large intestine. High-quality producers will put higher amounts of probiotics in their capsules to guarantee that the amount of CFUs advertised on the bottle is in each tablet for the length of its shelf life, Dr. Wallman says. And higher-quality strains also have a longer shelf life, she adds.
If youre using probiotics for a specific health condition, talk to your doctor about finding the right probiotic supplement for you.
Otherwise, find a high-quality broad spectrum probiotic supplement. Unlike spore-based probiotics, broad spectrum probiotics are usually made up of at least three different kinds of bacteria . Your gut microbiome is diverse, so its a good idea for your probiotic to be as well when using it for general health and wellbeing, Dr. Wallman says.
Read Also: Which Probiotics Are Best For Skin
Whats Too Much Too Little Or Maybe Its The Wrong Strain How Do You Get It Right
You know the saying, If a little does a little bit of good then a lot must do a whole lot of good But when it comes to probiotics, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
Weve talked before about the microbiome, the ginormous collection of microbes that live in your gut.
Some of those bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes maintain a thriving ecosystem of sorts that assists your body in many of its functions. And they also provide a powerful immune system to protect you from infections, cancer, and viruses from the common cold to HIV.
There are at any given moment -10 microbes to every single cell in the human body. So were vastly outnumbered from the start.
But thankfully, the majority of those microbes help us function and protect us from invaders. The rest of them are always on the attack and being destroyed or eaten by the good bacteria.
Until something happens that jars that system out of balance. For example:
An infection treated by antibiotics, where the good bacteria are wiped out along with the bad.
Stomach upset that results in vomiting or diarrhea, where massive evacuation of the intestine leaves behind a weakened balance of beneficial and destructive microbes.
An injury that drives you to take a heavy load of ibuprofen, and your stomach lining becomes irritated, causing pain and bleeding.
In each of these examples, ingesting probiotics can help to restore balance in your gut, and relieve symptoms.
You May Like: How Many Probiotics To Take Daily
How To Take Probiotics: A Guide For First
If taking a daily probiotic supplement is on your list of personal health goals, youre off to a strong start. Supplying your body with additional good bacteria can go a long way toward supporting optimal digestion and health.
We say additional because there are literally trillions of these microscopic organisms already living in and around your body, mainly in your digestive tract which is where at least 70 percent of your immune system can be found. Inside your gut, your beneficial microbes work to maintain a balanced intestinal environment, which supports digestive health and immune function.
But with so many probiotic supplements to choose from on the shelves today, we understand you may have some questions, beginning with: What exactly are probiotics? How much additional bacteria should I be taking each day? Is it possible to take too many probiotics?
All of these are great questions to ask when choosing the right daily probiotic supplement for you and your family, so weve put together some answers you may find helpful.
Can You Take Too Much Probiotics How Much Is Too Much
While it is critical to observe accurate dosage for most medicines, Probiotics seem to deviate from the norm.
Most research indicates that there exists no consensus on the dosing that should be observed.
However, it is also noteworthy, as indicated by Pasha Gurevich that if you ingest too much good bacteria, it can lead to minor side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhoea.
This would only happen if you were not in an antibiotic medication. However, if your immunity capacity is greatly reduced, there is a risk of getting other side effects, which may be severe.
For instance, probiotic sepsis, which is and overwhelming immune response to bacterial infection. Thought not agreed on its fatality when it happens, it caused by probiotic overdose.
On the same note, other researchers indicate that there is difficulty in overdosing on good bacteria. This is motivated by the fact that already the body has high numbers of good bacteria in the body.
Estimated to be around 100 trillion bacteria. However, just the mild symptoms such as bloating and flatulence, though they indicate that the probiotics are functioning, if persistent, they act as a danger sign and medical help should be sought in that case.
Recommended Reading: What Are Prebiotics And Probiotics
Don’t Miss: What Causes Constipation In Pregnancy
How Can Probiotics Benefit Our Immune System
When you ask most people what protects their body from getting sick, the first response will likely be their immune system.
This is the correct answer, but have you ever wondered what protects your immune system?
Research suggests it may be probiotics.,
These contributions can encourage:
- More Comprehensive Ranges of Protection Against Illness
Phase : Introduce Probiotics
If youve followed the above steps to change your lifestyle, and are still experiencing stubborn health symptoms, it may be time to start probiotics.
As previously discussed, probiotics are well-known for their widespread healing effects. We recommend using Triple Probiotic Therapy, which involves taking the three primary categories of probiotics at once, in order to restore a healthy balance to the gut microbiota. Use each of the following for best results
- A blend of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotic strains
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Soil-based probiotics, especially those containing Bacillus strains
Using all three types of probiotics at once allows for them to work synergistically for the best health effects . Furthermore, probiotics are safe, have minimal to no side effects, and are easy to implement into your health protocol .
Recommended Reading: What Should You Eat To Heal A Leaky Gut
Should You Take Probiotics
The “good bacteria” may help healthy people but aren’t formally recommended.
Probiotics are “good” bacteria touted to help maintain digestive health and boost the immune system. You can take them in a dietary supplement or get them from food sources, such as yogurt. But should you? They can be helpful in some cases, but we still need more studies to tell us if and when they are safe and effective for older adults.
My Fourth Experiment: Ingesting 2 Trillion Probiotics
I decided to get into the trillions of species. I decided to take 20 pills of this probiotic, and it was stronger, but I didnt notice that much of a difference than from 660 billion.
Overall, it had some good effects on mood and I thought it would be good for going out and socializing, as I felt more social.
Read Also: Swanson L Reuteri Probiotic Plus
You May Like: Is Culturelle A Good Probiotic
Should You Take Probiotics Daily
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.
Is It Bad To Take A Probiotic Daily
Not only is it safe to take probiotics on a daily basis, but its recommended you do so. Creating a consistent routine increases probiotic benefits, which well dive into. Because probiotics are natural , they are safe to consume every day. No research indicates that the body can become dependent on probiotics.
Don’t Miss: Should You Take Probiotics Everyday
Should I Take A Probiotic Every Day
The short answer: Yes, you should aim to take a probiotic every single day if possible. “It’s best to take probiotics at least once daily with water or milk,” Dr. Asike says. There are many different forms of probiotics you can purchase in the wellness aisle from powders to capsules, tablets to liquid suspensions, but a regular dose on an even basis should be a goal regardless of which strain of probiotic you take.
Shop Now:
If you’re wondering what may be the best option for a daily probiotic, Dr. Asike recommends looking for multi-species or multi-strain products before single-strain supplements, as they may provide more benefits overall. Saccharomyces boulardii, as well as Lactobaccilus rhamnosus,are popular options that may provide more relief to those experiencing irritable bowel syndrome, he adds. “There isn’t one over-the-counter brand that’s better than another when it comes to strains I advise looking for multi-species or multi-strain , and to grab a store brand if that’s what’s available.”
How To Pick The Right Probiotic Source
There are so many different brands and types of probiotics out there, but ultimately it’s important to find the one that works for you.
“If you’re new to probiotics, just taking a general diverse one will be effective,” says Gandhi. “Ideally, though, the more colony-forming units, the better. We want to diversify our gut microbiome.”
For the most part, Trubow says, “People generally do well with Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii, but Bifidobacterium strains are also beneficial.”*
Robert Rountree, M.D., integrative physician, also adds, “You want something that’s got a good stability, got a good shelf life, and then you want to have strains that have actually been well researched.”
You May Like: Can Diarrhea Cause Rectal Bleeding
Potential Risks Of Taking Probiotics
Probiotics are generally regarded as safe to take and won’t cause any side effects if you’re healthy, according to the NCCIH.
“There are no potential risks, but it’s a good idea for you to talk to your doctor to see if one is good for you, especially if you’re immunocompromised or have pre-existing medical issues,” says Gandhi. “Most of the time, taking a daily supplement is completely safe and harmless.”
In more rare cases, “if someone has a histamine issue, and depending on how sensitive they are, if they take probiotics, they could not feel great,” says Trubow. She also adds that some probiotics are grown in dairy, “so people with a true milk allergy might react.”
Other than that, there is a chance of experiencing gastrointestinal side effects before seeing improvements, integrative medicine doctor Amy Shah, M.D., previously told mbg. “Many people can get gas or bloating in the first week or two since it’s new bacteria for your ecosystem.”
A Better Understanding Of Bacteria
First of all, you have to keep in mind that you are dealing with bacteria here. Most of the time, you can already control the growth of bacteria in your body.
You will never get rid of all bacteria, so no matter what you do, you will always have to watch out for the growth of bad bacteria. This can easily happen if you are taking antibiotics to treat something else.
So before you start taking any supplements for your health, make sure that you know whether you should take them or not.
Usually, it is common for women to think about the answer to the question should you take a probiotic every day?
They would think that they should take one when they experience vaginal infections. The truth is that they should take more than one.
If you are trying to treat your candida overgrowth by taking pills, then you should always use a topical yeast infection treatment even if you are trying to avoid the intake of pills.
You May Like: How To Control Ibs Cramps
So How Long Should You Take Probiotics For
Ideally, probiotics should be used for as short a time as possible however long it takes for you to rectify whatever gut microbiome imbalances are present in your digestive system.
For most people, two to three weeks of probiotic use is more than enough to see significant improvements in digestive health.
If you are taking probiotics for any longer than 2-3 weeks and you do not see significant improvements in digestive health, then probiotics are not the answer.
For optimal digestive health, it is better to focus on consuming lots of prebioic fiber on regular basis to feed your existing healthy gut bacteria. This can be supplemented with fermened foods, which provide a nice influx of gut-friendly bacteria without overwhelming the gut with enormous quantities of unusual bacterial species.
In summary: How long to take probiotics
Generally speaking, you should not take probiotics for longer than 3 weeks if you do not see significant improvements in digestive health. Probiotics are not meant to be taken on a daily basis for long periods of time. For long-term gut health, use prebiotics and fermented foods.
Also Check: Which Is Best Probiotics Or Prebiotics
Should I Take Probiotics Every Day
Whether through food or supplement, we do believe you should make a conscious effort to get more probiotics into your body every day. Why? According to studies1, probiotics only adhere to the intestines on a short-term basis. This is why probiotics through dietary means help maintain ample levels.
Another factor is that antibiotics kill bad and good bacteria indiscriminately and can negatively impact probiotic colonies. Even if youre not on any antibiotic medications, you may still be exposed to them indirectly. Non-organic meat, for example, contains antibiotics. Similarly, some drinking water sources contain chlorine, an anti-microbial agent that may also harm your gut flora.
In a perfect world, we wouldnt be exposed to these chemicals and antibodies, but unless you live in a hut out in the Andes Mountains, youre probably exposed one way or another. This is why probiotics from external sources matter and why daily use is beneficial.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus With Probiotics
How Often Should You Take Probiotics
If you take supplements, you have probably seen the acronym RDA or Recommended Daily Allowance on the label. According to the National Institutes of Health Office for Dietary Supplements, this means average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy people. You might also see Percent Daily Value on the label, which tells you how much of that nutrient is in a single serving. For probiotics, its different. Currently, there is no official recommended dose because researchers are still trying to understand how many probiotics are beneficial on a daily basis.
If youre thinking, that doesnt answer my question, theres more to it! The National Center for Complementary and integrative Health states that probiotics have a long history of safety. The National Institutes of Health Office for Dietary Supplements probiotics fact sheet also references two studies where daily probiotic use was beneficial. And the Harvard Medical School states that probiotics can be taken once per day. Experts also agree that when taking probiotics or any other supplements, you should consult your physician first to make sure it is the right fit for you.
So the answer is probiotics are likely safe for daily use, but because human health is so unique from person to person, it is always best to consult your physician first.
You May Like: Renew Life Ultimate Flora Critical Care Probiotic 50 Billion
The Probiotic That Worked For Your Friend Might Not Work For You
Even with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which has the best evidence, you could have seven people take the same probiotic and only have one report a definite difference, says gastroenterologist Matthew Ciorba, M.D., a medical professor who studies human gut microbiota at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Thats because each persons microbial makeup is as unique as a fingerprint, influenced by age, genetics, and gender. For example, animal research from the University of Texas at Austin found the microbes living in the guts of males and females react differently to the same diet. Scientists are now studying ways to harness a persons own microbes to treat illnesses, rather than going for a mass approach.
Don’t Miss: What To Take For Constipation During Pregnancy
How Much Probiotics Should I Take Per Day
The gut microbe is something thats not yet fully understood by scientists. For that reason, a lot of research is still being conducted regarding the matter. Nevertheless, the general consensus is that its good to take probiotics daily. Doing so will provide many medical benefits that will let you continue living a healthy lifestyle.
You see, probiotics are types of good bacteria that balance out your digestive system when they are taken in the right amounts. Every type of probiotic strain has a different effect on your body, which is why there are currently no general standardized dosages for most kinds of probiotics.
With all that being said, theres evidence showing that daily probiotic intake is good for you. In fact, studies have even revealed that its good to take probiotics several times a day. Now by reading this guide, you will learn everything there is thats currently known about the subject.