Can I Take Probiotics With Other Supplements And Medication
You can take probiotics with other supplements as theyre generally safe. Some people may experience bloating or extra gas, which typically goes away on its own after some time.
However, some medications such as antibiotics should be taken alone without any supplements. Other medications such as antifungals may cause drug interactions with some probiotics. Be sure to consult your doctor on the specific drugs and supplements you are using.
Are You Taking Probiotics The Wrong Way A Dietitian Weighs In
Gut health is incredibly important, so many people turn to probiotics to keep their stomachs healthy. Probiotics contain the same bacteria found in the digestive tract, and when stress, diet, or medications throw your system out of whack, taking them can help restore the balance.
While you can get probiotics from foods such as kombucha, yogurt, miso, and sauerkraut, many people turn to supplements to ensure they’re getting enough consistently.
I just assumed taking them on an empty stomach would be the best, since it would allow those little healthy bacteria to make their way through my digestive tract without any interference. But on both labels of the two kinds I have, the directions say, “May be taken with or without food.” So is it better to take them before, during, or after meals? Is one more effective than the other?
A 2011 studytested taking probiotics with oatmeal and milk, with milk alone, with apple juice, and with spring water. The verdict? Thirty minutes before or when starting a meal was found to increase probiotic absorption. Another thing the study noted was that absorption also improved when the meal contained some fats, in this case one percent milk, so Leslie suggests taking probiotics with a meal, drink, or snack that contains fat.
What Is The Best Prebiotic To Take
You can get some prebiotics from the foods you eat. But, to ensure that you get them every day, you really need to take a prebiotic powder or supplement. So, while I know that dandelion greens contain prebiotics, I am not eating them every day. A prebiotic powder is something I can add to my morning smoothie or overnight oats.
I have been using KarmaMD PreBio Complete which is a unique pre and probiotic supplement. And, it comes in a delicious banana flavor that makes it perfect for my morning breakfast routine. To boost my immune system, I take it with Total Immunity which is a cellular and respiratory health supplement that supports multi-system immune defense.
One of the reasons that I love KaraMD is that they offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. You cannot go wrong.
These products are both made in the USA from non-GMO ingredients. And, they are vegan and gluten-free. The prebiotic powder dissolves well in my smoothie and overnight oats and the banana taste is easy to use in a bunch of different ways. All it takes is a quick shake to dissolve it in milk.
So, here are a few healthy gut options you can try:
Recommended Reading: Can You Die From Leaky Gut
Faqs Best Time To Take Probiotics
Probiotics contain good bacteria, which is very helpful to you to boost up your immune, digestive, and metabolism system, which had become low due to harmful bacteria, and it may cause a bad mood, rashes on your skin, etc.
Generally, taking probiotics is not detrimental to your body. Its beneficial bacteria live in the intestine and kill the excess amount of bad and harmful bacteria.
The best time to take probiotics is first in the morning before breakfast or before going to bed.
If you had probiotics and your meals, your stomach acid kills the good bacteria, and it doesnt enhance your healthy gut bacteria.
Here Ive covered some most asked questions about probiotics.
When should you not take probiotics?What are probiotics used for?
Probiotics are made up of good bacteria, which help your body stay healthy and do great works.Good bacteria help you in different ways and fighting off harmful bacteria when your body contains them in a large amount. Probiotics are part of a larger picture concerning bacteria and your body, beneficial microbes.When you start taking probiotics supplements, it may help you in the following ways:-1. Preventing and treating yeast infections.2. Preventing and treating urinary tract infections.3. Lactose intolerance.
2. Your sugar cravings are out of control. 3. Your metabolism is a bit slow.4. Youve taken an antibiotic, even if it was a long time ago. 5. Youve got some skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and itchy rashes.
How Often Should I Take Probiotics
The tricky thing about probiotics is that they don’t stay in your gut for very long. You poop them out, so in order for them to be effective, you need to take them daily until you feel better, says Tamara Freuman, RD, author of The Bloated Belly Whisperer. Any benefits from a probiotic only happen as it passes through your body, she says. Because of that, taking your probiotics at a certain time can actually make them more effective.
Don’t Miss: What To Eat For Leaky Gut
Are There Side Effects To Taking Probiotics Late In The Day Or Without Food
Taking probiotics late in the day can be very beneficial, especially for individuals who eat dinner on the early side. As discussed, most probiotics are best taken on an empty stomach to help them travel through the adverse environment of the stomach as quickly as possible.
For many, the stomach is most likely to be empty either early in the morning after waking up or at the end of the day before bedtime. How empty your stomach is before bedtime depends largely on how much you ate for dinner and how late you ate dinner.
Ideally, you should wait 2-3 hours after eating before taking probiotics. However, you should always check the intake instructions on the probiotic supplement for the most effective way to take your probiotic.
Take Probioticswith Specific Foods
Again, we have one study in a model digestive tract that shows that more probiotic bacteria survive when consumed with fats.
And once again, we need to consider this study in light of all of the research that confirms the health benefits of probiotics. Nearly all of these studies prescribed a specific dose of probiotics without any requirements for how patients should consume them.
Bottom line: Take your probiotic supplement with or without food.
Read Also: How Does The Microbiome Affect Our Health
Certain Kinds Of Probiotics Work Best For Specific Health Issues
Years ago, I was planning to use a special probiotic for myconstipated patients. This was after the first, and only study of its kind, waspublished showing probiotics could improve constipation. Then, somethinginteresting happened. Six months later, a different probiotic formula was shownto improve constipation. Then, soon after, another study showing anotherdifferent probiotic also improved constipation.
I watched this same thing happen with probiotics and mood,probiotics and SIBO, etc. Eventually I came to understand probiotics arentthat specific, nor that complicated.
Its simply notnecessary to match specific probiotic strains to specific health issues.Just imagine how complicated that would be for anyone with multiplesymptoms!
As I explained earlier in this article, probiotics work synergistically to restore gut health, reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system. And while there are differences between probiotic strains, all probiotics confer similar health benefits by treating the underlying reason for your symptoms.
Bottom line: Choose any high quality probiotic supplement.
There Are Bigger Factors To Consider
Although we can get caught up with getting the timing right, and yes, generally you want your probiotics to survive as well as they can, there are other factors which matter more than the timing. For example, of greater concern would be checking that you have the best specific probiotic supplements tailored to your needs. Not all probiotics have the same health benefit as they all have different properties, so it’s best to use specific probiotic strains to target specific health conditions. Dont forget to also make sure these strains have lots of clinical trials to back up their efficacy! To learn more, read our article: Are all types of friendly bacteria the same?
Many gold standard clinical trials involving the use of probiotics dont specify the time of the day the supplements were administered and its not a strictly controlled factor, which indicates that the researchers do not see it as a limitation. But, it still brings up the question of “is there a right or wrong time to take probiotics?”
This recent clinical trial, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, is the first of its kind to explore this topic.
Don’t Miss: What Helps With Heartburn During Pregnancy
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.
How Long Should Probiotics Be Taken
The reason for taking probiotics will determine how long you should take them. There are some guidelines, but the exact length is hard to determine.MedlinePlus compiled a list of conditions that may improve with probiotics. It also includes the recommended dosage and the duration of treatment. But its for quick reference only, so discuss the duration of treatment with your doctor.
Read Also: What Foods Dont Bloat You
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.
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 Take Probiotics
Study after study has proven that probiotics work. Theyre widely known as friendly bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system, and theres even research to suggest that probiotics can improve your mental health. But do you know how to take probiotics correctly? Are you storing them properly? These sensitive bacteria need care and attention before they give you those health-boosting benefits. Find out if youre making any of these probiotics mistakes.
Read Also: Can Not Eating Give You Diarrhea
Other Factors To Consider When Taking Probiotic Supplements
In addition to the best time to take probiotic supplements, another important factor to consider is quality. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, which means that what is claimed to be on a label may not actually be what is in their product. For this reason, its essential to select a probiotic from atrustworthy and well-researched brand that utilizes third-party testing for purity and potency.
Also, keep in mind that some probiotic supplementsneed to be refrigerated to stay alive. Its important to read the label of any supplement and pay attention to storage guidelines and expiration date to preserve its potency for as long as possible.
Benefits Of Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are live bacteria that help promote gut health. Emerging research shows the correlation between the bacteria in the gut, also known asthe microbiome, and overall health. Gut health is essential, not only formanaging digestive disorders like occasional diarrhea and constipation, but also for strengthening the immune system and providing mood support.
You can get probiotics from fermented foods such asyogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchior you can get them from supplements. While eating probiotic-rich foods is one way to introduce beneficial bacteria into the body, taking them in supplement form is an effective way to improve your gut health that may come with additional benefits.
Some reasons to consider taking probiotic supplements include:
You May Like: How Do You Spell Constipated
Other Things To Consider
Taking Probiotics: With or Without Food?
Can Probiotics Be Taken with Herbs?
It may also be important to take probiotic supplements away from foods and herbs that contain quorum sensing inhibitors. What are quorum sensing inhibitors? First, it will help to understand what quorum sensing is. Quorum sensing is a process by which bacteria monitor their population through the production, exchange, and detection of signaling molecules unique to their species. When members of a probiotic strain are concentrated enough, they send out a strong chemical signal called a quorum sensing signal that ultimately allows them to change their morphology and potentially implant and make a colony in the intestine. This is precisely what we want probiotic bacteria to do in our guts. Quorum sensing inhibitors are compounds that inhibit this inter-microorganismal communication, thus interfering with morphology changes and successful implantation of the probiotics. You may want to avoid consuming quorum sensing inhibitors, such as quercetin, luteolin, cinnamon, garlic, and many other medicinal herbs, several hours before and after taking a probiotic supplement. Food sources of quercetin include red onions and capers, while luteolin is found in a variety of vegetables and herbs, including parsley, peppers, and celery.
How Often to Take Probiotics
Interactions between Probiotics and Other Nutrients
When To Take Probiotics And Antibiotics Can I Take It At The Same Time
Probiotics may be particularly beneficial during antibiotic treatment, but timing is vital.Antibiotics dont discriminate. They destroy all bacteria and can cause unpleasant side effects, like diarrhea, acne, and yeast infections.Taking both at the same time is pointless. Instead, take them at least 2 hours apart.This wont stop the antibiotics from killing all the bacteria, but it may give probiotics enough time to reduce some of the damage.Its important to continue taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment to help restore gut health.There are a lot of opinions and recommendations when it comes to taking probiotics. Theres not enough evidence to conclusively indicate the best time to take them. Therefore, you can choose the time best suited to your daily routine. It is better than not taking it at all.Have any more questions about Probiotics? Let us know in the comments below!UP NEXT
Also Check: Is Diarrhea A Symptom Of Covid-19
Stomach Acid And Timing Probiotic Use
The vast majority of your beneficial gut bacteria live in the small and large intestine where they are not exposed to stomach acid. To reach the small and large intestine, the beneficial bacteria in your probiotic supplement need to travel through the stomach.
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.
Do You Take Probiotics With Food Or On An Empty Stomach
As weve explained above, taking probiotics with food is a bad idea, and you should take them on an empty stomach to get beneficial bacteria. Research shows that probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach . Eating fermented foods can be a great way to get natural healthy bacteria in your gut. Foods like yogurt are also good if you are not vegan.
You May Like: Are Dried Apricots Good For Constipation
How Often Should You Take Probiotics
You should take probiotics twice a day, about a half hour or more before eating. Taking probiotics on an empty stomach helps to eliminate bloating or gas that a small number of patients get while taking a probiotic supplement. Be sure to not skip a dose to ensure the colonization of helpful bacteria.
Health Benefits Of Prebiotics
As non-digestible food ingredients, prebiotics are able to effectively travel through our digestive tract without altering their original state, thereby making them more effective in performing their function that of feeding the good bacteria in our gut. Aside from keeping our intestinal flora healthy and thriving, prebiotics are also known to stimulate metabolism.
They have also been touted as effective in preventing hypertension and regulating bowel pH. Studies have shown that prebiotics have great potential when it comes to lowering the risks of colorectal cancer. All in all, they keep our gut strong, healthy and free from the effects of toxins and bad microorganisms, thereby providing us with overall health benefits. When to take prebiotics depends on your own preference, although a daily dose will be the most ideal.
Related Articless:
Don’t Miss: What Causes Constipation In Babies
When Should You Take Probiotics
Before we can answer this question, we first need to understand how stomach acid affects probiotic effectivity.
Your stomach acid not only helps you digest food. It also kills the bacteria that are present in your food. Unfortunately, it also kills beneficial microorganisms like probiotics. As a result, much of the live microorganisms that enter your body is wiped out before it reaches your gut.
Thus, to maximize the effects of probiotics, you need to make sure theyll survive your stomach acid. Or at least, a good number of them.
Some expertsagree that the best time to take probiotics is in the morning, around 15 to 30 minutes before your first meal. Since you just woke up and havent eaten for several hours, your digestive system is moving at a slow pace. During this time, your stomach does not produce much acid making it safer for the probiotics to pass through. Taking them with water also helps them bypass the stomach acid and make it all the way to your gut.
However, this should not be taken as a sweeping conclusion. There are many factors that affect probiotic viability. For one, some probiotic strains are much more tolerant of stomach acid. Some supplements also come in enteric-coated packages specially designed to resist the harsh environment in your stomach. In general, the most ideal time depends on the type of probiotics youre taking.