What time of day is ideal for taking probiotics?
According to experts, taking probiotics on an empty stomach is not a significant issue because these beneficial bacteria have some resistance to stomach acid and bile.
“Probiotics are acid-resistant and bile-resistant,” said Oh In Seok, president of the General Medicine Research Association and a pharmacist at Sujisol Pharmacy. “Some weak strains can be affected by stomach acid, but most probiotics can reach the intestines regardless of whether they are taken before or after meals,” he explained.
In the end, the general consensus is that frequency—rather than timing—matters. Consistent consumption of probiotics is crucial for boosting the quantity of good bacteria in the intestines. Oh stated, “You need to continuously supply beneficial bacteria to the intestines to help boost immunity and maintain intestinal health,” and “the frequency of probiotic use is important.”
According to actual research, people with intestinal diseases have 40% fewer good intestinal bacteria than people in general. Probiotic supplements are therefore thought to be more critical for patients with digestive disorders like diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Concerns regarding excessive consumption of specific nutrients have grown recently as high-dose nutritional supplements have become more widely available. Probiotics, however, are comparatively easier to take in excess.
The pharmacist stated, “Except in cases where the digestive organs are already severely inflamed or injured, there are no particular side effects from excessive intake of probiotics.” However, due to alterations in the intestinal flora, diarrhea may happen momentarily. Because probiotics control the intestinal environment, this is a natural occurrence.
After taking probiotics, you should switch the strain if your diarrhea persists. Diarrhea may continue if you take a strain that is not suitable for you, so it is best to speak with a pharmacist or specialist and select a different strain in this situation, according to pharmacist Oh. Trying a range of strains is crucial because the effects of probiotics can differ based on the condition of each person’s intestinal microbiota. Consistent consumption is more crucial than worrying about when to take probiotics. According to experts, the best approach to manage intestinal health is to take probiotics at a specific time each day, choose a strain that works for you, and take it consistently.
