Is It Better To Take Probiotics In The Morning Or At Night?

Is It Better To Take Probiotics In The Morning Or At Night?

Probiotics have become an increasingly popular supplement for many individuals looking to support their digestive health and overall wellness. Probiotics, themselves, are made with live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial bacteria that can be found in the human gut. This type of helpful bacteria can help restore balance in the gut microbiome as well as improve digestion, and boost immunity. While the health benefits of probiotics are well-established, the best time of day to take them is still a topic of much debate. Some experts suggest that taking probiotics in the morning on an empty stomach allows for better absorption, while others suggest taking them at night before bed when the digestive system is most active. In this blog post, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of taking probiotics at different times of the day and the potential impact on digestion and overall health. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of whether it's better to take probiotics in the morning or at night, and which option is best suited based on your individual needs.

What's the best time of day to take probiotics?

So when is the best time of day to take a probiotic; morning or evening? Determining the best time of day to take probiotics will ultimately depend on your individual preferences as well as your lifestyle factors. Some experts recommend individuals take probiotics first thing in the morning (as we stated previously), although others suggest the opposite and believe that taking probiotics at night before bed could be just as beneficial for your overall gut health! With that in mind, we can understand why it might feel as though it’s a little confusing to know exactly when it is the best time of day to take your probiotics and the short answer here is for you to take probiotics when you think it's best for you based on your preferences and needs. Many people prefer to take probiotics on an empty stomach in the morning as it may allow for better absorption as the stomach acidic levels are calmer in the morning; therefore allowing the process of the probiotics bacteria to be easier to navigate through the body. What's more, taking probiotics in the morning can also help establish a consistent routine as well as give your digestive system the jumpstart it might need at the beginning of the day. 

Are there any benefits to taking probiotics at night instead of in the morning? 

Not only do many individuals want clarification on what time of day is best to take probiotics, but they also want to know which is going to be more beneficial for their health! Ultimately, whether you decide to take your probiotics in the morning or evening if you are taking them correctly and as part of a healthy and balanced diet; then the positive effects should be the same. That being said, there are believed to be more advantaged should you consider taking probiotics at night. Here are some of the additional benefits of taking probiotics in the evening before bed: 

  • Whilst you are asleep your digestive system is typically more active which allows for the probiotics to work more effectively. 
  • Taking probiotics at night could help promote better sleep quality as some strains have been shown to offer calming effects on the nervous system.
  • At night there are little to no obstructions (like daytime eating and food blocking the path for the probiotics) therefore they can work through the body much easier. 

Now, even though there are some additional benefits believed to be linked to opting to take probiotics in the evening, that doesn't mean it’s a rule or that you have to take them at night. If you believe that they work better for you when you take them first thing in the morning then that is perfectly okay too. It’s all about you considering your schedules, routines and preferences when deciding what time to take probiotic supplements. 

What happens when you take probiotics at night?

We have previously just gone through some of the additional benefits that might occur should you decide to take probiotics at night as opposed to in the morning although you might now be wondering what exactly happens (internally) when you take probiotics at night. If you decide to take probiotics in the evening you will be giving the probiotics bacteria more time to be absorbed and utilized throughout the body. Not only can the probiotic bacteria move through the digestive system and body with fewer obstructions (as the body will likely not have food to process), some strains as you already know can have calming effects on the nervous system as well. Therefore you could say that taking probiotics at night means all the digestive support and aid that probiotic supplements can offer for your body (especially gut health) can all happen overnight with fewer disruptions by yourself; therefore allowing you to wake up hopefully feeling better the next morning. 

Does the body process probiotics better in the morning or at night?

To end today’s blog post we have one final question which we see causing a lot of debate online and that's to do with whether or not the time of day to take your probiotic affects how the body processes probiotics; better or worse depending on the time taken. The short answer here really is that there is no definitive answer to whether the body process probiotics better in the morning or at night. In some individuals' cases, people might find a one-time frame more beneficial for them than another other but again probiotics are not one-size-fits-all! There are several factors to take into consideration like specific strain, dosage, individual health status and a person's lifestyle habits. Even if everyone took a probiotic at the same time of day (morning or evening) not everyone would feel the same effects and therefore process the bacteria the exact say way or rate of pace due to all of those contributing factors! 

To summarize, the best time to take probiotics does depend on your individual preferences and needs. Probiotics can offer several benefits to your digestive system and overall health, regardless of whether you take them in the morning or at night. While the timing of probiotic intake may not be the most critical factor, taking them consistently and as directed can improve their potential benefits. Finally, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure they will be right for you and your needs.