How To Take Probiotics?

Introducing probiotics in your daily routine is a hugely beneficial addition. If you find yourself suffering from, irregular digestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation, or perhaps you just need to give your immunity a helping hand, introducing a probiotic may be the answer. But with something as effective as probiotics there are few rules when it comes to introducing them into your day to day life. So, how exactly do you take probiotics? Is it as simple as taking a capsule first thing in the morning, or does it require a little bit of hard work?

Let’s investigate this together and find out more!

How should probiotics be taken?

Taking a probiotic supplement is easier than many expect, especially once you have established it is safe to include into your daily routine. Here are the following ways of how to take probiotics effectively:

• Take your probiotics at the same time of day

To reap the rewards, it is considered best to take your probiotics at the same time of day. This will help keep the gut’s flora balanced and functioning correctly with a continuous strain of good bacteria regulating the overall health of the gut. You will also find that strains of probiotics need to be taken on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before a meal.

• Give your probiotics time to take effect

To really see the benefits of probiotics many experts suggest you take probiotics for a minimum of one month. This amount of time will allow the probiotics to take effect and allow you to decide whether you wished to continue with them.

• Always check the label

It is important to check the label of any probiotics before taking them. This will help you establish if they contain the correct dosage, ensure you have stored them the correct way and haven’t expired.

It is important to always keep a watchful eye on how you are feeling whilst you are taking probiotics. Although they are natural supplements with the live cultures in each capsule already occurring in the body, this doesn't mean you don't need to double check with a doctor or medical professional.

How long do you need to take probiotics?

Probiotics have shown evidence of being highly effective at targeting concerns of all manner of gastro-intestinal disorders, from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to everyday bloating and discomfort. For these types of disorders, it is strongly suggested that you first check with your doctor about taking probiotics. If you get the green light, you can take probiotics on an ongoing basis, if they are still able to deliver the effective results.

If it is the beginning of your journey of introducing probiotics into your routine, you first need to take them for a minimum of 4 weeks. This allows enough time for the short-term side effects of introducing probiotics, such as mild stomach-ache, bloating and gas to subside and allow the blend of good bacteria to get to work rebalancing the gut’s microbiome.

When should you not take probiotics?

As I have already mentioned probiotics are already naturally occurring in the body. However, this is not mean it is a good idea to simply take probiotics without taking into consideration whether you should add them to your daily routine.

If you find you are currently suffering from any of the following, you should avoid taking probiotics.

• Weakened immune system
• Long term illness
• Currently or recently taking antibiotics
• Currently suffering from serious health conditions
• Undergone recent surgery
• Mild stomach upset, gas or diarrhea

If you find yourself suffering from any of the above it is best to avoid taking probiotics and instead consider speaking to your doctor to establish the more appropriate time to add probiotics into your everyday routine.

Can I take probiotics before bed?

Yes, you can, just ensure you have not eaten roughly three hours before heading to bed. Ideally you want to take your probiotics on an empty stomach as this ensures they are rapidly absorbed into the gut. Many experts suggest that the optimal time to take probiotics is first thing in the morning before any type of breakfast, tea, or coffee.

What 3 foods are bad for your gut?

Maintaining a healthy gut is something that can feel quite impossible at times. With exposure to stress causing an imbalance, there is also a few different foods that can cause some negative results. Here are the three main food culprits that are bad for the gut.

1. Artificial Sugars

Research has shown that artificial sugars, often the type found in fizzy soda drinks, can create huge amounts of mess of your microbes. With the increase of glucose, you’ll find the gut’s bacteria is altered you are left at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  

2. Processed Foods

Yes, there’s no denying that fried food is a tasty treat from time to time, however the effects it has on your gut means it should be avoided on a regular basis. With the large amounts of additives and preservatives results in the gut flora becoming so imbalanced you’ll find yourself feeling quite unwell. Ensuring you keep your diet as balanced and healthy for most of the time will help regulate the gut’s flora and keeping your body in its healthiest state.

3. Red Meat

If you find you have a diet consisting of high volumes of red meat, you may be causing considerable damage to your gut microbiome. This is because of research showing evidence of heavy meat-based diets are often linked to heart disease and poor gut health. With the good bacteria being killed off and the possibility of your arteries becoming hardened it is best for you to maintain and varied and balanced diet with plenty of green vegetables and fruit.

There you have the main three foods that are considered bad for your gut, but this is by no means me telling you to avoid these foods all together, remember, everything in proportion will ensure you remain as healthy as possible, remember, everything in moderation.

How many probiotics should you take a day?

If you have found the best probiotics with the correct strain of live cultures that will benefit you, then taking just one capsule a day will work effectively. Bear in mind that all brands and formulations are different so always check the label to ensure you are taking your supplements correctly and truly benefiting.

There you have a little more information about probiotics and how you to take them. Don’t forget if you ever have any concerns its best to consult with your doctor for peace of mind. Come and follow us on Instagram for more helpful tips, new product launches and exclusive discounts.