Several people suffer from common digestive problems like constipation, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach aches. Proper digestive health is crucial for overall well-being, impacting vital functions like nutrient absorption and immune system functioning. A study demonstrated that people who consumed high-dose probiotic drinks containing Lactobacillus fermentium. Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei, for 12 weeks, experienced fewer flu symptoms and respiratory infections.
People expect probiotic supplements to improve gut health and provide various benefits, including immune support and digestive comfort. But do they get all these benefits?
In this blog, we will delve into some of the best probiotic supplements, how long it takes for probiotics to work, why they work, why they don't, and how to choose the correct one.
Why probiotics and when are they recommended?
Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut and also support digestion. Your healthcare practitioner may prescribe probiotics that help balance your gut microbiome. If you have recently had a treatment that exhausted your microbiome, your practitioner might advise probiotics to help rebuild it.
For what issues are probiotics taken?
Certain people consume probiotic supplements daily to maintain their overall wellness. If you’re prone to gut health issues, it might help. A healthy gut can improve overall immunity, treat irregular bowel movements, and reduce inflammation. Daily things like food choice and stress can affect your gut microbiome, and probiotics are the only way to help restore it. Probiotics help restore healthy bacteria present in the intestines and thereby promote digestive health.
Different probiotic supplement options
Probiotic supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. Some of the common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, often found in supplements designed to support digestive issues.
You can get probiotics in the form of fermented food and drinks. Both these sources help promote microbes in your biome, which is good for maintaining overall health.
How are probiotics taken for the best results?
Some people choose food options, while others may go in for drinks. Dr. Mercola's Complete Probiotics Powder Packets come in sachets of delicious raspberry flavor.
They are convenient to use.
For adults, mix 1 packet with 8 fl. oz. of juice or water daily, preferably in the morning.
Probiotics must be taken regularly by following the label instructions, It may work well when taken on an empty stomach or, in some cases, benefit when taken with food.
How long does it take for probiotics to start working?
To treat minor issues, probiotics might take some time to work. For a person with diarrhea, symptoms can go away in a few days; for digestive issues, it might take a few weeks to notice the effects. The answer to the question, How long does it take for probiotics to work varies for each person.
Certain factors depend on how long for probiotics to work; they are:
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Product formula
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Product Quality
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probiotic strain
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Health condition
How to know if probiotics are working?
If you are consuming probiotics for a specific health issue, you might feel better when taking them. For example, if you are taking it for some yeast or bacterial infection, you should notice your symptoms improving; if you’re taking it to help relieve constipation or diarrhea, you should notice your bowel movements becoming more regular. Make sure you take it in the right way, so you can tell whether they are working or not.
Why is your probiotic working?
Probiotics work because they contain high-quality products and, high CFU count. Make sure you are taking them consistently, as recommended by doctors, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Depending on what condition you are taking probiotics for, you may notice improvements in symptoms in a few months or a few days.
Best probiotic supplement to support gut health
Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics 70 Bill CFU is a high-potency dietary supplement for microbiome support and gut balance. It can be a valuable addition to gut health as each serving delivers 70 billion CFU from 10 beneficial strains of bacteria, including the common Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1. If you are looking for a high-quality probiotic supplement with clinically proven strains for maintaining gut health, why not choose the Complete Probiotics 70 Bill CFU supplement? It helps nurture a healthy immune system and a happy gut.
Benefits:
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Nourishes and balances the gut microbiome
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Helps maintain the inflammatory process
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Provides a blend of 10 beneficial strains of bacteria
How can you ensure that the probiotic you are choosing works?
When you start consuming the correct strain in the correct quantity, you may experience notable changes in your body. Some common changes are clearer skin, better digestion, and less fatigue.
Apart from digestion, you may feel more energetic because of the imbalance in the gut microbiome that leads to inflammation that prevents absorption of nutrients and keeps our body deficient.
Make sure the probiotic you choose is a reputable brand, like Dr.Mercola, Genestra, Pure Encapsulations, Metagenics, etc. Each brand provides different information based on the product.
Some tips for effective probiotic use:
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The probiotic must be able to get through the stomach acid and bile and conquer your gut.
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Look out for additional fillers and binders that might cause some negative reactions.
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Store correctly and read the label instructions properly.
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It is essential to consider the expiration date; this tells how long the product will have live cultures.
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It is good to avoid products that go beyond the expiration time, as they do not contain active cultures.
Why are probiotics not working?
Probiotics do not work for everyone. Certain factors, like age, health, the number of bacteria present in your body, and diet, affect the way probiotics work. Here are certain reasons why they don't work:
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Low product quality: It refers to products that are non-branded, not evidence-based, lacking effective strains, and low CFU count.
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Improper storage: Some probiotics require refrigeration. Heat, light, and humidity affect probiotics.
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Consuming the wrong strain: Not all strains work for every symptom; we must find the right match of strain based on studies.
A beneficial yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, helps treat diarrhea that is caused by antibiotics. Bacillus coagulans strain is effective for constipation that is linked to IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota is another efficient strain for constipation.
Tips to choose the best probiotic supplement
Picking the right probiotic depends on why you’re taking it and for what condition you're taking it. Some probiotics are considered safe and helpful in certain conditions, they are Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Lactobacillus.
The 3 Rs to remember for success are:
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The right dose depends on the symptom or the health condition. A dose of 5 billion CFUs or higher is efficient for treating gastrointestinal conditions. Doses vary for adults and children.
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For better results, always choose the right microbe that supports the symptom. It is better to consult with a doctor before consuming the supplement.
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Right condition: Probiotics don’t work for all illnesses; hence, it is important to match the symptoms to the strain.
Probiotics are most effective for conditions like eczema, IBS, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-related diarrhea, and the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea.
Conclusion
Probiotics play a crucial role in supporting gut health and have direct positive effects on the body. As there are plenty of probiotics available in the market today, it might be a bit confusing to choose the right one for you. Our experts at Nutriessential will guide you in choosing the right probiotic for your health needs.
This article has provided a list of factors to keep in mind before buying probiotics and how long does it take for probiotics to work. It is better to discuss with your healthcare provider first before taking supplements, and discuss concerns about side effects or interactions with other medications you’re already taking. Always make sure you are taking the right probiotic in the right quantity to gain the benefits fully.
FAQs:
1. How long does it take for probiotics to work?
The answer depends on why you are taking it, what type of probiotic you are taking, and the quantity you are taking.
2. When should you stop taking probiotics?
When you experience persistent or severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, itching, constipation, or trouble breathing. You can stop probiotics or consult a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms