When and how to take probiotics

When to take probiotics?

Probiotics are recommended in a variety of situations where their health benefits have been demonstrated. Some of the most common situations where probiotic products are recommended include:

• After antibiotic treatment: Antibiotics can kill both bad and good bacteria in the intestine, which can cause imbalances in the gut microbiota and lead to diarrhea and other problems. Taking probiotics after taking antibiotics can help restore the balance of gut flora and reduce the risk of digestive problems.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: Probiotics can help relieve symptoms of a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Allergies and autoimmune diseases: Some clinical studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce inflammation in the body and reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as eczema and allergies.
• Immune system: Probiotics may help stimulate the body's immune system, which may reduce the risk of infections and disease.
• General health: Probiotics can help improve the body's overall health by promoting healthy digestion, aiding nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation in the body.

If you want to have a healthy life, one more option is to take probiotics to achieve the perfect balance at intestinal level and by extension, to the rest of the organism.

What time to take probiotics?

It depends on several factors, such as the type of probiotic supplement and personal health goals. Most experts recommend taking probiotics before a meal, especially before breakfast, as it allows the bacteria to reach the gut more quickly, since there is no food in the stomach to obstruct their progress. Conversely, taking probiotics with food provides a layer of protection for the bacteria, shielding them from the acidic environment of the stomach. This can increase their chances of survival and colonization in the gut.

Another point to consider when selecting when to take probiotics is the particular strain or strains of bacteria in the supplement. Different strains have different requirements for survival and colonization in the gut. Some strains may be more resistant and able to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, as is the case with Bacillus coagulans, while others may require a protective barrier, such as food, to reach the gut intact.

In any case, do not forget to read the probiotic manufacturer’s recommendations.

How to take probiotics?

Probiotics can be taken through the intake of probiotic foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut or kombucha tea or through probiotic supplements sold in pharmacies or herbalists or online stores like Amazon. In these cases they are supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids or in the case of the vaginal microbiota, through vaginal suppositories or vaginal tampons.

Patient's health status

Although in general probiotics can be taken by any healthy person, it is important to note that it is necessary to consult with your doctor in case we have any pathology related to the immune system, we are taking any immunosuppressive medication or we have recently undergone surgery. Premature and sick children should also take this type of precautions.

What genus, species and strain of probiotic to take

On the other hand, it is also important to know how to choose the probiotic according to the pathology we want to treat, since there are many different probiotic species and strains and not all of them are indicated for certain pathologies. It is necessary to be informed about the types of probiotics that exist and what they are indicated for.

Some probiotic products indicate in their formula what species of microorganisms they contain, but do not specify the particular strain used, which may cause us to doubt the real usefulness of that probiotic.

Probiotic quality and recognized manufacturer

It is important to remember that probiotic supplements are not regulated as a drug is and not all are equal in terms of quality and effectiveness.

Therefore, it is important to choose a quality product from a recognized and reputable manufacturer and follow the instructions on the labeling. It is also advisable to receive medical attention or a consultation with a pharmacist before starting to take any probiotic supplement.

Daily dosage and amount to be taken

Another important factor is the concentration of probiotics that comes in each package, which varies greatly depending on the name of the probiotic manufacturer. If we are starting to take them for the first time, we can start with one that has a lower concentration to reduce the risk of having any adverse effects.

Do not forget to read the label where the dosage to be taken, capsules/day, etc. are indicated.

Storage

It is important to pay attention to the storage requirements indicated by the manufacturer, since some of the living organisms may require refrigeration to maintain their viability.

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