But how long do you have to take them before you see the benefits?
We looked into the research and tapped into some experts to find out.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms (usually bacteria or yeast) that help maintain balance in your gut microbiome.
(Learn about how probioticsbenefit men specifically here. )
How long does it take for probiotic supplements to work?
Another studyof 60 participants with anH.
pyloriinfection found that symptoms of antibiotic-related diarrhea and nausea improved within 14 days.
Bloating
Studies show that probiotics can help alleviate bloating, flatulence, and discomfort.
In one study, participants saw significantimprovements in bloatingin as little as 21 days.
Inanother study4, researchers gave 60 participants probiotics for eight weeks.
While the participants showed improvements by week four, symptoms continued to get better through week eight.
While a 24-week study ofcombined probiotic supplements with a reduced-calorie diet6saw similar benefits forweight loss and maintenance.
Reasons why your probiotic may not be working
But sometimes, a probiotic may not work.
Here are the top culprits for when that happens.
For specific suggestions, check out ourprobiotic roundup, or ourprobiotics for menarticle.
Because probiotics are alive, they’resusceptible to die-offwhen exposed to light, heat, or prolonged storage.
If they’re not stored properlysome require refrigerationit can reduce their viability and effectiveness.
check that to keep them cold if they’re not shelf-stable, and always check the expiration date.
ensure your diet includes plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and fermented foods, which are naturally rich in probiotics.
Here’s agut-friendly grocery listto lead you in the right direction.
Yoga, meditation, journaling, and taking a vacation are all good places to start.
In general,it’s best to take probiotics on an empty stomach, when stomach acid is lower.
