Probiotics are often recommended for people struggling with gas, bloating, and/or digestive issues.

Since the wordprobioticsactually refers to a healthy bacteria, that recommendation can be a bit confusing.

Is it best to consume probiotics throughfoodor throughsupplements?

Abby Moore

And is it ever OK to double up?

Can you take too many probiotics?

It’s generally safe to consume multiple forms of probiotics.

Wendie Trubow, M.D., MBA

In this case, they should consult a doctor.

“They may get reactions or rashes as a result of taking too much.”

Can I double up on probiotics?

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But you may want to look into trying supplements withdifferent strainsto target various needs within the gut.

  • Otherwise, taking just one multistrain probiotic supplement will serve the same purpose.

“I wouldn’t eatfermented foodsand take a probioticliterallyat the same time,” Gandhi says.

If possible, Singh recommends incorporatingprobiotic-rich foodsinto the diet in addition to your probiotic supplement.

Is there an ideal amount of probiotics to take each day?

And looking for probiotics withvarious strainscan be helpful in diversifying the gut microbiome, she explains.

“There’s no rush.”

The takeaway

Probiotics are bacteria that can help enhance gut healththrough probiotic-rich foods orhigh-quality supplementation.

  • Taking multipletypes of probioticsis generally safe, according to experts.