Have you ever considered taking a probiotic supplement? Odds are you’ve heard people talking about the benefits of probiotics for women and men, and maybe you’ve wondered what happens when you take probiotics, and if they’re right for you. Probiotics are good bacteria that help support your digestive system and promote overall health. And while they can be a great way to support your gut health, it's important to choose the right probiotic and take it properly. The following tips for taking probiotics will help you get the most out of the supplement, so you can live a healthier life.
What Happens When You Start Taking Probiotics
When you start taking probiotics, you may notice some changes in your digestive system. These are signs probiotics are working. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help improve your gut health by breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and keeping your intestines healthy. But in the beginning, some people experience symptoms of gas or bloating. This is usually a temporary side effect that goes away as your body gets used to the new bacteria. Once the adjustment period is over, probiotics support your digestive system, and a healthy digestive system improves your overall health.
11 Tips For Taking Probiotics
Everyone’s body is unique, so there is no one “right” way when it comes to how to take probiotics. You’ll likely find you have your own preferences and tolerances where the supplement is concerned. However, you may want to start with these tips for taking probiotics to find what works best for you.
- Taking a probiotic is most effective when taken on an empty stomach. For this reason, the best time to take probiotics is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast, before a meal, or just before sleeping at night.
- Start with a small dose and gradually increase it over time. By starting with a lower dose, you will help your body adjust to the bacteria, and you can gradually find the dosage that works best for you.
- Look for probiotics that are dairy-free and gluten-free. This is especially important if you have sensitivities to either of those ingredients, but it’s a good general rule too. Dairy and gluten are both gut irritants, so even if you aren’t aware of a sensitivity, it’s still a good idea to stay away from them when using a probiotic supplement.
- Store your probiotics in a cool, dry place. You probably can’t tell just by looking at your probiotic supplement, but like we said earlier, probiotics contain live microorganisms. Proper storage of the supplement will help it stay fresh and viable longer.
- Check the expiration date before using them. Microorganisms can only live for so long, and probiotics typically have a shelf life of about three years. At that point, their effectiveness diminishes. Check the expiration date before you start taking them to make sure they are still good.
- Antibiotics and probiotics don’t mix. Antibiotics are designed to kill both the good and bad bacteria in your gut, so it’s best to wait until you’ve finished your antibiotic course, and they’re out of your system, before introducing or reintroducing probiotics into your routine.
- Take them regularly. The best way to take probiotics is to be consistent. The best results, and the most benefits, come from taking them every day. This allows them to best support your body’s digestive system.
- Choose a good brand. There are a lot of probiotics out there, but not all probiotics are created equal, and some brands are more effective than others. When choosing a probiotic, make sure to do your research and find one that is known for its quality ingredients, like Xyngular’s Complete Probiotic.
- Don’t overdo it. More isn’t always better–sometimes it’s just more, and occasionally it’s too much. Probiotics are generally safe and well-tolerated, but it’s important not to overdo it. Stick to the recommended dosage, and don’t take more than you need. If you experience any side effects, such as gas or bloating, reduce your dose or take probiotics with meals. Most of the problems people experience while taking probiotics are the result of not following the directions.
- Take a probiotic with multiple strains of healthy bacteria. Look for a probiotic that contains at least ten strains of bacteria. Research studies have shown these are better at restoring gut bacteria than those found within foods like yogurt, which can only support about five unique kinds of healthy bacteria.
- The amount of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) matters. We recommend a supplement with at least 10 billion live organisms per dosage. For reference, Xyngular’s Complete Probiotic has 20 billion CFUs per capsule.
By following these tips for taking probiotics, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of your probiotics and supporting your gut health.
LEARN MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Complete Probiotics
What Kinds Of Foods Are Bad For Gut Health
We mentioned earlier that dairy and gluten can be damaging to gut health, and also that antibiotics kill bacteria. There are also certain foods that can have a negative effect on your gut health. For example, processed foods and sugary foods can feed harmful bacteria and yeast in the gut, leading to digestive problems. Additionally, foods that are high in saturated fat or unhealthy trans fats can damage the gut lining and make it harder for probiotics to work properly.
It's important to include plenty of probiotic-rich foods in your diet in order to support gut health. A few options include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. These foods, combined with a probiotic supplement, can help to restore balance to the gut flora. They also have other health benefits such as boosting immune function and reducing inflammation.
Improving Gut Health With Probiotics
Probiotics can be an important part of your gut health routine, so it’s important to implement these tips for taking probiotics to make sure you’re getting the most from your supplement. Taking probiotics regularly is a great way to boost your gut health to access all the benefits they can offer. And, as we’ve seen, there are plenty of different ways to make sure you’re getting enough probiotics in your diet.
For even more information, check out our blog post on “The Surprising Power of Probiotics on Your Overall Health.” If you’re ready to start feeling better every day, log in to your account, or contact your distributor to pick up a bottle of Complete Probiotic today!
