The use of probiotics has soared in recent years as it’s associated with many benefits, such as better digestion, as well as improved energy and mood. Because of this, many people have jumped onto the bandwagon and began using this supplement. While it undoubtedly has some benefits, it doesn’t hurt doing your research to understand more about probiotics.
If you’re in search of such information, look no further. This guide is an overview of all the essential details you need to know about this supplement, helping you determine if it’s the right pick for you.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that, when ingested, help boost your immune system and maintain your digestive health. These bacteria can be found in some food sources, like yogurt, or taken as a dietary supplement.
While the notion of taking bacteria might seem counterproductive, your gut is filled with bacteria, most of them being harmless. Therefore, you shouldn’t be hesitant about taking probiotics as these bacteria is linked to several benefits, such as:
- Improved digestion
- Healthier skin
- Better immune function
- Weight loss
- Lower risk for some illnesses
While probiotics are usually bacteria, some kinds of yeasts also perform the function of probiotics. There are many types of probiotics, with the common ones being Bifidobacteria. Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Bacillus, and Escherichia.
If you want to get probiotics from food, here are your best options:
- Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Yogurt
- Kefir
Once you’ve understood the basics of the probiotics supplement, you can now start your search for the best probiotics to incorporate into your diet.
What You’ll Experience After Taking Probiotics
Right after taking probiotics, the microbes will start to multiply rapidly in the digestive tract. As the number of beneficial bacteria rises, it helps eradicate any harmful bacteria in your body. But, this process can sometimes happen faster than your body can handle. As a result, you may start experiencing some discomforts, and these include:
- Minor aches
- Skin irritations
- Bloating
- Gas
- Changes in the texture and frequency of your bowel movements
In addition to these, the increased colonization of probiotics in your body might also cause you to experience several chemical reactions. Therefore, you shouldn’t be quick to stop using this supplement. Instead, give your body time to adjust to these chemical changes, which proves that the probiotics are working.
After a couple of weeks of experiencing discomfort, your body will be used to the microbial improvements. If you wish to speed up the detoxification process, make sure to drink a lot of water the whole day.
The continued use of probiotics will make you start feeling a lot healthier than ever before. But, if you’re struggling to deal with the adjustment process, reduce the quantity of probiotics you’re using.
How To Safely Use Probiotics
There’s little evidence of overdosing on probiotics. Nonetheless, it’s still important to carefully read the manufacturer’s recommended dosage to avoid experiencing any possible adverse effects. Also, consider the kind of probiotic you’re using and your overall health before deciding the ideal dosage.
If you experience any side effects after using probiotics, the right step to take is cutting down on the amount you’re using.
The Duration It Takes For Probiotics To Become Effective
How long it takes for the probiotics to start working depends on several factors, including:
- The quantity you’re using
- Your body
- How long you’ve used the probiotics
If you’re using probiotics to resolve issues, such as diarrhea, it will work reasonably fast. But, for healing more severe conditions, such as gut problems caused by years of engaging in generally unhealthy behavior or prolonged use of antibiotics, then you’ll need the probiotics for longer.
In most cases, it will take a prolonged duration before probiotics start building up in your system. This shouldn’t concern you as it’s fairly normal. You need to be patient and give the probiotics adequate time for the microbes to accumulate in your body, and this can take weeks or months. Nonetheless, you’ll eventually start feeling different after a while.
Probiotics Aren’t Advised For Immunocompromised Persons
The use of probiotics isn’t advised for immunocompromised persons. They include individuals who have cancer or HIV/ AIDS, transplant patients, or people suffering from any other infection that affects the immune system. For such people, the use of probiotics isn’t recommended even though the risk of harm is still relatively low.
Other people who should avoid using probiotics include persons in line for heart surgery, or a heart valve or central IV lines. This is crucial to reduce their possible exposure to infection. For this reason, you should always consult your doctor before you start using probiotics. This is more so vital when you have a suppressed immune system.
Make Sure To Check The Expiry Date
Probiotics are live microorganisms, so they usually have a set shelf life. Besides the expiry date, you also need to make sure to store the probiotics correctly to ensure the microbes won’t lose their potency.
To know the recommended storage methods, go to the manufacturer’s site or read the supplement’s label. Some probiotics must be stored in a cool, dark place, while others should be kept at room temperature.
The Effects Of Stopping To Use Probiotics
When you stop using probiotics for a minimum of days, usually three days, the number of microbiomes in your body will be falling drastically. You won’t be experiencing any effects after doing this; instead; all that will happen is that the number of microbiomes in your body will reset to the previous levels. This is further propelled if you continue your old habits.
Takeaway
If you’re considering starting using probiotics, numerous questions will, no doubt, be going through your mind. It’s pretty normal to be uncertain whether using this supplement will be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.
But, after reading this guide, you now are enlightened on everything you need to know about probiotics before using them. Now that you know all the essential details, your mind will be at ease as you start using probiotics.
