How Long It Takes for Probiotics to Work & How to Tell

Bacteria often gets a bad rap but did you know that there was such a thing as good bacteria? Probiotics are made up of these good-for-you bacteria that survive inside your intestine after being eaten. They have many important functions in the body, including digestion, creating vitamins, keeping bad bacteria at bay, and overall gut health. With many toxins and stress contributing to declining gut health today, supplementing with a probiotic is often recommended. However, with so many probiotics and wellness supplements on the market today, it is key to identify the one that works and to know a reasonable time frame.  

How to find the right probiotic 

Before heading down the aisle to commit to a probiotic, do your research. Choosing the correct strain and specific dosage is vital. Going with a strain that has proven effective for the specific issue is essential, especially with there being so many different ones to choose from. 

Going high-quality is the way to go. With probiotics being quite fragile and needing to survive processing and storage, it is best to go with a brand with a proven reputation to deliver results. Vibrant Health’s Digestive Vibrance is an easy way to sneak in that probiotic boost without much work. Simply mix one scoop of Digestive Vibrance into your daily smoothie or eight oz, of your favorite beverage. Made with 100 billion probiotics from 8 strains of bacteria, this targeted product nurtures both gut and bowel health. Fermentable fibers and botanical extracts such as ginger root and Boswellia mix together to soothe and naturally relieve discomfort. Some added benefits of this product are improved digestion and increased bowel regularity.

How long will it take for the probiotic to work?

There are other important factors that play a large role in the time frame and effectiveness. Knowing the type of probiotic, quality of it, dosage, and what issue you are seeking to tackle is key to discerning how long it will take a probiotic to work. It is also important to take into account the current state of overall gut and digestive health. 

When taking a probiotic for certain conditions like diarrhea, there may be faster results. However, if taking it for overall immunity or gut health, it may take a longer period of time as some of these issues are more deeply rooted. Depending on the type of probiotic taken, the assessment period for effectiveness can be anywhere from a few days to a few months. Research shows that at the very least, if the probiotic is truly working, then it should help with improved digestion within the first month to two months. 

There is a multitude of reasons for why a probiotic might not be working. Taking too low of a dosage, poor product quality, and using the wrong strain for your specific issue may be one of the many culprits. Make sure to read the expiration date, scan ingredient labels, and store the probiotic properly, as these things will impact results. 

Signs that a probiotic is working:

Regular digestion and bowel movements: 

Improved overall digestion tends to be a top sign that a probiotic is truly working in your favor. When there is an infection, other signs of constipation, or diarrhea, a probiotic can step in to restore a natural balance of bacteria. Probiotics have been found to increase daily bowel movements as well as soften stool, making it easier to pass through the body. 

 Minimized bloating and gas: 

A major plus of using the right probiotic is reducing bloating and gas. Using a targeted, high-quality probiotic supplement can help restore the microbiome’s balance of good and bad bacteria. Doing this can help repair the gut and increase levels of healthy microflora.  

Increased immunity: 

Say goodbye to those pesky colds! Probiotics have been shown to help increase the body’s immunity by aiding in proper digestion and increasing nutrient absorption. In fact, more than half the cells that create antibodies for fighting sickness are in the intestines and in the gut. Repairing the gut lining can take much-needed stress off the gut, which gives the body more energy to focus on fighting off sickness. 

 Better Mood: 

There has been a strong link found between the brain and gut connection. Many of the same neurotransmitters in the brain are produced in the gut. The gut is responsible for producing nearly 90% of the serotonin in the body as well as dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid which also play a big role in regulating moods and feeling good. 

Beyond supplements and products, knowing what types of food and lifestyle choices are harmful to gut health is important. Frequently consuming alcohol, sugar, and highly processed foods can increase inflammation in the body and lead to weight gain, skin irritations, and increased exhaustion. Next time you are at the store, consider adding in some of these probiotic-rich fermented foods and beverages to enrich your diet and health.  

Probiotic-rich foods to add to the grocery list:

• Yogurt: 

  A great source of calcium and vitamins B6 and B12, yogurt is a stellar choice for breakfast or a snack. Just watch out for hidden ingredients and added sugar. Make sure to look for brands with the “live and active cultures” seal.

• Kiefer: 

  Made from fermented milk, this slightly sour, yogurt-like beverage is great for supporting digestive health. It is also an excellent source of magnesium, vitamin C, and calcium. 

• Sauerkraut: 

  This fermented cabbage is a surprisingly nutritious food with many health benefits. Rich in fiber, probiotics, numerous vitamins, and minerals, this snack should be added to the grocery list. The probiotics in this can also help to boost the body’s ability to absorb nutrients more easily. 

• Kombucha: 

  This fizzy sweet and sour tea is a fermented beverage with digestive benefits now seen in grocery stores around the country. With fermented food and drinks topping the list for “go-to” probiotics, this is a great option. Look for Kombucha with a shortlist of ingredients and one that is unpasteurized, raw, or organic. 

Choosing the right probiotic and taking it consistently can help nurture gut health and get you on track for the results you desire. Clearer skin, better moods, more energy, and of course, improved digestion are some of the many benefits. Though it may take some time to see results, studying up on the product and staying consistent for at least 1-to two months can help you discern whether the probiotic is the right one for you or your family.