Probiotics: Why you Need Them & When to Take Them

In the health sector, probiotics have been getting quite an air time. Rightfully so! Probiotics are made up of good-for-you-live bacteria that live in your body and are a part of something much bigger called the microbiome. When your body loses “bad bacteria” through taking antibiotics or fighting off sickness, probiotics step in to replace them with good bacteria. Found in various food, drinks, and supplements, these live micro-organisms can promote improved gut health, digestion, immunity, and even brain health. Read on for the full scoop on when to take them and why to invest in one. 

Is there a right time to take probiotics?

Some doctors recommend taking probiotics on an empty stomach before a meal as the most effective time slot. At this time, the stomach environment is proven to be the least acidic because the digestion process has yet to begin. After we eat, the digestion process is in full swing, and there is a natural increase in digestive enzymes and bile salts at this time. If the probiotic is consumed, then it is likely that the enzymes will kill the probiotics long before they can even make it to the small and large intestines, where they do their job. 

While day or night does not seem to matter, research indicates that taking them on an empty stomach is more effective than right after eating. Taking on an empty stomach ensures that more healthy bacteria survive and best support both the immune system and the gut. Finding the method that works best for you may take a bit of trial and error, playing with different times throughout the day.

Another critical factor in taking probiotics is daily consistency. Keeping up with a specific regimen each day helps the body more readily accept the ingredients and for them to do their job. With probiotics passing through the colon and then leaving the body, it is essential to consistently replenish the supply. Sporadic use of a probiotic will not serve the gut very well. Improving gut health is not an overnight fix and using probiotics in a daily routine helps the body reap the full benefits. 

Why does having a healthy gut matter?

A healthy gut is made up of a host of beneficial bacteria and immune cells that fight off infection, sickness, and many other things. All food passes through the gut to be broken down, enters the bloodstream, and creates nutrients to be delivered throughout the body. However, a fast-paced and on-the-go lifestyle can throw things off balance. Poor sleep, too much alcohol consumption, and sedentary can harm the gut and lead to long-term consequences that affect day-to-day life. 

Currently, millions suffer from illnesses and even discomfort that takes root in an imbalanced gut. Some common warning signs of poor gut health include poor sleep, frequent stomach discomfort, indigestion, and skin irritations such as acne or eczema. However, there are ways to shift these imbalances, and it begins with using the right targeted products. 

Why should we invest in better gut health?

Choosing trusted, high-quality products with transparent ingredient labels is critical. With 100 billion probiotics from 8 strains, prebiotics, and fibers, Vibrant Health’s Digestive Vibrance is a soothing blend that helps support a healthy digestion system. Utilizing botanical extracts such as ginger root and Boswellia, Digestive Vibrance is a simple product that improves gut health. Place one scoop of Digestive Vibrance into eight oz. of your favorite smoothie, juice, or beverage and mix or blend for a perfect on-the-go mix. 

Other helpful probiotic-rich foods on the market include yogurt and kombucha. Labels can be deceiving, so it is essential to check them. Manufacturers can label

something as yogurt and have killed all of the live cultures in processing. Selecting yogurt labeled with active or live cultures helps ensure that it will pack more of a probiotic punch. For kombucha, it is important to choose organic, unpasteurized, or raw and look for labels with minimal sugar. 

Probiotics and gut health have gotten the spotlight for a reason. Gut health is closely linked with many important areas of life, such as sleep, digestion, and energy. Choosing to limit processed foods, adding in quality probiotics at the right time each day, and consuming fermented foods are small steps to get on the road to better health. So say hello to better skin, energy, and digestion!