Best Time to Take Probiotics: Morning or Night?

So, you've just bought your probiotics for your gut!

Great choice. They do help with bloating, digestion, and bathroom drama.

But the big question for now:

When to take probiotics? What's the best time?

Morning? Night? With meals? Empty stomach?

Confused? You are not alone. It is one of the most Googled questions.

Different experts say different things. Some recommend taking probiotics first thing in the morning. Others say that night is best for live bacteria (which probiotics contain).

But here’s a big truth about probiotics.

Timing isn't everything—consistency is.

What truly matters is taking them every day. The time won't make much of a difference unless you are consistent with it.

Here's a simplified guide to 'the best time to take probiotics,' debunking the myths with a scientific explanation.

Do Probiotic Timings Matter? Yes, But Least

Okay, consistency is the key. However, that doesn't mean timing has no impact at all. Timing is also important, especially for particular probiotic strains.

Probiotics are no miracle, but they are a group of gut-friendly (aka good) bacteria and yeast that improve the gut balance. However, excessive stomach acid can negatively impact their survival rates (and, consequently, the effects).

It's best to take probiotics when stomach acid is least active, typically at lower levels. This allows live bacteria to reach the intestines easily and do their jobs effectively.

Although it's not a matter of life or death, just the effectiveness in general.

Read More: Is Your Gut Unhealthy? 10 Symptoms to Watch for And How to Heal

Should You Take Probiotics on an Empty Stomach (Early Morning)?

If you search the question on Google, you will find strong support. Most experts recommend taking probiotics on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning or 30 minutes before breakfast.

Why?

• Because stomach acid levels are generally lowest in the early morning hours.

• When the stomach is empty, it produces relatively little hydrochloric acid (HCl), the primary contributor to acidity.

This means that more beneficial bacteria can make it past the acid and into your gut, where they can actually work.

However, if you are taking coated probiotics capsules, you do not need to worry about the acidic levels. They work even with heavy meals, but only if you are regular.

Also Read: Can You Take Fulvic Acid on an Empty Stomach?

Can You Take Probiotics at Night

Wait, are you someone who lives on rushed mornings or rarely makes it for breakfast? We got you. It's pretty hard to wake up early in the morning and set a probiotic routine after a busy evening.

That's OKAY. You can take probiotics at night, just before bed, if this is more convenient for you. Moreover, it can be better for you for the following reasons.

• You have discomforting symptoms. Some individuals report bloating or gas after taking probiotics at the start. So, avoid taking probiotics right before your sleeping time.

• Your gut relaxes at night. It isn't digesting food, so it has more time to repair and rebalance the microbes.

• Your motility slows down. The entire body is in its rest state. That means probiotics may have more time to work.

• You're less likely to forget. You may consider taking probiotics before bed as part of your nighttime routine (right after brushing your teeth and before scrolling through Instagram).

Again, there's no solid evidence to support why nighttime is better for probiotics than morning unless you are taking them every day.

Probiotics With Meals or Without? What Works Better

Okay, to be honest, that's the trickiest question for probiotic uses. Should you take it with meals or without meals?

The answer depends on the strains. For example,

• Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast, can survive well with or without a meal.

• Bacterial strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium survive best when given 30 minutes before or right with the meal.

What's best? Unless your label says otherwise, pair your probiotic supplements with a meal, or ideally, 30 minutes before eating, to enhance survival and activity.

Also Read: 6 Simple Gut-Friendly Recipes You Can Make at Home

When to Take Probiotics

Probiotics are the live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for your health, especially your gut. Though natural sources, like fermented foods (curd, kefir, kombucha, pickles, and cheese), contain enough probiotics, your doctor may recommend probiotics to:

1. Restore natural gut balance.

2. Boost your overall immunity.

3. Reduce inflammation.

4. Keep your bowel movements regular.

5. Improve bloating or leaky gut syndrome.

6. When your natural probiotic intake isn't sufficient.

When Not to Take Probiotics

Although there is no tight rule for taking probiotic supplements, you must consider a few scenarios.

1. Don't take your probiotics immediately after antibiotics (or even antifungals). Otherwise, the medication dose will kill your gut-friendly bacteria, leaving supplements ineffective.

2. Avoid mixing your probiotics with any hot drink (your coffee or tea), as heat often kills beneficial bacteria.

3. When taking probiotics, don’t combine them with foods like red meat, as it may influence the microbiome balance.

Although there are only a few side effects of probiotics, such as abdominal cramping, nausea, and soft stools. Remember, it is important to contact your healthcare provider before taking any supplement, including probiotics

The Final Takeaway

In conclusion, your gut prefers routine over the clock. You can pick any hour of the day that works for you until you are consistent.

Probiotics help balance the gut microbiome, thereby improving digestion, reducing bloating, and alleviating inflammation. But there is one rule that matters most: Take it regularly. The consistent dosage helps the good bacteria thrive, settle, and work at the root levels.

So, stop Googling. Just find a time that works for you and stick to it!

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are probiotics and prebiotics?

Probiotics are the live bacteria that support gut balance. On the other hand, prebiotics are the fibers on which gut bacteria feed.

Q2. What are the signs that probiotics are working?

If your probiotics are working, you’ll notice improved digestion, less bloating, smoother pooping, improved sleep, and fewer infections.

Q3. What should you not take with probiotics?

Though probiotics are generally safe, they may interact with certain medications. You should be cautious while taking probiotics with antibiotics or antifungals. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Q4. How do I know if I lack probiotics?

If you are lacking gut-friendly bacteria, you’ll notice signs such as trouble sleeping, mood swings, and frequent digestive issues.

Q5. What happens when you start taking probiotics every day?

If you take probiotics every day, you’ll notice better digestion, less bloating, and improved bowel movements. Your gut health will improve over time.

Q7. What are the benefits of probiotics for men?

Probiotics offer men benefits like improved digestive health, stronger immunity, and potential support for heart and prostate health.

References:

1. Abid, R., et al. (2022). Probiotic yeast Saccharomyces: Back to nature to improve human health. May 2022. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9147304/ 

2. Tompkins, T. A., et al. (2011). The impact of meals on a probiotic during transit through a model of the human upper gastrointestinal tract. December 2011. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22146689/ 

3. Doron, S., et al. (2015). Risk and safety of probiotics. April 2015. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490230/