• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Treasured Tips

  • Home
  • About
  • My E-Book
  • DIY
    • Natural Alternatives
    • All Natural Beauty Care
    • Natural Skin Care
    • Natural Hair Care
  • Recipes
    • Snacks and Side Dishes
    • Paleo Recipes
    • Gluten Free Recipes
    • Healthy Drinks
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Home » How to Boost Immune System » Getting the Most Out of Your Probiotic? Learn How to Take Probiotics

Getting the Most Out of Your Probiotic? Learn How to Take Probiotics

Published February 3, 2013 Last Updated April 2, 2019 By Lori Ryman 57 Comments

1050 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

Should you take them with food or on an empty stomach? Learn how to take probiotics to ensure absorption

how to take probiotics

Did you know that how you take probiotics matters? This can change whether or not your absorbing the “friendly bacteria”.

Almost all containers state under “how to take probiotics” that it doesn’t matter if it’s with or without food. If you have tried to research this on the internet, it’s even more confusing as half of the sites says to take probiotics with food or else they won’t work, and the other half say to take them without food.

Yet, it does matter!  Studies have shown that in order to optimally benefit and ensure that the good bacteria makes it down into your intestines, timing of probiotics is key!

 

What are Probiotics?

If you’re not familiar with probiotics, probiotics are cultures of “good bacteria”.  Your gut contains a combination of both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics help ensure a good balance of intestinal flora.

When we use the word probiotic, most of the time it’s referring to a supplement. However, the term can also be used when talking about fermented foods, as they also contain good bacteria.

 

How to Take Probiotics

Many people know the benefits of adding probiotics, “friendly bacteria”, to their health regimen and take them either as a supplement or consume them in fermented foods that have active live cultures, such as yogurt, fermented pickles or fermented sauerkraut.

However,  how to take probiotics is often not considered, specifically what time of the day is it best to take them.

Here’s the truth:

If you are taking a supplement, it is best to take it on an empty stomach when you wake up in the morning or before bed. When you first get up, take the probiotic, then get ready for the day preferably waiting at least 30 minutes before you eat breakfast.

You can also take the probiotic with food and still get pretty good absorption.. The reason this may decrease some absorption of a supplement probiotic is that the probiotic ends up spending more time in the stomach. Also, another reason to take them on an empty stomach is because before the journey to the intestines, the bacteria will have more difficulty surviving the harsh stomach acid during digestion, affecting their potency.

But, don’t take them after a meal! Probiotics that are taken after a meal have even more difficulty surviving stomach acid levels as this is when your stomach acid is at it’s highest. A study from last year found that when a probiotic supplement was taken after a meal, extremely low levels of bacteria survived.

A recent study in the Journal of Beneficial Microbes showed that probiotics are optimally absorbed when taken prior to a meal and were absorbed almost as well when taken with a meal containing fats.

 

How Else to Get Probotics

You don’t have to take probiotic supplements to ensure healthy intestinal flora, you can also make fermented foods! It is best to make them yourself and not rely on store bought fermented foods as they are often bastardized and  preserved in salt rather than in lactobacterial-salt.

Not Taking a Probiotic or Fermented Foods? Why You Should Start:

1. Improved digestion

2. Healthier gut

3. Improved absorption of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals

4. Reduction in cavities

5. Increased resistance to infection, reduces risk of flu and colds

6. Reduced risk of colon cancer

7. Beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome, Chron’s disease, etc.

 

Do you take probiotics? When do you usually take them?

 

Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22146689

The Definitive Guide to Fermented Foods


Linked on: Family Table Tuesday, Titus 2sdays, Fat Tuesday,

1050 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Filed Under: How to Boost Immune System, How to get Nutrients Tagged With: learn how to take probiotics

About Lori Ryman

Lori Ryman, BS, MS, has been dedicated to researching natural alternatives for the past 15 years. Lori has a background in research methods, health, and nutrition. She started with an Interest in natural alternatives to improve her own health and she continues to share natural DIY projects, recipes and natural alternatives with millions of viewers on treasuredtips.com.

Lori’s research for posts is based on peer reviewed evidenced-based research. Lori is a published author in a peer reviewed research journal. Her work has been covered by MSN, The Huffington Post, wikiHow, The New York Times, and many more.

Sign Up for My FREE Weekly Newsletter!

Plus get my FREE Real Food & Gluten Free 7 Day Meal Plan

Previous Post: « Lemon Peel Benefits: Why You Shouldn’t Throw Out That Lemon Peel!
Next Post: How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Need for Optimal Health? More Than You Think! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan

    January 4, 2018 at 8:33 pm

    Has anyone tried taking probiotic supplements with a TUMS antacid tablet to temporarily reduce stomach acidity / raise stomach Ph, to increase the chances of the good bugs’ survival through to the intestines?

    Reply
  2. Amaka

    December 31, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Among other things, probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement.

    Reply
  3. Dee

    February 19, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    Does it help leaky gut

    Reply
    • Lori

      March 26, 2017 at 5:33 pm

      Many take probiotics to help leaky gut and gasto symptoms.

      Reply
  4. Jan Stewart

    February 16, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    Sorry…that’s not Bubbles but BUBBIES SAUERKRAUT found in cold storage section at Publix

    Jan

    Meant to say BUBBIES Sauerkraut

    Reply
    • Lori

      February 18, 2017 at 11:09 pm

      Oh yes, I like their sauerkraut.

      Reply
  5. Jan Stewart

    February 16, 2017 at 9:32 pm

    I’ve been dealing with gut troubles for 5 years: h-pylori first, later c-dff. After taking antibiotics 3 times for h-pylori, I refused them for the c-diff, & instead I have been taking Garden of Life 400 Billion powder every morning for about 5 weeks. I have improved greatly but still can’t kick the bloated gut. I’m eating Chobani Greek whole milk plain yogurt at least twice daily. I take the probiotic powder mixed into water with it. Also love Wallaby brand whole milk plain yogurt.DELICIOUS! Bubbles Sauerkraut is another fermented food I buy and eat. I have now started taking Grapefruit Seed Extract liquid concentrate (10 drops in water 3 times a day), which was recommended to help kill candida (which I probably have). I crave sweets at night, so badly I usually eat them. 🙁 So I’ve gained weight since acquiring the gut issues.
    I’m trying to get rid of this annoying, miserable bloat. If anyone can advise me with helpful info I will be truly grateful. Thanks so much. -Jan

    Reply
    • Joel

      May 23, 2017 at 8:27 pm

      Jan, you have to cut out the dairy and any wheat if you can. That is what is probably giving you bloating. Also, if you mix dairy with grains or fruits etc you will bloat. Keep every food group separate. Try it for a week and see the difference.

      Reply
  6. Autumn

    December 20, 2016 at 9:00 am

    Thank you for this post!! My doctor said when choosing a probiotic to look for the number of different strains of bacteria not how many total. It doesn’t matter if it has 5 billion CFUs if it’s not the right bacteria. It should at least contain these three – L. Acidophilus, B. Longum, & B. Bifidum. Depending on your needs will depend on what other strains to look for. You also need to look for how it’s manufactured and it’s delivery process, if it isn’t manufactured properly you could be taking dead bacteria or a supplement that dies in your stomach acid. I have my whole family taking probiotics, even my children. My husband has IBS so the probiotic he takes is different from what me or the kids take. Definitely do your research on the different strains of bacteria and which are best for your particular needs.

    Reply
    • Lori

      December 26, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      Exactly, the strains are the most important 🙂

      Reply
  7. Margo

    October 10, 2016 at 3:18 am

    People that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) will also find relief from their symptoms by taking a product containing lactobacillus plantarum. The bacteria form colonies in the gut, creating a protective barrier and reducing the risk of intestinal lining damage. 

    Reply
  8. Margo Dill

    October 3, 2016 at 3:55 am

    The human body is always prone to suffering from deficiencies due to dietary limitations and other troubles. Reaching for a capsule-form supplement positive does help improve the chances of overcoming said dietary limitations.

    Reply
  9. Margo

    September 26, 2016 at 3:27 am

    The colon, in particular, is home to a huge number of toxins that accumulate over time. Most people are utterly unaware of this problem and do not realize steps have to be taken to address their presence or else they will not go away.

    Reply
  10. Allison

    August 4, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    I’ve read 2 articles previous to this blog post that tell you NOT to take a probiotic on an empty stomach:

    “Stomach pH when fasting is in the 0.8 to 2 range which rapidly kills probiotics”
    “Foods also typically contain fermentable substrates that can help nourish probiotic organisms as they transit through the gastrointestinal tract”
    “For maximum efficacy, probiotic bacteria survival was best when provided within 30 minutes before or simultaneously with a meal or beverage that contained some fat content.”

    There’s too much conflicting information out there. I hate spending money on something and using it not to know if it’s really doing anything for me. Very frustrating…

    Reply
  11. Nury

    May 26, 2016 at 6:15 am

    Probiotics are beneficial for just about everyone. They’re particularly suitable for the individuals that feel digestive distress and the ones that suffer from a compromised immune response.

    There are probiotics for adults and probiotics for kids. Probiotics are great after a treatment with antibiotics. If you’re not sure whether probiotics are the right option for you, talk to your doctor. Many physicians already recommend the use of probiotics for faster recovery.

    Reply
    • Lori

      June 5, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      That’s great that doctors are starting to recommend them.

      Reply
  12. Mike Harper @When to Take Probiotics

    May 5, 2016 at 3:51 am

    Additionally, your body requires a daily dose of probiotics to sustain a healthy balance in your gut and digestive system. Folks of long ago obtain their probiotic requirements from fermented vegetables, freshly picked wild berries, and kefir.

    Reply
  13. Asma

    March 29, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    sorry the name of the company is Now

    Reply
  14. Asma

    March 29, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    Hi Lori
    I’d like to know the maximum dose of probiotic 25pilion from Know company per day for an autistic adult
    thank you

    Reply
    • Lori

      April 3, 2016 at 10:24 pm

      Hi there, I would ask your doctor to be sure.

      Reply
  15. Nury

    March 3, 2016 at 2:23 am

    The human body is complex and amazing. The manner in which so many systems and organs work together to maintain health is inspiring and researchers are still struggling to understand all of the specifics.

    Did you know, however, that the human body gets a little bit of assistance to do its job?

    Various kinds of microorganisms coexist with us peacefully. Some of these microorganisms help the human body do its job. A number of beneficial strains can be found in the gut.

    Reply
    • Lori

      March 7, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      It really is amazing!

      Reply
  16. Nury

    February 18, 2016 at 1:04 am

    Probiotics work in a very simple, yet highly beneficial way. They keep the populations of harmful microorganisms from growing. Some probiotics are also capable of killing pathogens, thus improving digestion and preventing conditions like candida or urinary tract infections.

    Reply
    • Lori

      February 28, 2016 at 7:40 pm

      Yes! Thanks for the information.

      Reply
  17. Excellent Guy

    September 24, 2015 at 5:53 am

    If you don’t take probiotics continually, the bacteria will leave your system. It’s OK to miss a day here and there, but aim to take them at least five days a week.

    Reply
  18. Dianne

    February 10, 2014 at 6:04 pm

    I’ve been taking probiotics for years first thing in the morning right before I drink my shake. It seems to work for me.

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      February 15, 2014 at 10:55 pm

      That’s when I take mine too!

      Reply
  19. April

    January 28, 2014 at 12:26 am

    The study in the Journal of Beneficial Microbes says that taken before a meal is almost as good as taken with a meal with fat. So then that’s better than on an empty stomach? Maybe I’ll just experiment with both. I have inconsistently taken one that is pre and probiotic. I just ordered it today, as it’s had good testimonies, and plan to use it after a two week detox. Although I’m wondering if it’s best to take it during the detox or after?

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      February 9, 2014 at 10:44 pm

      It could depend on what type of detox you’re doing, but I prefer to never go without either a good probiotic or fermented foods.

      Reply
  20. Billi

    August 23, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Pb8 works best for me but have tried Prilosec as well. Pb8 is a capsule which I like better than a pill. I take on empty stomach at least 30 minutes before a meal. Helped stomach issues; just hope it continues./b

    Reply
    • Dianne

      February 10, 2014 at 6:05 pm

      I thought Prilosec was a heartburn medication

      Reply
    • warning

      May 11, 2016 at 10:52 am

      WARNING:
      This comment (advising people to take Prilosec),
      is wrong and dangerous.

      DO NOT take Prilosec (aka: OMEPRAZOL)
      without specific medical advice…

      it’s a VERY powerful drug to inhibit acid production in the stomach
      with very possibly, some nasty side-effects..
      Avoid unless your Dr. tells you to…!

      To confirm, Google :
      PRILOSEC OMEPRAZOL side effects…

      Reply
      • Tash

        January 25, 2018 at 7:09 am

        Agreed. I don’t see any reason to take this unless it has been prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition. I was given this by my doctor when I had a stomach ulcer when I was 18 to help reduce some of the pain I had when eating. From memory it didn’t do much to help either! It is no way similar to probiotics.

        I was recently diagnosed with a bunch of vitamin deficiencies despite having a pretty good diet: severe vitamin d deficiency, anaemia, and pretty low b12. I am a vegetarian now but I was diagnosed with all this when I was a meat eater! So clearly my gut is struggling. I was on a really long stretch of antibiotics before that and never got told to replace my bacteria so I’m guessing that’s the culprit. I bought some Yakult a couple of days ago before reading the reviews, I’m also taking optibac as fermented foods make me feel a bit sick. Haven’t noticed anything yet but i’m only two days in so don’t expect miracles

        Reply
  21. Palak

    July 13, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    The best book if you want to learn more about Probiotics is “The Probiotics Revolution” by Gary B. Huffnagle. The best way to take probiotics ( good bacteria) is to take it with prebiotics(food for the good bacteria). Prebiotics is also available from apples,bcoz apples contain pectin which is a prebiotic.

    Reply
  22. Gina Love 17

    March 1, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    I have been taking the Lady Soma Probiotics for about 1 year now and I can’t belive the difference it makes in my digestive health! My OB/GYM reccomended Lady Soma. I have had stomach/instestinal problems my whole life and I have diagnosed with IBS. since taking the probiotics I have seen alot of improvement.

    Reply
  23. Young natural mommy

    February 23, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    I’m pregnant and do not eat packaged foods or from restaurants. I steam greens n eat only organic foods. I’m aware of most health myths… How much fermented sauerkraut should I eat on a daily basis? Aren’t fermented fermented foods kinda alcoholic? I only have one chance at this pregnancy as my partner past away recently. I gave up kombucha to be on the safe side. But, maybe it is safer to take my (food) probiotics n absorb more nutrients… I don’t take supplements ever only foods, and I am O blood, I don’t do dairy(especially in cold season).

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      February 26, 2013 at 9:39 pm

      Fermented foods are great for increasing good bacteria. I haven’t heard of a recommended amount to eat per day. For myself, I try to eat at least one serving of fermented foods per day with a meal.

      Reply
      • Young natural mommy

        February 27, 2013 at 11:05 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    • Finally Something Worked

      March 28, 2016 at 8:50 am

      Why don’t you eat dairy in the cold months? I crave milk all year around, the cravings used to be VERY bad. I drink organic milk now and the cravings have lessened, but i still love milk. I am also type O blood.

      Reply
  24. Jeannie

    February 14, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    Opps I forgot to check the notify box..so reposting
    I either drink homemade kombucha or kefir. I had not paid any attention to when I drink/eat it. Should this be done on an empty stomach?

    Reply
  25. Jeannie

    February 14, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    I either drink homemade kombucha or kefir. I had not paid any attention to when I drink/eat it. Should this be done on an empty stomach?

    Reply
  26. Hannah

    February 6, 2013 at 6:56 am

    Good info! I am looking into starting a probiotic.. which brand is best?

    Please consider sharing this post with us at Eco-Kids Tuesday Link-Up! http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2013/02/garden-planning-at-eco-kids-tuesday.html

    Reply
    • dude

      September 8, 2013 at 9:35 pm

      Dont worry about branding, Branding causes huge costs to keep it going.
      What you want to look at is the strength (CFU)
      5 billion CFU is an easy strength to find (good one too wouldent go lower)

      I recently got 250 unbranded ones from ebay (5bill CFU)
      cost little under £10. Brands would charge more then that for 30

      happy hunting

      I will be taking 5 a day for a few months (Im in need of high dose)

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        October 4, 2015 at 2:15 pm

        I think that a good brand does matter. If the bacteria is not alive when it goes in your Stimach it does you no good. The bacteria needs to be alive from the first capsule to The last capsule.

        Reply
      • Jonathan

        April 18, 2016 at 5:25 pm

        Would you buy them from Walmart? Branding is important, but not a guarantee.

        Reply
      • Vicki Berry

        October 14, 2017 at 11:17 pm

        Well I wonder how you would know how much to take…

        Reply
    • Anonymous

      December 7, 2015 at 11:53 am

      You want to get one that has enzymes as well as one that fights funges. If you avoid these additional ingredients it won’t matter how many billions it has. More isn’t always better. If you don’t kill the candida you will have a never ending battle.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      January 17, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      I’ve had the best results with Plexus probiotics, which include enzymes that help break down the yeast overgrowth in your gut.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        March 20, 2016 at 6:43 am

        Samw here!! Plexiznis amazing!!

        Reply
        • Anonymous

          November 12, 2018 at 8:27 pm

          So nice reading your article about probiotics. I learn and benefit a lot. Thanks!

          Reply
    • Finally Something Worked

      March 28, 2016 at 8:47 am

      I was taking the generic of Align which was okay. I was not very impressed though since I suffer with IBS. My gynecologist also suggested a take a probiotic designed for women, especially since I do not like yogurt. I now take Fortify Women’s Probiotic by Nature’s Way. I noticed a difference within one week. IBS is mostly under control and things seem more balanced below the waistline! I got my best friend taking it too for female health and she swears by it. I wake up at 730am and take it around 8-815am on an empty stomach with a bottle of water. Best of luck to you.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        October 20, 2016 at 10:14 pm

        I just started taking that exact probiotic, Fortify Daily Probiotic by Nature’s Way. I have experienced painful bloating after a few days, but am not sure if it is because of the probiotic or not. Anyways was curious how you take it. I have read you can empty the capsule into a glass of water and drink that instead of swallowing the capsule whole. Have any recommendations?

        Reply
        • Tom Hall

          April 23, 2017 at 10:10 am

          The suggestion to mix the capsule contents with water and drinking makes sense to me and I’m ting to try it. I’ve been concerned that taking the capsules just before a cup of coffee is a bad idea, since coffee is acidic, so maybe drinking the probiotics while the coffee is brewing will help.

          Reply
    • Suresh Narayan

      July 29, 2016 at 4:20 pm

      I started taking Raw Primal Defence Ultra probiotic(50billion CFU) with dinner 3 dys ago. I had loose stools and abdominal pains this morning. I am also taking heart stent and ucerative colitis medications. Could you advise on the possible cause of the loose stools and pains.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      March 5, 2017 at 11:39 pm

      Anything that needs to be Refridgerated! Ask your Pharmacist! They will have it

      Reply
  27. Alison

    February 5, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    Great post! I’m always wondering when I should be taking my probiotics. Found you on VGN weekly link love. Sharing to FB now!

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      February 12, 2013 at 12:39 am

      Thanks Alison! Can’t wait to check out your site!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi! Nice to meet you

I'm Lori. I love living a natural lifestyle, DIY projects, and trying out new healthy recipes. Read More…

Popular Posts

coffee scrub in jar with coffee beans

Homemade Coffee Scrub for Cellulite

Chocolate chip muffins in muffin pan with text overlay - paleo chocolate chip muffins

Paleo Chocolate Chip Muffins – made with coconut flour

House with backyard and deck with potted plants and planted plants

5 Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

Plate with three slices of oven fried chicken

Paleo Oven Fried Chicken

dry shampoo in jars with brush with text overlay - natural diy dry shampoo for light and dark hair

Natural DIY Dry Shampoo for Light and Dark Hair

Here's How I Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne - Prevent new breakouts and treat breakouts

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Copyright © 2025 · Contact Me

· Privacy Policy