Did you realize that your stomach contains over 1,000 different bacterial species? That is correct. These bacteria, also known as microbiota, make up your gut microbiome, which influences not only digestion but also general health. Probiotics, which can be found in fermented foods as well as pills, aid with intestinal health. probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
Is it possible to take a probiotic supplement along with your other vitamins and supplements? What if you’re taking antibiotics? Yes, in a nutshell. But let us delve a little deeper.
Will probiotics reduce the efficacy of your vitamins and other supplements?
You may be concerned that taking a probiotic supplement at the same time as your morning vitamins or supplements will reduce the effectiveness of one of them. Don’t worry; taking probiotics shouldn’t interfere with the efficiency of other supplements, such as your daily multivitamin, in most situations. probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
“There is some evidence that when probiotics are consumed with omega-3 fatty acids, it may actually improve the delivery of the probiotic,” says gut health expert and gastroenterologist Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., MSCI. * This means that taking your probiotic at the same time as a fish oil supplement, for example, may increase rather than decrease the effectiveness of your probiotic. So, if taking them together is the only way you’ll remember to take them, go for it.
To be clear, while the terms vitamins and supplements are frequently interchanged, we’re using the term vitamins to refer to any supplements you’re taking, whether or not they’re vitamins. In most circumstances, whether it’s vitamin D or a specific nr supplement, you’re safe taking it with your probiotic supplement. probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
When you take a probiotic, though, it makes a difference whether you take it with or without vitamins. Probiotics should be taken on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before you eat, as a general rule. “We’re concerned about the presence of stomach acid impacting the probiotic’s viability,” Bulsiewicz explains. When taken before or many hours after a meal, the probiotic might reach your gut when stomach acids are naturally lower, increasing your chances of surviving.
The best time to take your vitamins is determined on the type of vitamin. Multivitamins are best taken first thing in the morning, which makes them ideal for combination with a pre-breakfast probiotic. Food is the best way to get fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, as well as some minerals like iron and magnesium. Otherwise, they may disturb your stomach.
What about antibiotics and other prescription drugs?
Antibiotics can have a negative impact on your gut microbiota since they destroy both beneficial and bad bacteria. So, if you need to take an antibiotic, it’s better to have a plan in place to ensure that your gut health is preserved. Probiotics are a good example of this. Combining a probiotic with an antibiotic has been demonstrated to help preserve gut health and reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
But won’t taking an antibiotic and a probiotic at the same time render the probiotic ineffective and kill the good bacteria as well? probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
“When taking a probiotic on an antibiotic treatment, timing is really critical to enhance effectiveness,” says gut health expert Vincent Pedre, M.D. He recommends taking a probiotic “at least four hours after the morning antibiotic dose or three to four hours after the nighttime antibiotic dose” before bedtime. This will give your antibiotic and probiotic ample time to perform what they were intended to do in your gut.
To keep your gut microbiome healthy throughout (and after) your antibiotic treatment, take a probiotic supplement. probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
Is there anything else about probiotics that I should know?
It is critical to invest in high-quality probiotic supplements. Look for items made by a trustworthy company that contain clinically proven bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lacti. probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
Probiotics should be checked for expiration dates. Probiotic bacteria will die off over time because they are living organisms.
Also, be sure the product you buy contains enough CFUs, or colony-forming units, in addition to the right strains. A probiotic with at least 30 billion CFUs distributed between Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains is ideal. probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
Keep in mind that, despite the numerous advantages of probiotics, there are specific situations in which you should not take one. If you have a serious illness or your immune system is damaged, for example, you should not take a probiotic. probioticseverything.com probiotics b vitamins
