When first using probiotics, some people experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Changes in the gut microbiota can result in bacteria producing more gas than usual, which can lead to bloating. However, these side effects usually clear up within a few days or weeks of taking the probiotics.
The short answer: It takes most people 2 to 3 weeks to feel significant benefits when they start taking probiotics. That's because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.
Your immune system will likely get stronger.
Studies have shown that several probiotic strains can enhance immune function, possibly resulting in a reduced risk of upper respiratory infections—including those that cause the common cold. "Up to 80% of the immune system is housed in the gut," explains Dr. Axe.
When you begin taking probiotics, you're introducing a whole host of beneficial microbes that should quickly begin to multiply in your digestive tract. These friendly flora work hard to crowd out the types of bacteria and yeast you don't want in your body.
Because of this, the short answer is yes. Probiotics will make you poop, and the size and frequency of your bowel movements have much to say regarding your overall health. Their mission is to improve your gut microbiome, and this is typically done in an effort to get you more regular in your pooping.
By taking probiotics, it is increasing the number of good bacteria which can detoxify your system and help you absorb nutrients more efficiently. If you have been taking too many antibiotics, the probiotics can balance the negative effects of that as well.
The ideal time to take probiotics is right before bed because "the gut is pretty inactive at night. If you think about it, you don't usually wake up in the middle of the night to poop,” says Patricia Raymond, MD, a gastroenterology and internal medicine physician and clinical advisor for Gastro Girl.
Probiotics are used to improve digestion and restore normal flora. Probiotics have been used to treat bowel problems (such as diarrhea, irritable bowel), eczema, vaginal yeast infections, lactose intolerance, and urinary tract infections.
According to resources like Harvard Medical School, it is best to take one dose of probiotics per day in the form of a supplement or a probiotic-rich snack or meal.
Building a healthy microbiome can take up to 6 months if the correct healthy habits are adopted (diet, exercise, sleep and stress management - and also supplements if needed) however it really is a lifelong journey because you need to continue these habits to maintain a healthy microbiome.
NICE guidance suggests people who wish to try probiotics be encouraged to select one brand and take it at the recommended dose for at least four weeks while monitoring the effect.
That probiotics have been shown to lower cortisol levels can help those who take them avoid one of the biggest causes of insomnia and the resulting low energy levels. Studies have also found that taking probiotics can boost tryptophan production in the body.
Probiotics increase immune fighting bacteria in your gut meaning you may get sick less if you use them.
Probiotics may help you lose weight and belly fat
In particular, studies have found that certain strains of the Lactobacillus family can help you lose weight and belly fat. In one study, eating yogurt with Lactobacillus fermentum or Lactobacillus amylovorus reduced body fat by 3–4% over 6 weeks (29).
If you are taking a high quality, multispecies and multistrain supplement, you can expect to notice initial improvements and health benefits of probiotics in your digestion as early as the first 1-2 weeks after starting your probiotic. Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days.
Help your body digest food. Keep bad bacteria from getting out of control and making you sick. Create vitamins. Help support the cells that line your gut to prevent bad bacteria that you may have consumed (through food or drinks) from entering your blood.
Some medications that may interact with certain probiotics include: antibiotics, antifungals (such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, nystatin).
“Don't take a probiotic supplement with hot food and drinks such as tea or coffee as this can lessen the chance of the bacteria getting to your gut unharmed. Give it 30 minutes after taking them before you reach for the teapot.”
However, some patients take probiotics and feel even worse. Symptoms can include cramping, gassiness, diarrhea, fatigue, and even brain fog or memory problems. Often these symptoms intensify just after a meal.
Several probiotic strains have particular abilities to improve liver function through the modulation of the gastrointestinal tract. These improvements were mostly observed with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus or multispecies probiotic therapy (23, 27).
While more research is needed to conclusively show that probiotics promote hormone balance in humans, some studies show that probiotics improve interactions between the gut microbiome and estrogen.
Probiotics Benefits
A healthy colon contains 100 billion to 100 trillion beneficial bacteria per milliliter, but advanced age, illness, poor diet and antibiotic use can destroy healthy gut flora. Eating foods that contain probiotics can fortify the gut microbiome with new colonies of beneficial bacteria.
Do Probiotics Make Your Poop Stink? No. Probiotics are not usually associated with foul-smelling stool. Taking probiotics may change the consistency of your poop and some people report having to poop more often while they adjust to taking a probiotic.
Some research has found that probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function and lower stress and anxiety.