How long does it take for probiotics to improve gut health?

After several tests and studies, good bacteria and their numerous benefits in supporting the critical functions of the human body were brought to the limelight. For example, good gut bacteria help absorb nutrients, keep the digestive system functioning well and ensure immune health. 

But one dietary change can disrupt the peaceful environment of human microbiota and lead to an imbalance. This can cause several gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and other digestive discomforts. Other factors that can hamper the ecosystem in the gut include medications and mental stress. 

The best solution to balance good bacteria in the gut is probiotics. Probiotics contain the strains of good bacteria that are helpful for human health and restore gut flora. There are several over-the-counter probiotics for general gut health available today. 

Consuming probiotics is now a common notion. But there are still speculations around the frequency and regularity of the probiotics working on an individual.

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‍ How long does it take for probiotics to improve gut health? Several factors play a major role in deciding how quickly the probiotics for gut health and weight loss start working. These might include: 

• The type of probiotics you are consuming.
• The condition of your own body.
• The health problem you are looking to treat.
• The number of probiotic supplements you are taking. 

A few studies and research have tried to find an answer to this question for certain conditions: 

Constipation 

The best probiotics for gut health when in constipation are lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, bifidobacterium bifidum and bacillus coagulans. These can start showing their effects anywhere around seven days to 4 weeks from consumption of the first dose.

Diarrhoea

When you combine a re-hydration therapy treatment with just the right probiotics, you can start feeling the effect in as little as two days. But for some, it can extend to 14 days.

Gut Health 
Probiotic strain Lactobacillus sp. is useful to boost gut and immune health. However, it can take as long as 12 weeks to start experiencing the positive effects of probiotics on gut health.‍

Bloating
The bloating starts getting better 3 to 4 weeks after consumption of probiotics. You will continue to see improvements and feel the major differences after consuming your product continuously for eight weeks.‍

Irritable Bowel Syndrome 
The probiotic strain that has proven to work better for irritable bowel syndrome than placebo is Saccharomyces boulardii. Continuous consumption for four weeks will ease the symptoms. 

Now, since it takes around 2 to 4 weeks for a few probiotic strains  to start working, it can often make an individual question whether the probiotics even work or not. Here’s how you can know they are working effectively. ‍

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How do you get to know your probiotics are working? ‍

When you start taking the right strain at the right time and in the right amount, you will experience plenty of noticeable changes in your body. 

These might be improved mood, less fatigue, more energy, better digestion and clearer skin. The first thing that most people have experienced is improved digestion. When you take probiotics, the strains in them immediately start re-balancing the disrupted gut flora. As a result, you can quickly start experiencing more regular bowel movements. This also releases gas and eases bloating. 

Once your gut gets restored, and a healthy gut microbiome is maintained, it will prevent and inhibit the entry and growth of pathogenic bacteria via the gut. 

Apart from digestion, you will also feel more energetic. This is because an imbalance in the gut microbiome leads to inflammation that prevents absorption of nutrients and keeps our body deficient. Now, since your gut health will be at its prime, the nutrients and micronutrients you consume will get absorbed well by the gut, thus improving your energy levels. 

Additionally, probiotics for gut health can help make your mood better. Many people don’t know that your gut and brain communicate with each other using messenger signals like neurotransmitters constantly. Moreover, the gut also produces neurotransmitters similar to the brain, one of which is the happiness hormone. 

The imbalance in the gut reduces the happiness hormone production, leading to negative emotions. Probiotics can help improve mood and also decrease mental issues like anxiety or depression. ‍

How to make probiotics work better for you? ‍

If you wish to reap the benefits of probiotics, it is best to understand how to make them work for you. Here are a few tips for the same. 

• Make sure you consume the probiotics as directed on the label. 
• Use the probiotics that have been tried, tested and then put into the market. The best probiotics are the ones with live cultures, so you can keep an eye out for that. 
• Do not consume probiotics that are past their expiration date. They won’t solve any purpose. 
• Store the product as directed. If it needs to be refrigerated, do not leave them out in the open. 
• Go through the list of ingredients carefully. 
  

Conclusion 

Probiotics for gut health have direct positive effects on the body. They help ensure a healthy gut flora and improve your mood, energy, and overall digestion, promote weight loss, and positively impact cognitive function. Just make sure you are taking the right probiotic in the recommended quantity to leverage the benefits fully.