Nowadays, Thai people are clearly paying more attention to their health, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak that has made people aware ofThe importance of immunityandHolistic health Whether it's nutrition, exercise, preventive health screenings, or the use of health technology, one of the most popular trends is “Probiotics” Or good bacteria that help balance the intestines. But the frequently asked question is “When is the best time to take probiotics?”

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when taken in the right amounts, can have a positive effect on health, particularly digestive health and the immune system. Probiotics can help balance the bacteria in your gut, which is important for your immune system. They can also help reduce constipation, diarrhea, and other stomach discomforts.

Why is it that I don't see any results from taking probiotics?

At W9 Wellness, many patients come to consult about problems with taking probiotics, wondering why they don't see the same results as advertised, such as helping with constipation, weight loss, or even allergies. But it turns out that after taking them, they feel that they don't help at all. First of all, let me explain that probiotics are not a miracle drug. Probiotics are tiny living things that require special care and attention so that they can work at their best.

Key factors that cause probiotics to be ineffective

• Breed and quantity : There are many different strains of probiotics, each with its own unique properties. Choosing the wrong strain and dosage is one of the reasons why many people don’t get the results they want, such as:
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: Suitable for reducing diarrhea and strengthening the immune system.
  • Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07: Helps strengthen the immune system and balance the intestines.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii: Helps prevent and treat diarrhea caused by antibiotic use.
• Time to eat: Did you know that the timing of taking probiotics is equally important? Because the environment in the stomach is different at each time. Choosing the right timing will help probiotics survive and work well.
• Eating behavior and lifestyle: Processed foods, sugar, antibiotics, stress and lack of sleep can all negatively affect the balance of microbes in your gut.

Choosing the Right Probiotics

• Choose the appropriate type and breed: Choosing the right probiotic for your specific health problem is not easy, as microorganisms are diverse and each person is different. Intestinal microbiota balance (Gut Microbiome DNA Test) It is therefore important to take probiotics before taking it.
  •   Gut Microbiome DNA Test It is an analysis of DNA of microorganisms in feces to assess the diversity and balance of microorganisms in the intestines. The results will help doctors or health professionals to recommend the right strain and amount of probiotics for each individual accurately.
• Choose products that contain the appropriate amount of CFU (Colony Forming Units) and are backed by research: The recommended daily intake of probiotics is between 10 billion and 20 billion CFU (colony-forming units). However, the ideal amount can vary depending on the probiotic strain and the purpose of the intake.
• Consult a doctor or health professional: It is recommended to consult a doctor or health professional before starting to take probiotics to obtain appropriate advice for your individual health.

Interested in checking Gut Microbiome DNA Test? Contact us for advice from a doctor here.

When should I take probiotics to see the best results?

Actually, I must first say that the nature of each probiotic has different behaviors. Some can tolerate acid, some cannot. Therefore, in fact, taking probiotics after meals and taking them on an empty stomach may actually be different depending on the type of bacteria or type of strain taken. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people have many questions about when is the best time to take probiotics? Can I take probiotics before bed? Do I have to take them on an empty stomach or after meals? In conclusion, when is the best time to take probiotics?

How to take probiotics

• Take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals or before bedtime). To allow probiotics to come into direct contact with the intestinal wall, increasing their chances of adhering and growing.
• Drink room temperature water. Avoid hot or very cold water. To maintain the condition of probiotics
• If it is a probiotic without capsule coating technology It may be taken with a meal that contains a small amount of fat to help reduce acidity, preventing the probiotics from being destroyed by stomach acid.
• Avoid taking it with antibiotics. Leave at least 2 hours between doses. To prevent antibiotics from destroying probiotics

Lifestyle adjustments to enhance performance

• Should be taken with prebiotics: Taking probiotics together with prebiotics will give you better results because prebiotics are food that helps stimulate the growth and increase the efficiency of probiotics. Taking them together will help probiotics work at their best and help promote overall gut health.
  • Food sources of prebiotics Such as onions, garlic, bananas, asparagus, oats.
• Adjust your lifestyle: Reduce stress, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly to promote overall health and enhance the effectiveness of probiotics.

• Probiotic differences: Different strains of probiotics have different levels of tolerance to stomach acid. Some are acid-tolerant, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, while others are acid-susceptible, such as Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces boulardii.
• Absorption and efficacy: Taking probiotics with food can cause the bacteria to attach to the food instead of the intestinal wall, which can reduce their effectiveness.

“Because each person’s body is different, probiotic supplements must be selected appropriately.”

Comparing taking probiotics “on an empty stomach” and “after meals”

How to eat	strength	weakness
On an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals or before bedtime)	⏺︎ Microorganisms can adhere well to the intestinal wall.	⏺︎ Some strains may be sensitive to acid if there is no technology to protect them.
After meal (Especially large meals that contain fat)	⏺︎ Foods that temporarily reduce stomach acidity allow some microorganisms to survive more.	⏺︎ The digestion process may slow down the absorption of probiotics. ⏺︎ Some may be excreted with food.

General advice: Best taken on an empty stomach. Because it allows the microorganisms to directly contact the intestinal wall, increasing the chances of adhering and growing. However, at present, some manufacturers have designed probiotic capsules that are acid-resistant (Acid resistant capsule) by coating the capsule so that the probiotics are not destroyed and can work effectively.

Check your Gut Microbiome to choose the probiotics that are right for you.

For probiotics to work best Recommend to Check the balance of microorganisms in the intestines (Gut Microbiome DNA Test) to see what types of bacteria are already present in your gut and which ones you should supplement, which will help.Select probiotics with the most precise and targeted approach

In conclusion, to get the best results from taking probiotics, you need to consider the timing of taking them, the right strain and amount, your lifestyle, and consult an expert. Gut Microbiome Testing This will help you get the most out of your probiotics.

If you have gut issues and want to rebalance your microbiota, consult with the experts at W9 Wellness.

Service branches

• Praram 9 Hospital Branch
  • Phone number: 092-9936922
  • Line: @w9wellness
  • Opening-closing hours: 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.
• Ploenchit Center branch
  • Phone number: 099-4969626
  • Line: @wploenchit
  • Opening-closing hours: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

References

• http://lib3.dss.go.th/fulltext/dss_j/2555_189_60_p13-15.pdf
• https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JRTAN/article/download/31311/26909/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.stkc.go.th/sites/default/files/ebook/1617349182.pdf