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Probiotic pills are supplements containing various kinds of microbes that are beneficial to health, especially for the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Have an investigation, the performance of probiotic pills is affected by the time when you take this supplement. So, when is the right time to take probiotic pills so that the benefits are more optimal?
The benefits of taking probiotic pills and their types
The intestine is a home to a wide variety of bacteria. Sometimes, the balance of bacteria in the gut can be disturbed by diet, drug consumption, or disease. This condition can cause digestive problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and so on.
Probiotics work to restore the balance of bacteria in your intestines. The various microbes in it also help the process of digestion of food, support the function of the immune system, and prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria.
In addition, certain bacteria in probiotics can also reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. When done regularly, taking probiotic pills is believed to help lower blood pressure so that it is beneficial for heart health.
Each probiotic supplement may provide different benefits, depending on the type of microbes in it. In general, the types of probiotic supplements can be divided into the following groups:
- Lactobacillus . These probiotics can usually treat diarrhea and help people who cannot digest the lactose in milk (lactose intolerance).
- Bifidobacterium . Found in many dairy products, these bacteria are useful for relieving symptoms irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Saccharomyces boulardii . This yeast fungus is useful for treating diarrhea and various digestive problems.
The best time to take probiotic pills
The yeast bacteria and yeast found in probiotic pills can provide great health benefits. However, these microbes must be able to survive in order to provide these benefits.
The problem with consuming probiotics is that the microbes in them do not last long in the intestine and will leave the body when you defecate. Most bacteria can also die from exposure to strong stomach acids.
If probiotics cannot survive properly in the body, the benefits will not be felt optimally. One way of overcoming this obstacle is to take probiotic pills at certain times to make them last longer.
The best time to take probiotic pills is before bed. This is because during your sleep, the stomach is not very active in producing acid. In this way, there will be more probiotic bacteria that survive in the digestive tract.
In addition, most people also do not defecate at night because the intestines do not move much. This allows the probiotics to last longer, break down, and eventually become part of your intestines.
However, that doesn't mean you can't take probiotic pills during the day. A study in a journal Beneficial Microbes found that there is another ideal time to take probiotic pills, which is 30 minutes before eating.
During this period, stomach acid production is low so the probiotic bacteria can survive a long time in the digestive tract. Taking probiotics after meals actually reduces their potency because the stomach is actively digesting food.
Whichever time you choose, the most important thing is to take the supplements as directed. Limit consumption if you experience side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, or excessive bloating.
Talk to your doctor before you take probiotic pills of any kind or form. The reason is, one type of probiotic that is suitable for other people may have different effects on your body.
