Wondering if you should take probiotics daily?

The risks and benefits aren’t the same for everyone.

Find out if you really need a probiotic.

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If youve ever surveyed the back of a Greek yogurt container and seen italicized gibberish, likeL.

Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus,andL.

Acidophilus,youve encountered probiotics.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

Its enough to make anyone wonder: Should you take probiotics, too?

And understandably, people have a lot of questions about probiotics and whether they should try them, too.

What do probiotics do?

Young woman mixing ice coffee

Generally speaking, probiotics can help support ahealthy digestion and immune system while cutting back on inflammation.

How does that work, exactly?

Well, your body houses trillions of microbes, with the overwhelming majority hanging out in your colon.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

Some of those bacteria are beneficial (like probiotics), and some of those bacteria are bad.

Do you really need a probiotic?

Ingesting probiotics is good for your gut and, by extension, your general health.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

For starters, you have to be willing to take them daily to see any kind of benefit.

Like medications, most need to be taken continuously in order for them to keep working.

Who should take probiotics?

red pigment in a wooden spoon

In general, most healthy adults shouldnt feel the need to take probiotics.

But taking a probiotic supplement isnt the very first recommendation I make for those with IBS.

(Because remember, gut health is super individualized!)

Doing somay help prevent side effects of the meds9.

Instead, I suggest saving your money and instead getting consistent with these gut-friendly habits:

1. are outstanding sources of nutrients.

All three can seriously compromise gut health when consumed in excess.

Getting adequate and high-quality sleep and managing stress are also critical thanks to the oh-so-powerfulgut-brain connection.

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