How long does it take for probiotics to work when your stomach hurts or you’re suffering from digestive problems? It varies from person to person and may also depend on the condition you want to treat.
Probiotics are bacteria that break down food and help it digest better. Sometimes poor diet, infection or health disorders kill off too many beneficial bacteria and digestive discomfort results. Probiotics can also help with skin conditions, allergies and even cholesterol levels,
according to WebMD.
ALERT: Weird Gut Bacteria Linked to Digestion, Heart, Obesity, Brain Problems
If you take probiotics preventatively, you may not need to worry about how long they will take to work because you may never have a problem in the first place,
says the National Institutes of Health.
If you are having a problem that leads you to take probiotics, they should start working within a few days, and definitely within a couple of weeks,
according to GutSpace.
Probiotics are living organisms that reproduce, so it’s important to be careful not to overdo it, since too many can be just as uncomfortable as too few.
Most probiotics double in about three hours, so relief can actually be quite fast; however, repeated doses are often necessary to keep problems from coming back.
SPECIAL: Doctor: You Can Stop Digestion Woes, Heartburn, Gas, Constipation, More
For long-term or strong infections, one dose will probably not be sufficient to stop the problem permanently. Most experts agree that the best way to use probiotics is preventatively by taking them on a daily basis either on an empty stomach or with food.
Our bodies are home to more than 3,000 strains of
probiotics, according to Prevention. Some research may be necessary to find a strain that will be effective for the condition you want to treat.
Taking a few weeks to vary dosages and give the probiotics time to work before switching to another strain may be wise, with another course of action being to switch if discomfort doesn’t subside after a few days.
Doctor: Not All Probiotics Are the Same, Some Are Dangerous! Read More Here
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.