Not only are probiotics beneficial for overall gut health, but they may also improve your stress response1, contribute to healthier skin2, and even support healthy cholesterol levels3.* Probiotics also play a role in your metabolism. Robert Rountree, M.D., a renowned integrative physician, explains that certain bacteria are better at extracting nutrients and energy from foods than others. That means if you have more of these bacteria in your gut, you may find it easier to maintain a healthy weight4.* (You can read more about the range of benefits here.) As a general rule, initial unpleasant side effects typically go away within the first two weeks, when your gut microbiome starts to reach its new state of balance. Many people start experiencing gut support benefits as soon as two days after taking probiotics, but it really depends on how imbalanced your gut is to start and which strains you’re taking.* If you don’t see unpleasant side effects start to diminish in the first couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor and make sure there isn’t something else going on underneath the surface. For example, if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the side effects may be more intense and long-lasting. As for the fringe benefits—like less bloating and more regular elimination—those should stick around for the long haul.* She has written twelve books and has had more than 2,000 articles published across various websites. Lindsay currently works full time as a freelance health writer. She truly believes that you can transform your life through food, proper mindset and shared experiences. That’s why it’s her goal to educate others, while also being open and vulnerable to create real connections with her clients and readers.
