How Long Does It Take For Probiotics to Work?

We all want to feel relief immediately. Unfortunately, even the most effective medicines require time to fully kick in; probiotics are no exception. You can’t expect instant digestive relief after consuming yogurt. The same is also true of probiotic supplements. How long does it take for probiotics to work? Search the web for the answer and you get a ballpark estimate ranging from minutes to weeks.

Factors That Determine How Long It Takes Probiotics To Work

We wish we could just say it takes X amount of time for probiotics to start working. However, too many variables are at play. It comes down to the type of strain and each strain’s generation time (more on this later).

Other factors include:

• The total colony-forming unit (CFU) count

• The types and quantity of food consumed with the probiotics

• The stomach’s pH level

• The amount, if any, of prebiotics in the stomach

Some probiotic supplements also use freeze-dried technology, which extends the life of the probiotics inside the capsule. While this is a definite plus, this puts the strains in a lyophilized state, or lag phase. This means it may take some time for the probiotics to “wake up” and begin germinating once ingested.

You can see now why we can’t just say it takes X minutes or Y hours to begin noticing changes.

Probiotic Generation Time

How long do probiotics take to work depends largely on the generation time of the strain you’re taking. So, what is all this talk about generation time? The term is defined as the time it takes for a bacterial strain to reproduce and double its numbers.

READ MORE: Probiotics for Weight Loss: Does Gut Bacteria Contribute to a Slimmer Waistline?

For probiotics to have a beneficial effect, it has to outnumber the foreign and pathogenic bacteria. This is why the generation time is such a relevant factor.

Two of the more common strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, both of which are present in Floracil50. These two are known for having a relatively short generation time, usually two to three hours once they enter the intestinal tracts. A short generation time is beneficial for digestion, especially of the foods you consumed the probiotics with, if any.

Another important point is that the generation time does not necessarily equate to the time it takes to see results. If you’ve been living a fairly unhealthy lifestyle, then your body may be teeming with foreign pathogens. In this instance, the bad bacteria may outnumber the probiotics even if the latter doubles their reproduction.

Even if the probiotics are working within hours, you may not notice results until days or weeks. In fact, even healthy folks shouldn’t expect noticeable results from a single serving of yogurt or probiotic supplement.

How To Speed Up The Effect Time Of Probiotics

How long does it take for probiotics to work? If you want results in as little time as possible, then we suggest following a few tips to expedite the effects.

First, we suggest seeing our post on when to take probiotics. The timing does influence bioavailability and how quickly you may feel relief. The best time is about 30-minutes before a meal, though this is by no means an ironclad rule.

We also recommend taking probiotics with vitamin C. It’s actually not unusual to see these two combined as a single supplement. Taking these together has been shown to help support a healthy upper respiratory tract.  

Another possibility is to consume apple cider vinegar, which in its unfiltered form contains probiotics of its own. Though highly acidic, ACV actually has an inverse effect on the stomach and creates a more alkaline environment. In other words, it raises the stomach pH level. A low pH level means high acidity, which can be detrimental for probiotics.

Finally, you should also consume prebiotics with probiotics. The former essentially acts as the food or fertilizer for good bacteria. Our zuACV has both ACV and prebiotic fibers to help nourish the good bacteria and help optimize their results.

Identify The Probiotic Strains

How quickly probiotics begin to support your well-being can depend on the specific strains included in your food or supplement. Different strains offer unique benefits. For instance, Bifidobacterium is well-known for supporting overall digestive health and maintaining a balanced gut environment. If your supplement or food source doesn’t include this strain, it may take longer to experience noticeable digestive support.

Similarly, Lactobacillus acidophilus is recognized for its role in supporting vaginal health. For individuals seeking probiotics to promote a healthy vaginal microbiome, it’s beneficial to choose products that include L. acidophilus to help achieve those wellness goals more effectively.

How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Start Working? Our Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether you’re taking Floracil50 or eating probiotic-rich foods, don’t expect instant results. Some people do notice a difference within an hour or two. However, the majority should have reasonable expectations and wait for several days. Rest assured, though, that the probiotics are hard at work as long as you’re consistent with the foods or supplementation.