Do You Need To Take A Probiotic Every Day To Get The Benefits?

There are plenty of areas in life that benefit from consistency, but sometimes throwing caution to the wind brings its own set of joys. Prioritizing your gut microbiome may seem less exciting than most other plans, but it is critical for physical and mental well-being. So, when it comes to taking probiotics, which way should you lean: scheduled or spontaneous?

Everybody's gut microbiome is unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all probiotic plan. However, integrative medicine doctor Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., recommends taking probiotic supplements daily to get the maximum benefits.*  

"Remember, stopping and starting probiotics changes your microbiome," she says. "If the goal is to have a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract and overall immune system, you want to make sure you're constantly taking good-quality probiotics."* 

Probiotic supplements can have many functions. Diversifying the gut microbial landscape is a big one, Gandhi says, which helps to maintain balance in the gut microbiome.*

While promoting gut health is one obvious benefit, research has also shown certain strains of probiotics can help reduce bloat, aid proper nutrient absorption, promote regularity, and support a healthy weight.*

As for probiotic foods, "Ideally we should always be eating probiotic-rich, fermented food daily," Gandhi says, "but even more so if you are not taking a supplement." These foods introduce multiple new strains of good bacteria to the gut, diversifying the microbiome, she explains.

One way to get gut-friendly benefits, while also extending the life span of seasonal produce, is to preserve vegetables. "Making and eating traditional foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, natto, kombucha, and beet kvass is a delicious and fun way to optimize your gut health and strengthen immunity," registered dietitian Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, says.