The short answer: Neither morning nor bedtime has been proven to work better; consistency is far more important than the exact hour. Choose a time you'll remember every day, and follow the directions on your probiotic's label about food.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Morning or night? | Either. Pick the time you'll stick to. |
| With or without food? | Follow the label. Dr. Ohhira's is best on an empty stomach. |
| How often? | Every day. Dr. Ohhira's: 1 capsule twice a day. |
| With antibiotics? | Take it a few hours apart from the antibiotic. |
| How long until I notice a difference? | Usually a few weeks of daily use. |
Is it better to take probiotics in the morning or at night?
It's one of the most common questions about probiotics, and there's no single right answer. Neither morning nor bedtime has been proven to work better; consistency is far more important than the exact hour.
Probiotics work while you keep taking them, so the best time is the one that fits your routine:
- Morning suits people who already take supplements with their morning routine. Taking it before breakfast can make it part of the start of your day.
- Night suits people with busy mornings. Taking it before bed, a while after your evening meal, can be easier to remember.
Should you take probiotics with or without food?
This depends on the product, so always follow the label. Some probiotics are designed to be taken with a meal. Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics are best taken on an empty stomach: 1 hour before a meal or 1.5 hours after.
How to take Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics
- Take 1 capsule twice a day on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 1.5 hours after a meal.
- Many people take one before breakfast and one before bed.
- If your gut is sensitive, start with one capsule a day and build up.
- Because they're blister-packed and shelf-stable, you can keep them by the kettle, in your bag or on your bedside table, wherever you'll see them.
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Tips to make it a habit
- Link it to something you already do, such as brushing your teeth or making your first coffee.
- Keep it where you'll see it. Shelf-stable probiotics don't need to be hidden in the fridge.
- Set a reminder on your phone for the first few weeks.
- Pack it when you travel. Routine changes are when doses get missed.
- Don't double up if you miss a dose. Just take your next one as normal.
Taking probiotics with antibiotics
Take your probiotic a few hours before or after your antibiotic so the antibiotic doesn't affect the live bacteria, and carry on for a while after the course finishes. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
How long do probiotics take to work?
Some people notice changes in digestion within a few days, but most need a few weeks of daily use. Read more in how long it takes for probiotics to work.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics fact sheet for consumers.
- NCCIH. Probiotics: what you need to know.
This article is for information only and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
