Question 1

is better to take probiotics with food or at empty stomach?

Accepted Answer

Experiment with both: Apart from certain probiotics such as saccharomyces boulardii,  in clinical testing, most probiotics are inconsistent in their effectiveness in restoring normal intestinal flora functioning. Though pre-meal dosing may work in some people, a post-mealtime dose may work on others.  In most cases, it doesn't harm the patient-  but is it worth the extra health resource dollars? That'is debatable.

Question 2

should probiotics be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal? the bottle reads with a meal, the health store owner says empty stomach.

Accepted Answer

Directions: It probably isn't crucial when you take probiotics, but when in doubt follow the directions on the bottle.

Question 3

should probiotic taken on empty stomach or after meal for best result?

Accepted Answer

Not entirely clear.: Your question is a good one.  Most manufacturers of probiotics simply direct you to take one tablet daily.  Others state it should be taken at the start of a meal. In my practice, I have patients take it with food as I see less gastrointestinal symptoms.

Question 4

does it make sense to take acid blockers and probiotics  together to ease stomach burning and digestion?

Accepted Answer

Yes the: Probiotics replenish the colon to help it digest better and the acid blocker works in the stomach to stop the burning

Question 5

can kids on stimulants take probiotics for stomach aches?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Generally, there is no problem using probiotics when taking stimulants. However, if the probiotics acidify the stomach (like citrus does) then the medication may not work as well.

Question 6

i am lactose intollerantand have acidity problem, can i take probiotic lactobacilus when i have upset stomach ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: ...Probiotics work better to prevent upset stomach than they do at treating it.

Question 7

sometimes have lower right stomach discomfort. also cough up white smelly ball. will probiotic work as pcp says to take one daily?

Accepted Answer

Won't hurt but...: Causes of recurrent abdominal discomfort as described may be identified by first addressing signs/symptoms so as to localize the organ involved: in women: vaginal discharge or bleeding, alteration in periods, pregnancy risk? Fever, nausea, vomiting, altered stool pattern, blood with stool, tenderness, distension? Painful urination, blood in urine? Recent trauma, herniation? Stressors? Other risks?

Question 8

just had big dental surgery and  finished 7 days of amoxicillin. may it be wise to take probiotics to increase good bacteria for an unsettled stomach?

Accepted Answer

Yes to Probiotics: "pro"-biotics put good organisms into your gut (unlike "anti"-biotics which kill bacteria) &amp; include: lactobacillus, acidophilus, bifidobacter, sachromyces boulardes, to name a few.  Most are available over-the-counter &amp; need to be taken daily to maintain the probiotic organism population.  Benefits include: less gas, regulated bowels, prevent infections, improve digestion, decrease inflammation.

Question 9

i have had stomach issues for awhile but recently it has been so hard to deal with. i got diagnosed with ibs, eat healthy, and take probiotics but nothing seems to work, any ideas?? gi specialist in two weeks because the stomach pills dont work?

Accepted Answer

: Lay people often use the term stomach instead abdomen or tummy for bowel problem. You indicated you have taken stomach pills so I wonder what those are. IBS is mainly a problem of lower GI tract not upper part, i.e. stomach and esophagus. If your stomach pills are indeed for stomach (gastric) problem, those do not have any effect on sx of IBS. Please patiently wait for the GI consult.

Question 10

no bm in 8 days. take daily probiotics, stool softeners, & miralax (polyethylene glycol). stomach looks large and in some pain. what should i do? have appt w gi dr this wk.

Accepted Answer

GI good idea: It sounds like you are doing all the things that you should on your part.  You may could ask your gi, if apt not until later in week, if they would be ok with you trying a fleet enema, (sodium bisphosphate) but with colitis (depending on the type), you really should have that discussion with your GI doc....Sooner than later.

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Doctor answers about:

Should you take probiotics on an empty stomach

A member asked:

Is better to take probiotics with food or at empty stomach?

A member asked:

Should probiotics be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal? the bottle reads with a meal, the health store owner says empty stomach.

A member asked:

Should probiotic taken on empty stomach or after meal for best result?

A member asked:

Does it make sense to take acid blockers and probiotics together to ease stomach burning and digestion?

A member asked:

Can kids on stimulants take probiotics for stomach aches?

A member asked:

I am lactose intollerantand have acidity problem, can i take probiotic lactobacilus when i have upset stomach ?

A member asked:

Sometimes have lower right stomach discomfort. also cough up white smelly ball. will probiotic work as pcp says to take one daily?

A member asked:

Just had big dental surgery and finished 7 days of amoxicillin. may it be wise to take probiotics to increase good bacteria for an unsettled stomach?

A member asked:

I have had stomach issues for awhile but recently it has been so hard to deal with. i got diagnosed with ibs, eat healthy, and take probiotics but nothing seems to work, any ideas?? gi specialist in two weeks because the stomach pills dont work?

A member asked:

No bm in 8 days. take daily probiotics, stool softeners, & miralax (polyethylene glycol). stomach looks large and in some pain. what should i do? have appt w gi dr this wk.

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