Since you’re here trying to find information on how to know if your probiotic supplement is working, you’ve in all likelihood embarked upon a probiotic treatment journey.

Now, since you and your doctor agreed on this, there must have been some health conditions you wanted to take care of or some health improvement you wanted to enjoy.

And the answer to your question lies in this very sentence: the health conditions you’ve targeted to improve. Have you noticed any betterment?

If yes, it means those tiny microorganisms have done their job. Stay tuned to find out more on the signs of a successful probiotic treatment.

Probiotics – brief description

Our body is home to trillions of microorganisms. Some of them are good, friendly and they go by the name of probiotic while some of them are harmful and should be kept at low levels.

The balance and composition of the good and bad bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract affect everything from immunity to nutrient assimilation.

Research studies have linked a strong digestive health with a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria (the ideal percentage would be 85% of friendly bacteria and 15% of bad bacteria).

The lack of such a balance can be caused by the use of antibiotics if you have sugar or alcohol, and that’s just to name a few.

When your gut microflora is disturbed, various health conditions among which candida, digestive distress, immune dysfunction, skin issues or even mood conditions like depression may occur and here’s where probiotic supplements come into sight.

They’re not enough to get your health back on track, though. Diet and lifestyle changes are required as well. Together, they will work in concert to support your gut health and the overall balance in your body.

You know your probiotic’s mission is complete when you notice the following:

• Your symptoms worsen for a short period of time

Although it might sound wrong, actually certain health conditions worsen when you start to take a probiotic supplement. If you’re taking them because you suffer from chronic diarrhea, skin outbreaks or other acute conditions, your symptoms will first worsen.

Therefore, if you start noticing that shortly after your use of probiotics, symptoms such as gas, bloating, rashes and acne occur, you should know that probiotics have taken their role seriously and are recolonizing your gut.

Still, if symptoms like the ones mentioned above last for more than 14 days, you should see your doctor. The strain of probiotic you use might not be the right one for your health condition.

• Infections vanish away and immunity grows stronger

If yeast infections, chronic urinary tract infections, and athlete’s foot are the conditions that called for a probiotic treatment, you should notice improvements after beginning to take a probiotic supplement.

Fewer infections mean your body is more capable of fighting viruses and other harmful organisms. This further means that probiotics are effective and by doing their work they also improve your immunity.

The greatest part of our immune system is located in our gut. Therefore, when there’s a lack of balance between good and bad bacteria, your immune system will be affected as well. When your no. 1 shield against harmful microorganisms, viruses, and diseases weakens, all sorts of health conditions occur.

According to a research published in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in February 2001, probiotic supplementation has appeared to control the immune system through the mediation of inflammation.

Moreover, a review was published in the “Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology” in December 2008, saying that probiotic supplements help reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Now, other signs that your probiotic supplement is working are given by a decrease in the frequency of flu and colds, a reduction in seasonal allergies as well as an improvement of atopic disorders like asthma.

• It’s crystal clear that your probiotics are working if…

• Better assimilation of nutrients like minerals and vitamins which will translate into higher levels of energy;
• Regular bowel movements (especially if you had bowel issues like IBS or the irritable bowel syndrome);
• Reduction in gas and bloating;
• Relief from constipation and diarrhea;
• Improved digestion;
• Reduction of lactose intolerance;
• Lower cholesterol levels;
• Reduction in the frequency of vaginal infections;
• Reduction of allergies and skin rashes;
• Better mood and higher levels of energy;
• Less body odor.

When probiotics don’t work…

Obviously, you should see your doctor. In case you see no improvements in your condition or your health issues worsen after two weeks of taking a probiotic supplement, make sure you see your healthcare provider.

You might not take a beneficial dose of the right strain of probiotic. See your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reaction, you have problems breathing or you get itching hives.

The importance of seeing your doctor before embarking upon a self-administered and self-chosen supplement treatment becomes even greater when you’re taking certain medications. The effects of some drugs can change if you take other medications or herbal products at the same time.

This can lead to side effects or may diminish the effectiveness of the drugs you take. Even if drug interactions do not always occur, there are times when they do and paying attention to what you take is of utmost importance in avoiding them.

Last but not least…

When it comes to your health as well as your intestinal microflora, you should also be careful with your diet. It’s not enough to take a probiotic. If you take a probiotic supplement yet you eat unhealthy food, the results you hope for might not occur.

See your dietitian for a custom-made probiotic-rich diet and make the necessary adjustments regarding your lifestyle.

The foods rich in probiotics include kefir, lassi (an Indian yogurt), yogurt, natto, sauerkraut, Tempeh (like thick veggie burgers, tempeh is produced using cooked matured soybeans), raw vegetables.

Consumed on a regular basis, probiotic supplements and foods like the ones mentioned above contribute to one’s overall wellbeing.