From yogurt and kefir to miso and pickles, many foods naturally contain probiotics\u2014microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast that may offer health benefits, including support for gut and immune health. But is there a best time to eat probiotics to reap their benefits? Here\u2019s what to know.\n<\/p>\n
While the benefits of probiotic foods have been well studied, there\u2019s little research on whether there\u2019s an ideal time of day to eat them. That may be because, \u201cas a general rule,\u201d consistency matters more than timing, said gastroenterologist Supriya Rao, MD<\/a>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \u201cProbiotic-rich foods work by regularly introducing beneficial bacteria into your gut, and that only happens when you\u2019re eating them often, not occasionally,\u201d Rao said. \u201cThink of probiotic foods as something you weave into your daily routine, not something you try to optimize by the hour.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Still, while the exact time of day might not matter, eating probiotic foods with other foods does. Adding probiotics to a meal may help buffer stomach acid<\/a>, which OSF Healthcare gastroenterologist Omar Khokar, MD<\/a>,\u00a0explained allows more of the beneficial bacteria to reach the small bowel, maximizing their effects.\u00a0The gut is where 70% of the immune system “camps out,” Khokar said, so “a healthier gut equals better nutrient absorption and fewer immune breakdowns.”\n<\/p>\n Timing may also matter if you take certain medications, such as antibiotics or acid-suppressing drugs. In those cases, Khokhar advised spacing probiotic foods and medications by about three hours to reduce the risk of interactions.\n<\/p>\n Beyond timing, one way to maximize the benefits of probiotic foods is to pair them with foods containing prebiotics<\/a>, the fiber that feeds live, beneficial bacteria, said Bradee Rojas, MS, RDN, CDCES<\/a>, program coordinator for metabolic and bariatric surgery at Inspira Health. Foods rich in prebiotics include asparagus, oats, apples, and garlic, she said.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n