The popularity of probiotics has skyrocketed in recent years as we become more aware of the connection between our gut health and overall wellbeing. However, increased interest has also led to confusion – and even misinformation – around the benefits and use of probiotics. Here, we debunk some common myths about probiotics to help you make more informed decisions about your gut health.
Myths about gut health and consumption
One of the prevailing misconceptions about probiotics is that they will provide instant relief for gut issues. While probiotics and postbiotics can support for overall digestive health, the gut microbiome is a complex system and their benefits may take time to actualise. In fact, it may take several weeks or even months to see clear results from adding probiotics to your diet.
Another myth surrounds the number of CFUs (colony-forming units) needed per day. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all figure. For example, while some studies suggest 10–20 billion CFUs per day for adults is sufficient, it will ultimately depend on a variety of factors including your age, sex and specific health concerns. Most probiotic supplements contain between 1–10 billion CFUs per serving, which is generally considered an effective range.
Myths about timing your probiotics intake
What about intake – must probiotics be taken daily to be effective? While it is generally recommended to take probiotics regularly, don’t worry if you forget and end up skipping a day or two, especially if you are already maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
When it comes to timing, the best time to take probiotics depends on what type you are using. As Meluka’s Probiotic Concentrates are bio-fermented and contain highly bioavailable probiotic strains, they can be taken at any time of the day. The most important consideration is to take probiotics at the same time each day, every day to fully experience the benefits.
There is also a common misconception that you need to wait to eat or drink after taking probiotics. While it is a good idea to avoid acidic food or drink immediately after taking probiotics, you don’t need to wait a specific amount of time before eating or drinking. In fact, consuming probiotics with food may actually improve their survival and effectiveness.
One final tip around adding probiotics to your regimen: it’s a good idea to include a range of probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt, kefir, miso and fermented vegetables to your usual routine of consuming probiotic supplements. These foods contain probiotics naturally and are easy to incorporate into your weekly meal planning. In addition, you can easily mix Meluka’s Gut Nutrition Powders into your food for an added health boost.
Myths about health and safety
So what about taking more than one probiotic product at a time? While it is generally safe to do so, it’s more important to pay close attention to the specific strains that will benefit your individual needs. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum have been well-researched for bloating.
Then there’s the question of storage. Not all probiotics need to be refrigerated, as some strains are more resilient and may remain uncompromised when stored at room temperature. Meluka’s range of probiotic drinks, for example, are bio-fermented and are therefore shelf-stable until opened. It’s a good idea to always check the label to ensure you are correctly storing your probiotics.
With so many options on the market, choosing the most appropriate probiotic for your individual needs can be confusing. Meluka's probiotic range contains diverse and beneficial bacteria, and every product has been rigorously tested for quality.
Probiotics can be a valuable tool for supporting your gut health and overall wellbeing, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction about probiotic intake, timing and storage. As well as adding probiotic-rich foods into your diet, you can take advantage of Meluka's diverse range of probiotics.
Explore the wide range of Meluka products at our online store, and get healthy ideas at our blog for ongoing health and wellness.