Answers
Do probiotics help, and should I take them?
Short answer
Probiotics are live helpful bacteria in capsules, sachets or foods such as curd. They may help prevent loose motions during antibiotics and may ease symptoms in some people with IBS. For most healthy people, they are not needed. Different products contain different bacteria, and the benefit of one does not apply to all.
Where they may help
- Preventing loose motions linked to antibiotics
- Some people with IBS, especially bloating; try one product for 4 to 12 weeks and stop if there is no benefit
- Some types of infectious diarrhoea in children, as advised by a doctor
Where they are not proven
- As a daily 'gut tonic' for healthy people
- Treating acidity, fatty liver or constipation on their own
- Replacing proper treatment for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or infections
Food first
Home-set curd, chaas, idli and dosa batter, kanji and other fermented foods are part of a healthy gut diet. Fibre from vegetables, fruits, dal and whole grains feeds the helpful bacteria already in the gut (prebiotics). This matters more than any capsule.
Safety
Probiotics are safe for most people. They should be avoided, unless a doctor advises them, in people who are very ill in hospital, have very low immunity, or have severe pancreatitis. Choose products from reliable makers that list the exact bacteria and amount.
Foods that support gut bacteria
Eat more
- Home-set curd and chaas
- Fermented foods: idli, dosa, dhokla, kanji
- Fibre: vegetables, fruits, dal, millets and whole grains
Cut down
- Ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks
- Unnecessary antibiotics, which disturb gut bacteria
- Spending on many probiotic products at once
Good to know
- The benefit depends on the exact bacteria; one product's results do not apply to others.
- If a probiotic has not helped within 4 to 12 weeks, stop it.
Common questions
Is curd a probiotic?
Home-set curd contains live bacteria and is a healthy food. Whether a particular curd has specific proven benefits depends on the bacteria in it.
Should I take probiotics with antibiotics?
Some may reduce antibiotic-related loose motions. Ask your doctor; take them a couple of hours apart from the antibiotic.
Can probiotics be harmful?
For most people they are safe. People who are very ill, have very low immunity or have severe pancreatitis should avoid them unless a doctor advises.