How Long Does It Actually Take For Your Probiotic To Start Working? 

With promises of supporting digestion, mood, and immune function, probiotics have become one of the most popular supplements on the market. But how long do you have to take them before you see the benefits? We looked into the research and tapped into some experts to find out.

Aside from supporting your gut health and alleviating gas and bloat, probiotics have also been linked to a myriad of science-backed health benefits, including a healthy immune system, weight management, skin health, and mood. (Learn about how probiotics benefit men specifically here. )

Researchers have looked at the timeline for several common conditions that probiotics are known to support and found some similarities (and some differences, too).

Another study of 60 participants with an H. pylori infection found that symptoms of antibiotic-related diarrhea and nausea improved within 14 days.

Researchers from another study3 gave 47 participants a similar probiotic-rich drink and found that while there were slight improvements initially, the most significant improvements didn't happen until week four.

It is important to note that probiotics can sometimes cause bloat, so if you're having that issue, consider the strain and timing carefully with your healthcare provider.

While a 24-week study of combined probiotic supplements with a reduced-calorie diet6 saw similar benefits for weight loss and maintenance.

RELATED: Probiotics Side Effects: 7 Things You May Experience

Of course, this list doesn't contain all of the woes that probiotics can help, but it can give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to timeline:

Even if you're not seeing changes in symptoms right away, the probiotics may be doing their job behind the scenes, so don't give up too quickly. A unhealthy gut, chronic stress, a poor diet, and frequent antibiotic use can increase the amount of time it takes for a probiotic to exert it's full effect.

But sometimes, a probiotic may not work. Here are the top culprits for when that happens.

There are a number of things you can do to help make your probiotic work better and more efficiently:

For specific suggestions, check out our probiotic roundup, or our probiotics for men article.

"Look for a dairy-free probiotic supplement that contains at least 15 billion CFUs each of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains (a total of 30 billion CFUs) guaranteed by the manufacturer through the expiration date," says gut health expert Vincent M. Pedre, M.D.

If they're not stored properly—some require refrigeration—it can reduce their viability and effectiveness. Make sure to keep them cold if they're not shelf-stable, and always check the expiration date.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and fermented foods, which are naturally rich in probiotics. Here's a gut-friendly grocery list to lead you in the right direction.

If you're experiencing chronic stress, then figure out ways to manage your stress levels and get your system back into balance. Yoga, meditation, journaling, and taking a vacation are all good places to start.

Probiotics are susceptible to harsh conditions, and stomach acid can kill them before they make it to your small intestine. In general, it's best to take probiotics on an empty stomach, when stomach acid is lower.

Bulsiewicz recommends avoiding unnecessary use by always asking if the medication is necessary and if there are other safe options to explore first.

If you've been taking your probiotics for a while and you're still not seeing results, make sure you're choosing the right probiotic with strains targeted to your specific condition, check that they're not expired, and make sure that you're storing them according to the manufacturer's instructions.