What Happens If You Skip A Probiotic For A Few Days?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that are found in the GI tract (via Healthline). Specifically, they work by helping you replace good bacteria in your body and keeping the levels of bacteria balanced. While most supplements are essential for people who eat a well-balanced diet, a probiotic supplement can be beneficial for some. "No one eats perfectly all the time: eating fermented foods, fiber, prebiotic foods, vegetables, and fruits," integrative physician Bindiya Gandhi, MD, told Mindbodygreen. "That's why I highly recommend everyone of all ages take a daily probiotic for generalized overall health."
If you are taking a probiotic supplement, you may be wondering if there will be ill side effects if you accidentally or intentionally skip a dose. According to Mindbodygreen, skipping a few days between taking probiotics shouldn't cause any major harm. However, you will get the most benefits from a probiotic by taking it every day. You can also get the same benefits by eating probiotic-rich foods like kimchi and yogurt.
Other vitamins that can aid with gut health
Probiotics aren't the only supplements that can aid gut health. According to Everyday Health, B vitamins are beneficial for your gut along with helping your body form red blood cells. Vitamin B1 is responsible for regulating appetite, vitamin B3 helps your body break down carbs and fats, and vitamin B6 helps your body process protein. Additionally, biotin aids with the production of cholesterol and vitamin B12 helps the gut process folic acid and carbs. All of these functions are essential for digestion and gut health.
Other vitamins that can keep your gut happy include vitamin C and vitamin D. Vitamin C helps keep the immune system healthy and aids in the absorption of iron in the stomach. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and also keeps your immune system healthy. People with low levels of vitamin D have been shown to have a higher risk of developing colon cancer, Chrohn's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. You should be able to get all of these vitamins in your system by eating a well-balanced diet made up of whole foods.