
6 Ways to CONFIRM Your Probiotic Is Working
You take a probiotic because you’ve heard about its many benefits.
But if you find yourself wondering if they’re ACTUALLY working, you’re in good company. In fact, it’s a question I get asked a lot.
And I’ve got answers.
One of the advantages of mainstream drugs is that they tend to work right away. So you often get to see (and feel) some concrete results fairly quickly.
But natural medicine typically works more gradually, and the results can be subtler.
6 Signs Your Probiotic Is Working
Following are six signs your probiotic IS doing its job:
- Improved digestion: Okay, I’ll admit this one is a bit obvious. But it’s still the best place to start. Be on the lookout for less bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. If your digestion has improved overall, then it’s a safe bet your probiotic is working for you.
- Better brain function: There’s a strong connection between your brain and your gastrointestinal (G.I.) system. When you get your gut in order, your brain tends to function better. A probiotic can improve attention span, memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
- Improved mood: The gut-brain connection is so strong that improving your G.I. health can boost your mood. It’s estimated that 95 percent of serotonin (the “happiness” hormone) is produced in the gut. So when your belly is happy, you’re happy too.
- Better sleep: A satisfied brain and smoothly functioning gut often leads to improved sleep.
- More energy: Healthy digestion is more efficient. And an efficiently running gut means more overall energy.
- Clearer skin: Gut imbalances often trigger skin problems, including acne, rosacea, and eczema. As the probiotic improves digestion, skin problems may fade or disappear altogether.
If you’ve been taking a probiotic for several weeks and haven’t noticed ANY of these improvements, it’s a good idea to try a different one. You may be taking a lower-quality supplement. Or it simply may not contain the strains you need the most.
P.S. Picking out a probiotic can be confusing. Check out my earlier report, “Probiotics 101: How to pick the right supplement.”

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...