Why Probiotics Might Not Be Helping Your Gut (Yet)
And what to do instead to actually feel better
Probiotics have become the darling of the wellness world. They’re often marketed as a cure-all for everything from bloating to brain fog.
And while they can be incredibly helpful, they’re not magic.
If your gut is already out of balance, adding probiotics on top might not help. In some cases, it can actually make things worse.
Think of your gut like a garden
Before planting anything, the soil needs to be ready.
You wouldn’t throw heirloom seeds into dry, compacted dirt full of weeds and expect them to flourish. First, you’d clear out what doesn’t belong. You’d loosen the soil, check its health, and create the right conditions for new life to take hold.
Probiotics are like those fancy seeds. If the environment in your gut isn’t prepared, beneficial bacteria won’t thrive.
An inflamed or imbalanced gut, or one crowded with unhelpful microbes, can make it harder for the good bugs to settle in and do their job. Sometimes, introducing probiotics too early can lead to more discomfort.
That doesn’t mean probiotics are bad.
It just means the order matters.
This is why I start by making sure your gut is ready to receive support. That might involve clearing out what’s disrupting balance, supporting digestion, calming inflammation, and then introducing the right probiotics for your body.
If you’ve tried probiotics and felt worse, or didn’t feel anything at all, it doesn’t mean your gut is beyond help. It might just need some tending first.
Simple ways to support your gut right now
You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine to feel better. Here are a few gentle shifts that can make a big difference:
Chew your food well. Digestion starts in your mouth. Eating quickly or distracted can overwhelm your gut.
Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods. Think colorful vegetables, leafy greens, and seeds. These feed the helpful bacteria already living in your gut.
Hold off on probiotics if your gut feels off. Bloating, gas, or irregularity might be signs your body needs a reset first.
Pay attention to how you feel. If something makes you feel worse, even if it’s labeled as “healthy,” your body might be asking for a different approach.
Gut health isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about doing the right things, in the right order, with the right support.
Your body knows how to heal. The key is to stop pushing through discomfort and start listening to what it needs.
Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice?
You’re not alone. Join my email list for grounded, practical support you can trust. You’ll get insights for your gut, your hormones, and the season of life you’re in.