Who should take a probiotic?

The long and the short answer: Everyone, at any age, depending on what’s going on in their lives or body. Even when you’re feeling at the top of your game, it can be beneficial to take a probiotic, especially if you struggle with any of the things probiotics can help with. People on a special diet, like being gluten-free, can mean you’re missing out on some of the microorganisms—such as yeast—your gut craves, says Svetlana Kogan, M.D. and author of Diet Slave No More!. It’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about your goals while taking a probiotic, says Dr. Kogan, since most experts believe you shouldn’t be on them forever. “I recommend them only as a temporary intervention, together with healthy diet and lifestyle changes,” she explains. “This leads to a permanent healthy outcome, at which point the patient does not need to take anything anymore,” she explains. One time you should absolutely take probiotics?