Eli5: If we are to assume that probiotics survive and thrive in our bodies, why is it necessary to take them indefinitely? Shouldn’t we be able to establish a self-sustaining colony?

Question

Eli5: If we are to assume that probiotics survive and thrive in our bodies, why is it necessary to take them indefinitely? Shouldn’t we be able to establish a self-sustaining colony?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Probiotic are used in general to “replenish” your good gut bacteria when something reduces your natural population. This may be anything from illness, diarrhea, antibiotics, bad eating habits…

Yes, they should be able to establish a self-sustaining colony if the conditions that killed your resident bacteria stop. In general you are supposed to take them to help your resident bacteria until the problem goes away