Yogurt can be used at many times of the day, but eating it after meals can help the beneficial bacteria in yogurt have a better chance of survival when passing through the stomach. When there is food in the stomach, stomach acid is diluted, thereby creating more favorable conditions for lactic acid bacteria to continue to move down the intestines.
Yogurt can also be combined with fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains. Fiber can provide a source of nutrients for the gut microbiome, including beneficial bacteria. The combination of probiotics from yogurt and prebiotics from fiber-rich foods is believed to be beneficial for maintaining the balance of the gut microbiome.
However, eating yogurt on an empty stomach does not mean the loss of all nutritional value. Even if a part of lactic acid bacteria does not survive the digestive process, their components can still interact with the gut microbiota.
In addition, yogurt provides protein and some other nutrients, contributing to a feeling of fullness. For people who are controlling calories or weight, using an appropriate amount of yogurt before or during meals can help increase feelings of fullness and support controlling food consumption.
