I always take them after a course of antibiotics, but think they are great to take anytime. There are also some foods that have probiotic benefits....sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir and kim chee, for starters! That four hour body guy recommends a couple of tablespoons of sauerkraut in the am to kick start digestion for weight loss. Not sure I am up to that , but I do love sauerkraut!