I recommend storing your Flourish in the fridge. Refrigeration is recommended but not required. Cooler temperatures slow the metabolism of the bacteria and increase longevity. Flourish does not expire! The date on the bottom of the bottle is the “best if used by”, when Flourish will be most potent. Beyond this date, the potency (measured by colony forming units [CFUs]) will decrease. Additionally, all the good bacterial byproducts are present after this date.

Both Flourish Original and Flourish Junior can be taken by everyone at any age!
Recommended DAILY dosing is as follows:
Adults: 15 ml (1 tablespoon).
Children [ages 5-12]: 5ml to 7.5ml (1 to 1.5 teaspoon)
Children [ages 1-5]: 1 ml per year of age
Infants: Always begin with drop dosing! Suggested use for those under 12 months old: 0-3 months use 0.25 ml daily; 3-6 months use 0.5 ml daily; 6-9 months use 0.75 ml daily; 9-12 months use 1 ml daily.

As a mama, I personally feel that gentle drop dosing of flourish liquid probiotics for babies, kiddos, and even adults is ideal when introducing this living, liquid probiotic. You can use a dropper and give them a drop, increasing each day by a drop. If you experience discomfort (explained below) you can move back down a drop and hold at that dose to allow the biome to balance until you want to try to increase again. Or just hold at that therapeutic dose! Follow your mama gut, literally. This is another benefit of a liquid probiotic: custom dosing! Dosing depends on each person’s unique gut health, gut history, nutritional habits, and individual tolerability. Message me for support!

Flourish can safely and effectively be consumed at any time of day. For optimal use, Flourish is best taken on an empty stomach when stomach acid is lower (higher pH). However, it can also be taken with food or after a meal.

Flourish may be mixed with smoothies, fruit juice, applesauce, yogurt, or milk. Do not cook probiotics or add to extremely hot liquids.

You may experience short-lived side effects as you introduce these good bacteria into your system. This suggests that the living probiotics are remodeling, detoxifying, and improving the gut environment.

Some common side effects may include: minor stomach discomfort, mild gas/bloating, changes in stool, rash, and acne. Assuming the side effect is relatively minor and doesn’t persist for more than 14 days, we should be celebrating these side effects as they are a good (and natural!) sign that the body is actively repopulating with good bacteria while combating bad bacteria. [Through this die-off process, endotoxin-like substances or lipoproteins can be released faster than the body can remove them, which in some can manifest in gas. This is often referred to as a detox reaction or Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. In addition, by adding probiotics, especially Flourish’s high potency of living beneficial bacteria, one is adding more bacteria cells into the body. The intestinal system may not be ready or accustomed to the extra bacterial numbers, so this in and of itself can cause bloating. Also, the good bacteria are wonderful digesters, so this “extra” digestion may lead to more gas/bloating.]

I have seen all of these die-off systems negated by the introduction of Flourish through drop dosing. This is why I advocate for drop dosing for new clients.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and give your body time to adjust! Some feel a difference within days, and others it may take a month or two to make progress. However, your health depends on it, and it will be worth the time and effort for improved immunity and digestive health. Always reach out in a direct message or email if you have questions. I’m here to assist in any way I can.