Hey IBS,There are different schools of thought on this. But what I've read and tend to agree with is that probiotics are best taken with food, because the stomach acid is diluted/not as strong when mixed with food.It takes at least a month sometimes to see a difference with probiotics. That said, culturelle evoked no symptomatic relief when I tried it some time ago.Have you tried the probiotic Digestive Advantage IBS? I saw BIG differences with that (& iFlora awhile back) though I take Kyo Dophilus now alongwith the DA IBS because its human strain. Others have reported good changes with Metagenics brands probiotics as well as Jarro Dophilus, and Jarrow's Healthy Trinity.I take my fiber mixed with water(2 T metamucil)before my breakfast protein shake, and then again before dinner. I take probiotics after each meal.Just what I do. You may need to experiemnt before you hit on what's right for you. And give it time. Also remember if taking a new probiotic, it may cause more gas or diarrhea the first week or so due to "die off", but its good, not bad. Shows that its working and making some changes in your intestines.Take good care, T-