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Signs You Are Taking Too Many Probiotics: 2 Gas
Gas and bloating often go hand in hand. The digestive process itself normally produces gas. The average person passes gas 13 to 21 times per day.
Gas in your GI tract comes from air that you swallow or by the break down of undigested foods by bacteria in your colon . Normally, as bacteria digest food in your gut, gas is released. Certain foods, particularly those high in fiber, cause more gas production than others.
Probiotic supplements essentially provide your gut with more of the good digestive bacteria. Overdosing on that bacteria can cause increased gas .
What Are The Pros
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“One benefit of probiotics is that they can help improve our immunity by providing a balance in the environment in our gut,” says Avena. “When a ‘bad’ bacteria hits us, our ‘good’ bacteria in the gut are better able to respond and ward off illness. Probiotics also can promote nutrient absorption and help to break down lactose . Also, prebiotics, which help feed the probiotics in our guts, are important to gut health. Prebiotin Prebiotic Fiber can stimulate good bacteria growth throughout the entire colon, thus optimizing the prebiotic benefits.”
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But lot of research still needs to be done on the reported benefits of probiotics, like its ability to help with digestive issues , vaginal or urinary tract infections, eczema in children, inflammation, and more. The NIH states that while there is still preliminary evidence on the benefits of probiotics, “We still don’t know which probiotics are helpful and which are not. We also don’t know how much of the probiotic people would have to take or who would most likely benefit from taking probiotics.”
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So What Are The Dangers Of Taking Probiotics
Probiotics are actually living organisms. Their function is to aid in digestion by competing with harmful bacteria for the nutrients necessary for maintaining a healthy intestinal tract.
In doing this, they kill off harmful bacteria while leaving friendly bacteria unharmed.
The problem happens when they are introduced into the body in large doses.
When this happens, the friendly bacteria are overtaken by the harmful bacteria, resulting in the Candida or yeast infection that occurs more often than you might imagine.
Probiotics may also help relieve other conditions and can boost your immune system. However, since they act against beneficial bacteria, antibiotics may prove to be counterproductive.
May Contribute To Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
A 2018 study suggested that there may be a link between SIBO and probiotic supplementation in people who regularly suffer from brain fog. It appears that the symptoms of these people improved when they stopped taking probiotics and started taking antibiotics.
The bacteria in your small and large intestines are usually somewhat different from one another in terms of species and strains. Your large intestine contains mostly anaerobic bacteria, which can grow without oxygen. These bacteria survive by fermenting prebiotics, the carbohydrates that cannot be broken down in the gut.
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth SIBO occurs when bacteria from your large intestine end up in your small intestine and start growing. Symptoms are often mistaken for IBS because they include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Sometimes, SIBO can cause brain fog and short-term memory problems. In fact, SIBO is more common in those with IBS.
Although its not known what causes the bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, some researchers suggest it can be a result of sluggish gut motility. This causes food to spend longer periods of time in the gut, which in turn means more fermentation in the small intestine.
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Are Probiotics Good For You Not Always
16:54 minutes
Are probiotics good for you? The answer to that question seems baked right into their name: pro-biotics. Weve all heard about the benefits of a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics are one way we try to give our digestive system an extra dose of that good bacteria.
Studies have shown that probiotics can help prematurely-born babies fight intestinal inflammation. And perhaps they can help older women from developing weaker bones. But what about everyone else? Can popping a few probiotic supplements do any harm?
The answer is yes. Too much of any bacteria, even the good kind, can be harmful to your digestive system. And if probiotic supplements headed for your colon dump their contents too early, bacteria in your small intestine can cause symptoms of brain fogginess. Dr. Satish Rao, Professor of Medicine at Augusta University, joins Ira to discuss why we should proceed with caution when it comes to probiotics.
Is It Ok To Take Probiotics Every Day
A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it’s safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily.
It’s important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine. They are best used at breakfast time as part of a daily health regime, rather than as a ‘quick fix’ option. There are also some situations where certain strains can be taken for a short time, such as alongside antibiotics. Fermented foods containing live cultures have been part of traditional diets in many different ethnic groups for centuries. Learn more by reading about our 5 favourite fermented foods. People have been consuming probiotics for generations in foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and kombucha , but it has only been more recently that we have been able to consume specific strains for specific purposes, in easy-to-take capsules, powders, or kids’ gummies.
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What Are The Most Common Types Of Probiotic Bacteria
Though there are many types of bacteria that can be considered probiotics, there are two specific types of bacteria that are common probiotics found in stores. These include:
- Lactobacillus.
- Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics are also made up of good yeast. The most common type of yeast found in probiotics is:
- Saccharomyces boulardii.
Positive Side Effects Of Probiotics
People take probiotics because they want to experience some positive benefit or outcome.
It’s important to focus on these well documented and very helpful benefits.
Realistically, if you are using high-quality probiotics the chance that you will experience negative side effects is very low.
Below you will find a list of the most common positive side effects that are seen while taking probiotics and why you may experience them:
Certain species of probiotics such as bifidobacterium tend to provide many of the benefits listed above.
To get these benefits you will want to make sure that you use a high-quality probiotic that contains multiple species and strains at a high enough CFU count.
You can find more information on how to pick out the best probiotic for your body here.
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Where Can I Find Probiotics
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If it seems like they’re everywhere, you’re pretty much right. “You can find probiotics in a few different places,” Avena says. “Foods are obviously a great sourceâyou can find probiotics in fermented foods, yogurt, sauerkraut, and many other probiotic-fortified foods and drinks are available. Supplements are also a great way to get probiotics in your diet. When looking for a supplement, you want to select one that will meet your specific needs and contain the cultures that are relevant. If you are looking for something easy to take, Vitafusion makes a great gummy probiotic.”
And like we said before, they’re also already in your body, too. The Cleveland Clinic says that the types that are “naturally found in your intestines include Saccharomyces boulardii and bacteria in the Lactobacillus and Bifobacterium families of microorganisms.”
You’ll Feel More Energetic*
Probiotics help your body properly utilize and absorb nutrients.* And when your body is actually getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals, that translates to more energy and just feeling better overall. This means you may find yourself spending less time on the couch watching TV and more time checking things off your to-do list.
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How Probiotics Are Good For You
They might lower the number of “bad” bacteria in your gut that can cause illness or inflammation. They can also replace those problem germs with good or helpful bacteria.
Researchers are studying when and how probiotics might best help. There’s more research for some illnesses than others. They might help people with:
- Diarrhea, especially when it’s linked to specific antibiotics. Probiotics also might help with infectious diarrhea, especially in children.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Some probiotics might keep ulcerative colitis in remission and prevent Crohn’s disease from relapsing and getting worse.
- Irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics can sometimes help ease symptoms, including stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
Probiotics also are being studied for many other conditions. There isnât as much research yet, but some people say that probiotics have helped them with:
- Decreasing inflammation, such as from rheumatoid arthritis
Whens The Best Time Of Day To Take Probiotics
Certain probiotics have specific recommendations for when they should be taken. Be sure to read the instructions before taking a new supplement. Because of the varying types of probiotic strains that have different effects, and the best time of day to take probiotics depends on the strain and formulation.
Some probiotics outline that they should be taken on an empty stomach, whereas others should be taken with a meal.
Some medications may adversely interact with probiotics, so you may need to take medicine and probiotic supplements separately. Since daily use of probiotics has been shown to be safe and effective for many health benefits, choosing a time of day when you will remember to take your probiotic supplement is the best way to ensure consistency.
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Can Prolonged Use Of Probiotics Be Harmful
Probiotics are a great way to boost the immune system and ensure better digestion.
But prolonged use of probiotic supplements can actually be harmful if not taken according to directions because they may cause overgrowth in your gut, which could lead you to develop yeast infections or other conditions that require treatment with antibiotics.
Although taking probiotics is extremely important for many people as it helps them maintain optimal digestive health by ensuring their intestines have enough good bacteria needed for proper function some potential side effects do exist when using these products continuously without consulting your doctor first about how long is safe before stopping usage altogether.
For example, frequent doses of pro-biotics might result in an excessive amount of healthy bacteria becoming established within the bodys gastrointestinal tract
Side Effects Of Probiotics
- Interactions with antibiotics and autoimmune drugs
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Increased risk of death during pancreatitis
- Gene transfer
- Unknown safety during pregnancy
- Unknown safety while breastfeeding
The first three listed, the digestive problems, are by far the most common adverse reactions one might encounter. Fortunately, they often occur during the first few days of starting a probiotic regimen and will dissipate over time. If they dont, you should discontinue use.
Whether probiotics will make you gain weight or lose weight is not black and white.
In horses, pigs, and livestock, there are certain strains associated with weight gain and are given for that very purpose. Human data is limited, as only Lactobacillus reuteri has been associated with obesity. The opposite has been seen with Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
can be a life-threatening response by your body to fight an infection. Its basically your immune system going into overdrive.
In immunodeficient mice, the side effect of sepsis was seen with human isolates of L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis or LGG. There were deaths reported with neonatal mice, which would make sense since their immune systems are less developed than the adults.
The same holds true for neonatal human babies, as they are more susceptible to infection.
If they are leading to an overstimulation of the immune system, probiotics might interfere with medications for autoimmune diseases.
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What Happens When You Stop Taking Probiotics
So, after having taken probiotics for a while, youre feeling good and decide that the time has come to stop. Now what? Do you have to continue with large amounts of probiotic supplementation indefinitely? The answer is this is an emerging area without a lot of hard science available. With that in mind, here are a few factors to consider.
Adverse Reactions To Allergens
Those with food intolerances or allergies may be more susceptible to adverse reactions from probiotics. One of the most common reactions is to the dairy content of probiotics.
Many probiotic strains are derived from dairy and contain lactose, the sugar in milk. However, studies suggest that the probiotic bacteria in fermented and unfermented milk products can actually reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Every case is unique, and a minority of people with lactose intolerance can suffer from gas and bloating when consuming probiotic strains like Bifidobacterium bifidum when they begin their course. Although these symptoms may dissipate, its advisable to switch to dairy-free probiotics.
Those with egg or soy intolerances may react to the presence of these allergens in some products. Similarly, those who are sensitive or allergic to yeast should avoid supplements that contain yeast strains.
If you have sensitivities or allergies to certain foods, check the label on the product before purchasing.
Another factor to consider is that many probiotic supplements also contain prebiotics. These are plant fibers that your body cannot break down, so instead, your gut bacteria consume as food. The most common prebiotics include lactulose, inulin, and various oligosaccharides.
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Possible Side Effects Of Probiotics
Probiotics are living bacteria and yeasts that provide health benefits when consumed in large amounts.
They can be taken as supplements or consumed naturally through fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha .
The health benefits of probiotic supplements and foods have been well documented, including a lower risk of infections, improved digestion and even a reduced risk for some chronic diseases .
While there are many health benefits linked to taking probiotics, there can also be side effects. Most of these are minor and only affect a small percentage of the population.
However, some people with serious illnesses or compromised immune systems may experience more severe complications.
This article reviews the most common side effects of probiotics and how to reduce them.
Can Probiotics Be Harmful
- Probiotics have an extensive history of apparently safe use, particularly in healthy people. However, few studies have looked at the safety of probiotics in detail, so thereâs a lack of solid information on the frequency and severity of side effects.
- The risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems. When probiotics are being considered for high-risk individuals, such as premature infants or seriously ill hospital patients, the potential risks of probiotics should be carefully weighed against their benefits.
- Possible harmful effects of probiotics include infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract.
- Some probiotic products have been reported to contain microorganisms other than those listed on the label. In some instances, these contaminants may pose serious health risks.
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Can I Use Probiotics To Help With Medical Conditions
There is currently a large amount of research happening around the idea of what probiotics can do for your body. Even though there are a lot of possibly positive outcomes, researchers are still working to find definitive answers about how probiotics can help with various conditions.
However, there are some medical conditions where probiotics may help. This can vary between people meaning that what works for one person may not work for another. These can also vary based on the certain probiotic that is taken.
Some of the conditions that might be helped by increasing the amount of probiotics in your body include:
- Upper respiratory infections .
- .
Is It Safe To Take Probiotics During Pregnancy
In 2015, the World Allergy Organization recommended probiotics for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers whose babies are at higher risk for developing allergies. These recommendations are conditional and supported by very low quality evidence. They were primarily based on the prevention of eczema and not on evidence that using probiotics will reduce the development of allergies in babies or children.
There have been two published observational studies during the first trimester of pregnancy, with women who were using Lactobacilli probiotics. An increase in malformations was not observed, however these small studies were not designed to specifically examine the pregnancy outcomes.
In a double-blind and placebo controlled study out of Finland involving 256 women, the babies born to mothers using probiotics had a statistically significant lower birth weight and birth length. These were considered desirable because birth size is a risk marker for later obesity.
It has been estimated that the risk of developing bacteremia from taking Lactobacillus probiotics is less than 1 case per 1,000,000.
The risk of developing fungemia is estimated to be 1 case per 5,600,000 users and lower in healthy individuals.
Because there is an extremely low risk of mothers developing infections from using probiotic supplements and being that a trend in birth defects or abnormalities has not been observed, it is believed that probiotics are safe for pregnant women to use.
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