Probiotics And Side Effects
When taking probiotics for the first time, many people wonder whether they are going to experience side effects. Generally speaking, probiotics do not elicit any side effects, and are very safe supplements. Find out more in this in-depth review.
The short answer is no, probiotics do not have any expected side effects. Friendly bacteria supplements contain highly researched strains of bacteria which have been shown to work for their hosts health, rather than against it. Learn more by reading What are probiotics? on the Probiotics Learning Lab.
Some clients may not like the idea of taking live bacteria, but you can reassure them that probiotic live cultures are found naturally in our guts, and in a balanced diet containing fermented foods . Most people will be able to take them without experiencing any noticeable adverse effects at all. Learn more about some of our favourite fermented foods over on the Probiotics Learning Lab.
It is more common for people to notice initial effects when first taking prebiotics: you can find out more information in the prebiotics section below.
Learn more about the safety of probiotics by reading the following articles and FAQ on the Probiotics Learning Lab:
Signs You May Be Taking Too Many Probiotics
When you take probiotics, youre providing your gut with beneficial bacteria that can help keep you healthy by displacing pathogenic bacteria. Many of the bacterial strains within probiotics already exist in your gut microbiome.
Even though the bacteria may be familiar to your body, it is possible to experience side effects from taking large amounts of probiotics. You may experience bloating, gas, nausea, or diarrhea when taking high amounts of probiotics. That being said, a few days of mild digestive upset when starting to take a new probiotic can be quite normal and mean that your gut flora is rebalancing. These symptoms should subside within a few days once the gut flora has adjusted.
Probiotics are often used to help relieve constipation and may lead to more trips to the bathroom. Research shows that probiotics can help move things through your digestive tract and may increase the number of bowel movements.
They May Cause Unpleasant Digestive Symptoms
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It is not known exactly why some people experience these side effects, but they typically subside after a few weeks of continued use .
To reduce the likelihood of side effects, start with a low dose of probiotics and slowly increase to the full dosage over a few weeks. This can help your body adjust to them.
If the gas, bloating or any other side effects continue for more than a few weeks, stop taking the probiotic and consult a medical professional.
Summary
Some people experience an increase in gas, bloating, constipation or thirst when they start taking probiotics. These side effects should go away within a few weeks.
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Can Bloating Be A Sign Of Digestive Issues
Bloating can be a sign of several different types of digestive issues, including:
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
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Inflammatory bowel disease
If you are experiencing bloating on a regular basis, it is important to consult with a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
What Causes Sudden And Severe Abdominal Pain
Sudden and severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Steadily worsening abdominal pain may also be a sign of a serious condition.
If you have these symptoms, go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.
Some of the causes of serious abdominal pain include:
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Side Effects Of Probiotics On Ibs Symptoms
For those with IBS or other digestive symptoms, taking a probiotic supplement or eating fermented, probiotic-rich foods sounds like a great idea. After all, we know how important having a healthy and diverse microbiome is to our gut, and overall health. But probiotics dont initially work for a number of our clients and can often make symptoms worse in the short-term for those with significant gut dysfunction or bacterial dysbiosis. So, what are the side effects of probiotics and what should you do if probiotics are making your IBS symptoms worse?!
Heres what were going to cover:> The proven health benefits of probiotics.> List of common probiotic rich foods.> The most common side effects of probiotics.> Why probiotics can make you feel worse.> How to choose a probiotic supplement.> The importance of titration to minimize IBS symptom flairs from probiotics.> When to get Functional GI lab testing completed.
What Relieves Bloating Fast
Well, there are a few things you can do to try to relieve bloating fast.
First, try avoiding foods that cause gas and bloating. Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and dairy. You might also want to try taking an over-the-counter anti-gas medication like Simethicone.
Second, try drinking peppermint tea, ginger tea, or taking a probiotic supplement to help reduce bloating caused by gas-producing bacteria.
Yeah, mint is a natural digestive aid that can help to relieve gas and bloating. Ginger is also excellent for digestion and can help to soothe the stomach. If you dont have tea on hand, try simply chewing on a few mint leaves or grating some ginger into a glass of water.
Another simple tip is to avoid carbonated drinks like soda, as they can cause bloating.
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Probiotics Arent Only Found In Dairy Products
You may think of probiotics as limited to yogurt or other dairy products, but theyre also found in plenty of other foods. They are in many fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and kefir. They can also be found in supplements and even non-dairy yogurts like coconut milk yogurt or soy probiotic yogurt .
If you want to add some cultured veggies from your fridge into a salad or sandwich without having to make them yourself at home firstor if you dont have time for thatyou can buy them pre-made at most grocery stores these days too.
Can Acid Reflux Cause Bloating And Constipation
Often, patients also describe belching or abdominal distension as well as symptoms of acid reflux, says Dr. Charlotte Smith, an urgent care physician at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Many people also experience heartburn, constipation or abdominal pain. Stomach bloating may persist hours after a meal.
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How Safe Are Probiotics
Probiotics are generally considered safe for the majority of people. Though, as with all supplements youre considering, you should consult your doctor if you have any concerns before taking it.
Certain people may need to use caution when using probiotic supplements, such as those with a weakened immune system, a critical illness, or recently had surgery.
However, for healthy people, probiotics do not cause any harm!
Probiotics May Increase The Risk Of Infection For Some People
In rare cases, taking probiotics can lead to infections in some people. Caution should be taken when considering probiotic supplements if you have a weakened immune system, current illness or have recently had surgery as there is a higher risk for infection.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a probiotic supplement.
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It Should Be In A Dosage Of Billions
An adult’s daily recommended dosage for probiotics is 10 billion CFU or more. Thus, choose a probiotic supplement that contains billions of good bacteria in one dose.
Just in case your body can’t handle the side effects, we recommend you start low then slowly work on increasing the dose up to 10 billion CFUs.
Make sure to read the label so that you can be aware of the potency of your probiotic supplement. You should not go beyond the manufacturer’s recommended dosage!
Can Some Probiotics Cause Weight Gain Heres Why
On the flip side, some probiotics can cause you to gain weight. Everything done correctly and in moderation is bound to yield good results, and so do probiotics. Note that probiotics are not created the same and therefore benefit your body differently.
The advantage you reap from them is influenced by factors such as your diet and lifestyle. Additionally, randomly taking too many probiotics and hoping to shed off some pounds will likely not work. As a matter of fact, you need to know the kind of probiotic strain to take.
For example, one strain of Lactobacillus Gasseri may help limit weight gain, and another strain may promote weight gain . You also need to know how often to take it and what kind of diet to complement it with. You see, it can get pretty overwhelming.
That said, here are answers to your question can taking probiotics cause weight gain?
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Sponsored: In This Blog Post We Will Discuss The 20 Best Probiotics For Bloating And How They Can Help You Feel Better
| 20 Best Probiotics For Bloating in 2022.
If youre like most people, you probably experience bloating from time to time. This uncomfortable feeling can be caused by a variety of things, such as eating too much, drinking too much alcohol, or eating foods that you are intolerant to. Bloating can also be a sign that your gut health is not ideal.
A recent study found that 70% of people who experience regular bloating report improvements after taking probiotics. In this blog post, we will discuss the 20 best probiotics for bloating and how they can help you feel better.
Taking Excess Probiotics Can Cause Mild Discomfort
Taking more than a usual dose 1 to 10 billion colony forming units of probiotics doesnât necessarily mean better results and, instead, might provoke some mildly uncomfortable side effects.
âSome research has shown that using more bacteria may, in fact, counteract . If the bacteria get to the food before us, they can turn it into gas,â says Farhadi. On top of excess gas, you might experience bloating or a generally upset stomach. Diarrhea can also occur, but thatâs about as bad as it gets.
Side effects, most commonly gas, may also occur when someone first starts taking probiotics, as their gut may experience some changes in bacteria levels. Usually, though, if someone is taking an average dose, these side effects should wear off soon, once the body adjusts.
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Start Doing Yoga Or Stretch Consistently
Yoga and stretching are a fantastic opportunity to treat back pain caused by acid reflux. Techniques in yoga to relax both the body and mind can be beneficial in directly relieving back pain by improving mobility, as well as calming the esophagus muscles that keep stomach acid down.
Yoga is also a great exercise tool, and since regular exercise can help prevent obesity and being overweight, you can be less prone to acid reflux. If unable to perform many yoga poses due to balance issues, start with consistent stretching and breathing techniques, as increasing blood flow and reducing stress are also valuable components to achieve a healthier body.
Choosing Probiotics For Bloating
Probiotic manufacturing is not highly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , which means you should be careful when buying them. One study of 26 commercial probiotics concluded none fully supported their label claims, and some of them contained unacceptable microorganisms .
You dont need to purchase the most expensive probiotic supplements, but you should be wary of quality. Here are some tips for choosing high-quality probiotic supplements.
Choose Probiotic Supplements With:
Trusted SourcePubMedGo to source].
Prebiotics are food for your good bacteria. While prebiotics or prebiotic fiber may be generally good for your digestion, these are often high FODMAP foods. Its common for prebiotics to flare IBS symptoms like bloating. I recommend waiting to introduce prebiotics until you are well through your gut healing process.
Prebiotics are commonly used as additives in probiotic supplements. Make sure to read your probiotic supplement labels to avoid inadvertently using prebiotics.
If youre not sure how to eat a low FODMAP diet, it may be helpful to meet with a health coach or nutritionist for support.
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Acid Reflux Is What Happens When Some Of The Acid Content Of The Stomach Flows Up Into The Esophagus Know All About Its Symptoms Causes And Treatment
Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents travel back up the esophagus. When we eat, food travels from the mouth down the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth with the stomach and is typically 10 inches in length. There is an opening between the esophagus and the stomach that enables food to travel into the stomach. After food passes through, the opening closes. This can cause symptoms such as a burning chest discomfort called heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease .
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Reduce Intake Of Complex Carbs
Complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, legumes and grains can produce a lot of gas. Consider reducing them or cutting them out altogether.
But if you love eating these foods, consider a digestive enzyme supplement. Digestive enzymes stop gas by breaking down complex carbs. They also stop indigestible sugars getting into the large intestines where they can ferment and produce gas.
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Probiotics Linked To Brain Fog Severe Abdominal Bloating
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Using probiotics can lead to bacterial growth in the small intestine, causing brain fog and rapid abdominal bloating, according to research published in Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology.
In a press release, Satish S.C. Rao, MD, PhD, FRCP, of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, said he and his colleagues found large colonies of bacteria in patients small intestine that were producing high levels of D-lactic acid. While probiotics have been linked to D-lactic acid and brain fogginess in patients with short bowel syndrome, Rao said this appears to be the first time it has been documented in patients with an intact gut.
This is the first inroad, he said in the press release.
For the study, Rao and colleagues sought to determine if brain fog, gas and bloating were associated with D-lactic acidosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth .
They evaluated 30 patients with gas, bloating, brain fog and negative endoscopic and radiological tests, as well as eight patients without brain fog. They checked for SIBO using a glucose breath test and duodenal aspiration/culture and collected urinary D-lactic acid, blood L-lactic acid and ammonia levels.
Investigators reproduced brain fog in 22 of 30 patients after they underwent an overnight fast and consumed 75 g of glucose.
What Are The Causes Of Gas And Bloating
Bloating is primarily caused by excess gas in the system, so the causes of bloating are usually the same as causes of excessive gas. However, bloating can also be caused by certain medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome , weight gain, and hormonal imbalances. Below, well discuss what causes much gas in the digestive system and how you can prevent excess gas and bloat. Well also discuss some more information about the medical conditions associated with excess gas and bloating.
Perhaps the most common cause of gas is swallowing air. We naturally swallow air throughout our day when we eat, drink, and do other activities. Usually, we only swallow a small amount of air. Still, some people may have a habit of swallowing more air than others, which can cause excess gas to get trapped in the system. Swallowing air is among the top causes of trapped gas and the top causes of stomach gas in general.
The solution to avoiding this is simply being mindful when eating and not swallowing too much air. A little bit is fine, but too much could cause more gas to get trapped in your system. Certain habits may also cause you to swallow more air than usual, such as:
- Drinking through a straw
It is recommended to avoid these if you are concerned about excess gas in your system.
Certain foods that may increase gas include:
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Fiction: Probiotics Are A Substitute For A Healthy Diet
Fact: Probiotics cant take the place of eating well and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein sources such as chicken or fish at most meals each day to ensure that youre getting all essential vitamins and minerals that promote good health including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zincwhich is important when taking antibiotics since they deplete these nutrients faster than usual.
What Causes Stomach Pain Bloating And Diarrhea
Symptoms
Small intestinal bowel overgrowth is when theres an abnormal increase in the bacteria that live in your small intestine, such as E. coli or Klebsiella.
Several things can lead to SIBO. Surgery of the intestines that changes your anatomy can cause it. Decreased motility of the small intestine caused by IBS, diabetes, or opioid drugs can also cause SIBO. And people who have a weakened immune system have a higher risk of SIBO.
SIBO can interfere with your bodys ability to absorb nutrients from your food, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies.
SIBO can be diagnosed using a non-invasive carbohydrate breath test. Your doctor may also recommend an endoscopy and colonoscopy to rule out other diseases.
Treatment may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and antibiotics to control bacterial overgrowth.
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