You Might Go To The Bathroom More Regularly
The good bacteria in probiotics improve digestion, which may translate to more consistent bathroom visits.* While this may be a side effect that can be inconvenient at times, especially when you’re at work or out to lunch with your friends, your body and your belly will thank you once you start eliminating regularly.*
What Causes Stomach Bloating
Bloating can happen whenever gas in the stomach and intestines is trapped inside you, unable to be released. Gas is produced by bacteria when they help digest food in your large intestine. Typically, you release that gas by either burping it or as flatulence . But what happens if gas gets stuck somewhere? It stays there until it is somehow freed. The longer something blocks gas from getting out, the more gas will pile up behind it, and the more your tummy will feel like an overblown balloon.
A Recent Study Shows A Surprising Link Between Probiotics And Brain Fog
Probiotics have become a common way to treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, and various formulations even have decent medical data in their favor. However, some patients take probiotics and feel even worse. Symptoms can include cramping, gassiness, diarrhea, fatigue, and even brain fog or memory problems. Often these symptoms intensify just after a meal. Recently, a group of researchers in Augusta, Georgia made an attempt to try to figure out what was going on. The study is open access, so take a look.
They followed a group of patients who presented to their GI clinic of a period of three years. Anyone who came in with gas, bloating, and a complaint of brain fog were included in the study. All people on antibiotics, those with a history of short gut after colon surgery, or those with other reasons for gassiness or abdominal pain were excluded. A few patients who didn’t have brain fog but had abdominal symptoms were included for comparison. The researchers were left with a cohort of about 42 patients with abdominal bloating, 34 with bloating and brain fog, and no known reason why. The cognitive symptoms usually lasted between 30 minutes to several hours after a meal, and in 13% were so severe that the patients had quit their jobs.
In a few weeks, I’ll be attending the Harvard Probiotics Symposium, and I’ll be sure to get back to you with the latest developments, strides forward, disappointments, and surprises.
Copyright Emily Deans MD
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Ready To Start With The Best Probiotics For Bloating On The Market Today
Having a healthy gut microbiome is one of the best things that you can do for your health. There is still research to be done, and we are finding new strains and new methods to produce the best probiotic for bloating. Which is extremely beneficial and can impact a number of different illnesses, conditions, and general health.
If you are ready to feel your best in all aspects of your life, consider adding digestive probiotics to your diet. At BiOptimizers, our mission is dedicated to discover, present, and share the best digestive probiotics on the market and help individuals to achieve an optimal state of well-being in the body, mind, and soul.;For more information about the best probiotics for bloating from BiOptimizers, .
Frequently Asked Questions
There are different kinds of probiotics. In order to effectively supplement your body, you need to take into consideration what typically causes your bloating is it fats, proteins, or carbohydrates? Bloating is most commonly caused by either lactose or leafy greens. Lactose is found in most dairy products, that can cause bloating and typically leads to diarrhea or gas if there is a sensitivity to it.
For diarrhea symptoms, studies found some people felt better after 2 days of taking probiotics. For bloating, studies found symptoms got better after 21 days.
Here are some options that can help relieve bloating quickly and help get you back to feeling your best:
1. Take digestive enzymes
Prebiotics Make Us Happier
You may be aware that our guts are responsible for the majority of the serotonin, a primary feel-good chemical needed for emotional wellbeing, that our bodies manufacture. The link between wellness and our intestines is irrefutable for physical and emotional health, and just like probiotics can help keep us happy, taking prebiotics has been proven to improve our emotional wellness. Prebiotics reduce our production of the stress hormone cortisol, and have an anti-anxiety effect.;
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What Is Candida Overgrowth
Candida albicans is a species of yeast that lives naturally on your skin and in your gastrointestinal tract. Normally, Candida is kept in check by your friendly gut bacteria, but sometimes, it can multiply out of control.
The resulting infections can cause pain and inflammation throughout the body, both on the skin and in the gut or genitals. Candida overgrowth is most often noticed on the skin, mouth, and vaginal infections.
An intestinal Candida overgrowth can inflame and weaken the walls of the intestines, releasing toxic byproducts that may lead to many different health issues, from digestive disorders to depression.
Taking Probiotics Can Cause Some Very Unpleasant Side Effects
Next time, just have a yogurt. Romariolen/Shutterstock;;
Your gut microbiome the large community of microorganisms that make their home in your colon can have all sorts of impacts on your body, both physical and mental. Many people take probiotic supplements to increase the amount of friendly or good bacteria in their guts. But theres a catch a new study has found that taking probiotic supplements can cause some pretty unpleasant side effects.
The new research published in Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology found that those who take probiotics can suffer side effects like stomach pains, bloating, gas, and even mental fogginess. This is all because the good bacteria expand their territory and colonize the small intestine and stomach,;not just the colon.
Lead author Dr Satish Rao was inspired to carry out the research by a patient who, within just a minute of eating, would be affected by severe bloating and brain fogginess.
It happened right in front of our eyes, Rao said in a statement.
After conducting some tests, Rao found she had very high levels of D-lactic acid in her blood and urine, and that she regularly took probiotics and ate lots of yogurt.
D-lactic acid is temporarily toxic to the cells in our brains, and can affect our ability to think properly. How is it produced? Probiotic bacteria release it as a product of fermentation when theyre breaking down sugar in our guts.
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Type Of Probiotic Strain
Probiotics are living bacteria feeding on the dietary compounds of the food you eat and the feeding frenzy occuring in your intestinal tract creates a lot of gas.
If the probiotics introduce a bacterial strain with a fondness for devouring the sugars or fibers in your diet – it can reward you with lots of gas.;
What’s more, certain supplement brands contain more than probiotics. Many are full of inactive ingredients like preservatives, binders and sweeteners that may cause digestive issues.
Lactose – a sugar found in milk, vegetables and nuts – is a common binder. It can be difficult to digest causing gas, bloating and diarrhea.;
So, check the label and see if it contains any of these additives.
After Taking Probiotics Regularly I Started To Feel Super Sick
It happened at a Jonas Brothers concert. One minute I was singing along to “Year 3000,” feeling my happiness beginning, and the next I was in the bathroom trying not to throw up. My stomach hurt the entire ride home, and I remember thinking I must have eaten something weird or maybe I was getting sick. A week later, on a flight to Los Angeles to visit my brother, I started to feel sick again, and this time, my symptoms didn’t let up the entire trip.
After forgetting to take my nighttime pills for a couple days – including the 30 billion colony forming units of probiotics I had recently started taking to help my IBS – I started feeling better. That’s when I realized the two might be connected. Is it possible to take too many probiotics? And what exactly are the side effects? I talked to a gastroenterologist to find out more.
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Most Capsules Arent Designed To Deliver The Benefits
Multiple studies have indicated the importance of the role probiotics play in impacting stubborn fat. But a commonly overlooked factor is the delivery system of these weight management probiotics.Capsules of probiotic supplements are just as important as the bacteria within. These probiotics need a secure delivery system in order to reach the gut intact. This will allow them to stimulate digestion, reduce bloating and increase the bodys metabolism. Over time it can elevate mood, reduce cravings and even lower the risk of depression.If a product starts dissolving on your tongue, its likely it might not stand a chance with stomach acid.
This can prove to be counterproductive, especially when one begins to consume more calories, assuming that the probiotics will help burn them off, when in actual fact, the probiotics have not been given the chance to multiply and thrive in the gut.
Do Probiotics Cause Smelly Gas And Bloating
Probiotics contain different types of microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast. These are also commonly known as good, friendly, or healthy bacteria.
There are ten times more probiotics in your colon than cells in your body. Several varieties dominate the landscape, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, the two most common bacterial forms.
This environment of healthy bacteria is called a microbiome. In addition, your stool has more than 70 percent bacteria and is a combination unique to each individual.
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How Do Probiotics Come Into Play
Marc Tran/Stocksy
According to Lin, studies have shown that certain probiotic strains can help relieve symptoms of bloating. And while he openly admits that scientists aren’t exactly sure why these probiotics can put the brakes on gas production, it’s becoming increasingly known and accepted that probiotics can help support a healthy microbial balance in the gut. Which in turn, should help discourage or alleviate bloat.
“When shopping for probiotics for bloating, I recommend looking for a high-quality, clinically studied probiotic supplement containing a few strains of both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. I like Genestra’s HMF Multi-Strain Formula , which features tried-and-tested strains of bacteria to support intestinal balance and issues like bloating,” shares Heim. These strains are freeze-dried, which helps preserve bacterial activity and ensures the survival of bacteria during storage.
westend61/Getty Images
For bloating specifically, Lin recommends any probiotic containing the following strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillusgasseri, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacteriumlongum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus sporogenes, and last, but certainly not least, Streptococcus thermophilus.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
A reduction in stomach acid can, in some cases, lead to an overgrowth of colonic bacteria living higher up in the digestive tract than is usual This condition is known as SIBO which stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. SIBO manifests when bacteria from the colon migrate upwards in to the small intestine, which interferes with digestion3. It results in the fermentation of carbohydrates in the small intestine, leading to an increase in hydrogen gas production. This increase in gas causes upper abdominal bloating, and sometimes other symptoms such as nausea and pain in the upper abdomen .;Health professionals can read more about this condition in the Professionals site: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
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You’ll Have An Easier Time Maintaining A Healthy Weight
If you’re trying to slim down, taking probiotics isn’t a bad idea. While experts agree these supplements are certainly not a “magic bullet” for weight loss, they can aid in your efforts.
“Certain probiotic strains help boost muscle mass and strength, while also supporting healthy weight management and exercise recovery through several different mechanisms,” explains Dr. Axe. “Probiotics seem to support a healthy body weight and body composition in several ways, including by improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing autoimmune response found in people with diabetes, helping to regulate one’s appetite, supporting absorption of nutrients that help fuel muscles and organs, and supporting liver and kidney health which are needed for detoxification, and regulating fat storage.”
According to Dr. Axe, certain probiotics can actually inhibit the absorption of dietary fat and increase the amount of fat excreted in bowel movements.
There’s an ever-increasing amount of research to support this. For example, a 2013 study found that when women who were dieting took a probiotic supplement, they shed more pounds than women who took a placebo pilland continued to lose more weight after they finished their diet. Another 2013 study found that when people drank fermented milk products with Lactobacillus gasseri bacteria, they lost 8.2 8.5% of their belly fat over the course of 12 weeks.
Don’t forget to skim through the 18 Best Probiotic Products For Gut Health.
How To Take Probiotics
So youve decided that the possible health benefits greatly outweigh a few days worth of excess gas or nausea, but youre not sure where to start. The probiotics section can be overwhelming with liquids and capsules galore.
Individual research is key here, as you can determine which strains of bacteria have the most potential to be beneficial to you, and you can narrow down the supplements from there.
The delivery method of a probiotic supplement is also important to consider. Some are packaged in special capsules that protect the probiotics as they travel through your stomach so that they arrive safely in your intestines, and some come with prebiotics, which are things like fiber that feed the bacteria once they get there.
Read labels carefully as some prebiotics or capsule ingredients may cause allergic reactions or increased gastrointestinal issues.
If youre experiencing a lot of discomfort associated with adjusting to a probiotic, you can ease into it by taking a half dose or, if its in a daily capsule form, a capsule every other day.
You can also boost your probiotic intake through your diet. Old standbys like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are great sources, as well as fermented drinks like kombucha.
Check to see that the label includes the words live and active cultures to ensure that youre getting beneficial bacteria.
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Gas Bloating Do Probiotics Help Gas
Before you reach for that antacid to stop your heartburn, or Gas-X to alleviate your gas and bloating, pause for a second because you could actually be making matters worse.
How could something that stops your discomfort so quickly end up making matters worse?
Well, many common remedies for these types of digestive issues dont address the root cause of the problem, they just temporarily relieve the symptoms. One example is when we take medications like antacids, they reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid in our stomachs, which can change the entire environment of the gut.
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms known as the gut microbiota. When their environment is thrown off balance by powerful drugs, it can cause complications further down the line.
Gas and bloating are some of the most common digestive issues people have today. Between 10 and 30 percent of Americans struggle with these uncomfortable symptom thats 97 million people!
If you struggle with digestion issues, you are not alone.
How do you truly address gas, bloating, and other digestive issues without long-term consequences of using various over-the-counter medications? Is it the foods you are eating contributing to the problem? What can be done to address the root cause, rather than mask the symptoms?
The answer is in restoring balance to the gut microbiome.
Rebalancing the Gut Microbiome for Gas and Bloating Relief
Mischievous Methane Producers
How?
Resources:
When Should I Be Worried About Bloating
Bloating is very ubiquitous these days and so it is important to be familiar with environmental influences that may be contributing to your bloated stomach as well as being mindful of warning signs and symptoms to look out for.;Your bloating may be sporadic, cyclical or ongoing, and could be manageable with some simple diet and lifestyle changes.;
Warning signs to be aware of which may need further investigating by a doctor include symptoms such as abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fever, blood in your stool. Some common causes for such gastrointestinal;symptoms include: constipation, stress, IBS, poor eating practices, and food intolerances .; In some cases however, the symptoms may be due to a more serious underlying medical condition. Conditions including: Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease , diverticulitis, gastroparesis, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease can all cause wide ranging gastric symptoms. For this reason, frequent or ongoing symptoms should always be investigated by a medical doctor.
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Probiotics Can Cause Constipation By Revealing Underlying Digestive Issues
Probiotics typically reduce constipation. According to several studies, probiotics were found to increase the average number of weekly bowel movements by 1.3, and generally supported softer stools that were easier to pass. These studies found;Bifidobacterium;to be the most effective probiotic for supporting regular digestive health.5
Because constipation is not typical when taking probiotics,;experiencing constipation with probiotics may be a sign that you do not have enough fiber or water in your diet. In these instances;we recommend increasing consumption of fiber with your probiotics. You can also start taking prebiotic fiber with your probiotics. Be sure to select one that is organic and diverse so your probiotics can have good food to thrive.
Stomach Aches Or Cramps
An upset stomach can go hand-in-hand with symptoms like gas and bloating, says McCallum, and should fade in a few weeks if itâs just a matter of your body adjusting to your new probiotics. But if unwelcome bloat continues living in your gut, it can cause everything from nausea to cramping in the longer term, and could be a sign that your probiotics arenât agreeing with you.
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