Whats Too Much Too Little Or Maybe Its The Wrong Strain How Do You Get It Right
You know the saying, If a little does a little bit of good then a lot must do a whole lot of good But when it comes to probiotics, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
Weve talked before about the microbiome, the ginormous collection of microbes that live in your gut.
Some of those bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes maintain a thriving ecosystem of sorts that assists your body in many of its functions. And they also provide a powerful immune system to protect you from infections, cancer, and viruses from the common cold to HIV.
There are at any given moment -10 microbes to every single cell in the human body. So were vastly outnumbered from the start.
But thankfully, the majority of those microbes help us function and protect us from invaders. The rest of them are always on the attack and being destroyed or eaten by the good bacteria.
Until something happens that jars that system out of balance. For example:
An infection treated by antibiotics, where the good bacteria are wiped out along with the bad.
Stomach upset that results in vomiting or diarrhea, where massive evacuation of the intestine leaves behind a weakened balance of beneficial and destructive microbes.
An injury that drives you to take a heavy load of ibuprofen, and your stomach lining becomes irritated, causing pain and bleeding.
In each of these examples, ingesting probiotics can help to restore balance in your gut, and relieve symptoms.
Some Signs That You Have Too Much Or Not Enough Probiotics
Even in liquid form, it can take some time for those probiotic drinks to kick into your system. You might want to track your progression and write down any symptoms from taking the product. If you are under the care of a doctor, make sure to check in with him or her, especially if:
- Your symptoms get worse
- You are experiencing new issues
- You are exerting food or drink intolerance
- You see a change in your mood, such as anxiety and depression
If you are looking for ways to prevent some of these symptoms, be sure to keep hydrated throughout the day. For this reason, many people choose probiotic drinks to introduce this bacteria into their systems. Not only are you getting all those benefits of good bacteria, but you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
Probiotic drinks can do wonders for your health and help your gut get back into balance. These probiotic drinks are the perfect way to restore your well-being in a tasty and convenient beverage.
Learn More: How to Make Water Kefir
While it might take some time for your gut to adjust to the new probiotics, you know that these bacteria are working hard to keep you healthy.
Looking to boost the health of your digestive system? From elderberry to turmeric, Sunny Culture offers a wide range of delicious probiotic drinks.
Rany Bochi
Probiotics Dosage For Children & Adults
Children who are new-borns and infants need special attention in the determination of their dosage.
The use of a pediatrician is key in determining dosage. There are forms of probiotics that can aid in diaper rash, but at the same time, there are those forms that before taking, should the child be on antibiotics, it would not be advisable. As such, there is need to seek the doctors advice on both the dosage and strain to avail to a child.
Adults too have varying needs. If you intend to avail to an adult, , your health status is vital in this determination.
Packet inserts would normally indicate the strain as well as the dosage requirements. Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Centre indicate that, as a general guide, take 1 2 billion colony forming units per day.
Also Check: What Does Diarrhea Mean During Pregnancy
After Taking Probiotics Regularly I Started To Feel Super Sick So I Asked A Doctor Why
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.
Should I Give Probiotics To My Kids
Probiotics can be beneficial for both adults and kids. If your child has an illness that requires an antibiotic medication for treatment, taking a probiotic can help shorten symptoms. Probiotics can also be used to help relieve constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea, gas and eczema in children.
Introducing probiotics into your childs diet through food is typically a safe way to give them probiotics. Foods like yogurt and cottage cheese are often part of a balanced diet and can add in good bacteria without much risk.
There are commercially available probiotic supplements specifically designed for infants and children. However, it is important to talk to your childs pediatrician before giving them any probiotic supplement or changing the childs diet to include probiotic-rich foods.
Read Also: Can Too Much Salad Give You Diarrhea
Increased Risk Of Infection
review from 2017 suggest that children and adults with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems should avoid using probiotics. Some people with these conditions have experienced bacterial or fungal infections as a result of probiotic use.
If a person has a condition that affects their immune system, they should speak with their doctor before taking probiotics.
Also, anyone using antifungal medication should wait until the infection has cleared up before taking probiotics.
The Consequences Of A Probiotic Overdose
So, what happens if you consume too many probiotics at once? By too many, we mean a deliberate effort by consuming 10x the recommended dosage of a probiotic supplement. Will you drop dead in your tracks?
No, you wont instantly croak. In the worst-case scenario, you may experience some minor adverse reactions. In a previous post, we discussed the possible side effects of probiotics. These include migraines, gas, skin rashes and nausea. These side effects dont occur in the majority of users only among a minor number of first-time users. However, if you take probiotics in mega-doses, then you elevate the risk of one or more of the side effects manifesting. Furthermore, the unwanted reactions may be more pronounced.
Recommended Reading: Does Tramadol Make You Constipated
How Much Fermented Food Should You Take To Get Your Recommended Dosage Of Probiotics Per Day
Luckily for you, there is already some research out there that has quantified the number of probiotics found in foods that we eat daily.
Several studies have found that commercial yogurts do contain enough probiotics to confer potential health benefits.15, 16 These amounts, of course, differ between brands. Similar numbers of good bacteria could also be found in frozen yogurts.17
For example, the commercial brand Activia® contained between 107 and 108 CFU/ml.18This means that we would need to eat around 100 g of yogurt a day in order to meet the recommended dose of 109 – 1010 CFU/day. These numbers are pretty easy to achieve since usually there is already 125g in an individual yogurt container.
Microbial counts for sauerkraut generally range from 103 to 108 CFU/g, while Korean kimchi often contains 107 to 108 CFU/g of probiotics. Other fermented foods were found to contain somewhere between 106 and 109 CFU/g or mL.19
This means that in general, taking 100 g/mL would be sufficient to meet the recommended dose of probiotics.
The Benefits Of Probiotics
Theyre especially helpful for diarrhea or constipation both of which are common for kids, especially during potty training. Probiotics may help ease some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease as well.
Children already taking antibiotics can benefit from probiotics, too. Antibiotics can cause stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, and probiotics can ease these side effects. But not all probiotics are effective while taking antibiotics, so talk to your childs pediatrician or pharmacist about which probiotic is best for your child.
Read Also: What Can You Take For Diarrhea While Pregnant
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.
Love Your Best Friend With Probiotics
Side effects of probiotics in dogs is minimal to none and should never deter a dog owner from giving their dog the great health benefits of safe, high-quality probiotics.
Probiotics helps ensure your dog stays healthy, happy and most of all, energetic!
Disclaimer: The advice and information on this website is not intended to be used as a replacement for professional medical advice from a veterinarian.
Recommended Reading: Can Align Probiotic Cause Nausea
Recommended Reading: Why Does Lettuce Give Me Diarrhea
Youll Enjoy Fresher Breath
Our mouths are no stranger to bacteria, but adding more of the good kind seems to have some payoff. Research suggests that probiotics may help kick bad breath to the curb.
Oral probiotics, including streptococcus salivarius strains K12 and M18, are linked to combating the growth of bacteria thats associated with halitosis, per the University of Connecticut. After one week of using probiotic lozenges, 85 percent of study participants showed a reduction in volatile sulfur compounds associated with bad breath.
Stinky smells arent the only mouth-related condition that probiotics may be able to tackle. An October 2009 pilot study in Clinical Periodontology tested the effect of drinking probiotic milk daily for eight weeks and found that those who drank probiotics saw a decrease in gum inflammation.
A 2006 Swedish Dental Journal study, in which participants were given a certain dose of probiotics or placebo, found that those given the highest probiotics dosage showed the greatest reduction in gingivitis symptoms over a two-week period.
The Takeaway
If theres anything conclusive about how probiotics affect parts of the body, its that just about every variable about probiotics affects people differently.
Mechanisms, strains and clinical direction are poorly understood at this point, Moreno says, but one day we should have a way to tailor probiotic strains/doses for individuals based on their health needs.
The Gut Will Let You Know When Something Isnt Right
When it comes to the gut, emotional and external stressors can play a huge role in the health of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract. Rather than relying primarily on supplements and added probiotics to address gut dysfunction, it may be best to start out by addressing these issues from a whole-person perspective.
For example, not getting enough consistent, quality sleep can disrupt digestion, as can feelings of high stress and anxiety. Before buying a supplement that could also be expensive, a discussion with a Health Coach could illuminate some key areas of your well-being that might be affecting your gut health, and a conversation with your healthcare provider could explore the physiological factors that might be causing you discomfort. Through this integrative approach, you can get to the root of your health concerns and address them head on with a holistic approach.
Interested in learning more about the inner workings of a healthy and flourishing gut? Check out our Gut Health Course for a deeper look into the physical, emotional, and mental components of the health of your gut.
Also Check: Bananas And Bloating
Should Children Eat Probiotic Foods
Some studies suggest that probiotics may be good for children. One study found that children who were given probiotics every day for 3 months were less likely to have respiratory problems and diarrhea than children who were given a placebo.
And while more research is needed, probiotics may reduce childrens risk of developing certain conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma.
On the other hand, some researchers note that probiotics may not have much effect on children. Because their microbiome isnt fully developed, probiotics may simply be passed as normal waste.
Probiotics are considered safe for kids with some exceptions, notes Dr. Drass. You should avoid giving your child probiotics if they have a compromised immune system or cancer, or if they are a premature infant. In these cases, probiotics can put them at risk for infections.
In general, its better for kids to get probiotics through foods instead of supplements unless their pediatrician recommends otherwise. Talk to your childs doctor if youre thinking about using probiotics to help your childs digestion because keeping your child safe and healthy is their prime concern.
How Can Probiotics Benefit Our Immune System
When you ask most people what protects their body from getting sick, the first response will likely be their immune system.
This is the correct answer, but have you ever wondered what protects your immune system?
Research suggests it may be probiotics.,
These contributions can encourage:
- More Comprehensive Ranges of Protection Against Illness
You May Like: Peanut Butter Gives Me Heartburn
Then He Said In My 25 Years In Nutrition Ive Never Heard Of Side Effects With Probiotics
Ronda told him, Well, it sure happened to me!
Rondas been doing great ever since the whole incident and is elated to be herself again. But she learned a hard lesson. Harmless probiotics deserve respect for their power and impact on the human system.
From now on, shell ALWAYS follow directions when it comes to over-the-counter remedies. And especially probiotics!
The good news is that if probiotics can cause this much change in someone whos healthy, they can also make a significant difference in anyone whos not.
Along with improving health in your stomach and intestines, as well as reducing inflammation and infection throughout your body, they can also relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
But be aware, theyre not to be taken lightly. Experts say that since each individual is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all for probiotic supplementation.
Remember: In general terms, up to 10 billion CFUs daily. Start gently. Watch for out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. A specific strain may not be right for you, or a specific combination. Take several days or a couple weeks to test the effects of partial doses, raising the dose a little each day as long as you have no negative symptoms. Include your doctor in the process.
This story isnt to scare you away from using a preparation that can help you become stronger and more resilient. But rather to alert you to possible risks if you use probiotics without supervision or awareness of potential side effects.
Taking Excess Probiotics Can Cause Mild Discomfort
Taking more than a usual dose 1 to 10 billion colony forming units of probiotics doesn’t necessarily mean better results and, instead, might provoke some mildly uncomfortable side effects.
“Some 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,” says Farhadi. On top of excess gas, you might experience bloating or a generally upset stomach. Diarrhea can also occur, but that’s 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.
Recommended Reading: Antibiotic For Stomach Upset
Are There Any Risks Related To Probiotics
Probiotics are generally considered safe. However, there are some risks linked to the supplements. These risks are increased if you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system, have recently had surgery or have other serious medical conditions.
Unlikely, but possible, risks can include:
- Developing an infection.
- Developing a resistance to antibiotics.
- Developing harmful byproducts from the probiotic supplement.
How To Deal Is Too Much Probiotics Bad
Taking too many probiotics could cause a number of the issues you had been hoping to treatment within the first place like gasoline points, says Kessler. You would possibly expertise gasoline once you first begin probiotics as your physique adjusts to the brand new micro organism, in line with 2010 analysis within the American Journal of Well being-System Pharmacy. If thats the reason for your extra flatulence, then it ought to subside in just a few weeks as your physique will get used to the complement.
But when the gasoline persists, it might be an indication that you simplyre coping with a bacterial overgrowth situation referred to as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth . Analysis reveals that these extra microorganisms can go on a feeding frenzy everytime you eat, fermenting the meals in your digestive tract into further air. The top outcome? Much more disagreeable flatulence than traditional, in line with Kessler.
Also Check: Does Xanax Help With Ibs
Don’t Miss: Does Colostrum Heal Leaky Gut