Probiotics and Bloating

The term "probiotics" refers to living microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and viruses that are often referred to as "good bacteria." These microorganisms are similar to those found in the human digestive tract, and many people believe they improve digestive health. Current research is inconclusive on the relationship between probiotics and bloating.

Significance

Nearly 70 million people in the United States suffer digestive health problems, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Probiotics are used to encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the digestive tract while reducing harmful ones. Disorders that probiotics are used to treat include diarrhea, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome and urinary tract infections. Some people who take probiotics report an increase in gas and bloating upon initial use.

Types

Naturally occurring probiotics have been used throughout history, most commonly during the fermentation process. Probiotics come in several forms, including pills and powders. Among the most common are the bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These microorganisms can be found in both supplement form and in foods such as yogurt and miso. In foods where microorganisms are damaged during production, as in pasteurization, the microorganisms are often added later.

Benefits and Risks

Probiotic treatment is based on the belief that the "good bacteria" help keep any harmful microorganisms from making you sick, thereby improving your immune function. Probiotics have also shown promise in the areas of nutrient absorption and digestion and are being studied as a potential treatment for dermatological diseases and cancer.

One of the causes of abdominal bloating is small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Probiotics can balance the bacterial ratio, meaning that in some cases, they could eliminate abdominal bloating rather than contribute to it. Probiotic treatment is generally thought to pose minimal risk to patients, since it involves microorganisms normally found in the digestive tract. Some side effects have been reported, however. Because few long-term clinical studies on probiotics have been completed, probiotics are not recommended for everyone, especially young children, elderly people and people with compromised immune function.

Considerations

The most common side effects of probiotic treatment are gas and bloating, but abdominal bloating and digestive problems run hand in hand, so the bloating may be cause by the underlying problem rather than the treatment. Irritable bowel syndrome, blockages, poor diet, stress and malabsorption disorders can all cause abdominal bloating. Given the inconclusive nature of research into the relationship between probiotics and bloating, anyone considering using probiotics as a treatment for bloating should first consult a physician.

Warnings

Probiotics are supplements, not drugs, so they do not undergo the rigorous trials required of pharmaceuticals. Probiotics come in various formulations, and while one strain may be useful for a digestive problem, another might not.