Probiotics may cause side effects in some people, such as diarrhea and its associated symptoms of gas and bloating. The side effects that stem from probiotic use varies from each individual, according to a report published in "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition." However, diarrhea may not stem from probiotic use. Always talk to your doctor before using probiotics to be sure the remedy is appropriate for you.
Significance
Probiotics are live microorganisms, bacteria that are beneficial for a variety of health conditions. Many people use probiotics for restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of flora in the body. An imbalance of healthy flora in the body may cause bacterial infections, which may compromise digestive, urinary or vaginal health. You may experience symptoms of pus, gas, diarrhea and vaginal discharge when you have a bacterial infection. These symptoms may prompt you to take probiotics, but the use of probiotics may also cause diarrhea.
Causes
When bacteria eat in the body, your body produces gas, just as you do when you eat foods. The unhealthy bacteria feed off sugar and other components. This may cause gas and diarrhea. The healthy bacteria may also produce gas and diarrhea -- but usually not for long. Until the "good" bacteria get a strong hold on the yeast environment caused by the "bad" bacteria, you may experience a bout with diarrhea -- if you didn't already experience those symptoms before taking probiotics. When the healthy flora takes over the internal environment of the body, symptoms of gas and diarrhea subside.
Effects
You may have some cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea for a few days or even up to a week after your first dose of probiotics. Some people do not experience any side effects or other irritable symptoms when taking probiotics. Everyone responds differently to bacteria strains in probiotics. The longer you wait to treat an infection with probiotics, the more likely you may experience diarrhea when you first take them.
Considerations
Probiotics may not just cause diarrhea as a side effect. Diarrhea may also stem from an infection caused by probiotics. Some people who have weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, such as the elderly or young children may not respond well to certain strains of bacteria provided in probiotics, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. If symptoms worsen after taking probiotics, make a visit with your doctor.
References
- "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Safety of Probiotics Donohuu DC; November 2006
- Prescription for Drug Alternatives: All-Natural Options for Better Health without the Side Effects;
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
