Probiotics are live microorganisms, similar to the ones found in your gut. You can take them in the form of supplements, as well as by eating certain foods. While you do not necessarily need to consume these, they can relieve certain digestive issues, such as bloating. Talk to your doctor if you experience bloating, either on its own or as part of a condition like irritable bowel syndrome, and ask if probiotics may help.
Uses of Probiotics
More research is needed to determine how effective probiotics are at treating and relieving certain conditions and symptoms; however, taking them may help with diarrhea, stomach infections and inflammation, as well as speed up the treatment of intestinal infections, all of which can be accompanied by bloating. They may also help with vaginal infections, tooth decay, respiratory infections and skin infections and even reduce the recurrence of bladder cancer.
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Another use of probiotics is for the relief of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and its accompanying symptoms. While scientists are not certain what causes this condition, it may be the result of a lack of "good" bacteria in your intestines. If this is the case, taking probiotics can introduce more good bacteria into your system and, therefore, may help relieve the symptoms you experience, including bloating. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of these microorganisms for reducing bloating and other intestinal disturbances.
Other Causes of Bloating
You might not have an illness or bowel syndrome and still experience bloating. If it is due to an imbalance of bacteria in your intestines, taking probiotics may helpl however, other common causes of bloating include constipation, swallowing air, gastroesophageal reflux, lactose or another type of food intolerance, overeating or weight gain, and probiotics may not help in these cases. If you experience sudden or unexplained bloating, talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and ask if probiotics may be right for you.
Sources, Side Effects and Considerations
Foods like yogurt, fermented milk, unfermented milk, miso and certain juices and soy beverages all contain probiotics; however, be sure to read the food labels of these products carefully, looking for the phrase "live and active cultures" to determine if the product does indeed contain probiotics. You can also take these in supplemental form, and your doctor can help you determine what type and dosage is best. Common side effects of probiotics include mild digestive upset, such as bloating. If you experience any adverse symptoms, or if your bloating worsens while taking probiotics, stop consuming them and see your health care provider.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; August 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Probiotics: Important for a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; April 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Alternative Medicine; July 2009
- MedlinePlus; Abdominal Bloating; April 2010
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