In this age of processed food and supersized portions, digestive symptoms like gas and bloating are a common health problem. Probiotics are microorganisms that inhabit the bowel and play an important role in digestive health. Despite the benefits of probiotics, they can sometimes cause unwanted side effects like gas or bloating. To prevent adverse effects, consult your doctor before adding a probiotic supplement to your diet.
Sources
Probiotics occur naturally in fermented milk products like yogurt and miso. They may also be taken in supplement form to increase the ratio of good to bad bacteria in the bowel. Probiotics serve many important functions, such as aiding in digestion and preventing harmful organisms from multiplying in the gut. According to Harvard Medical School, probiotics may help shorten the duration of infectious diarrhea in kids and infants. Other conditions for which probiotics may be beneficial include Crohn's disease, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection.
Side Effects
Like other dietary supplements, probiotics can cause side effects in some people. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that mild digestive symptoms like gas and bloating are the most common side effects of probiotics. Some probiotics contain lactose, milk or milk proteins, which can cause gas and bloating in people with lactose intolerance. Theoretically, probiotic bacteria could cause illness in people with immune suppression. Other potential side effects include excess gastrointestinal stimulation and harmful metabolic activities.
Prevention/Solution
While uncomfortable, probiotic-induced gas and bloating are usually not harmful and often improve with time. Starting with a low initial dose may help prevent or lessen digestive side effects. If you're lactose intolerant, choose milk- and lactose-free brands. Ask your doctor before taking probiotics if you suffer from an immune disorder or other chronic health condition. Follow dosing directions carefully and stop taking probiotics if you experience serious side effects like severe abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea. Because gas and bloating may occur for many reasons, call your doctor if symptoms last longer than two weeks.
Considerations
Probiotic supplements are classified as dietary supplements in the United States. As such, they are not closely regulated by the FDA and may contain low-quality ingredients or impurities. To reduce these risks, only buy from trusted manufacturers.
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