Probiotics, often called good bacteria, can be beneficial to your health. They can help protect you from harmful types of bacteria and help with digestion. They are especially helpful during or after you take antibiotics, since antibiotics kill both the beneficial and the dangerous bacteria in your digestive system. Probiotics may help with some conditions that cause bloating, but some types may also cause bloating as a side effect.
Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating can make your stomach feel too full, and cause your stomach to look swollen. Swallowing air, chewing gum, lactose intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux, excess bacteria in the small intestine, overeating, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and weight gain can all cause bloating, as can certain medications and more serious medical conditions.
Probiotics for Bloating
The probiotic strain Lactobacillus GG may help treat functional bloating, according to a study published in July 2004 in the "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology." Another study, published in 2011 in the same journal, found that a probiotic that contained both Bifidobacter and Lactobacillus strains help limit bloating in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Side Effects and Safety
Two of the most common side effects of taking probiotics are mild bloating and gas. Although probiotics are safe for most people, they may cause problems for people with compromised immune systems. Speak with your doctor before taking probiotics, as different types of probiotics have different effects. Some types are more likely to help with bloating than others.
Considerations
The research into the benefits of using probiotics for bloating is still preliminary. Whether probiotics help with bloating may depend on the cause of your bloating. Probiotics can make the intestinal environment too acidic for bacteria that can cause bloating, but probably won't help if you are bloated from swallowing air.
References
- MedlinePlus: Abdominal Bloating
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; August 2008
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics
- MayoClinic.com; Probiotics: Important for a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; April 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology"; Probiotics and Functional Abdominal Bloating; M. De Stefano, et al.; July 2004
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health; Probiotics Again Shown to Soothe Common Digestive Ailment; Maureen Williams, ND; 2011
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