The beneficial bacteria in probiotics may help maintain digestive regularity, but you may also develop gas and bloating as a side effect. Mayo Clinic states that while probiotics are not essential for human health, taking a probiotic supplement may help treat vaginal yeast infections, reduce the severity of diarrhea, and help treat irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, although scientific proof is lacking. Before taking probiotics, talk with your doctor about their possible side effects and benefits.
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that live throughout your digestive system that help ward off harmful bacteria. The presence of probiotics in the digestive tract causes the formation of various substances, such as lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which produce a hostile environment for harmful bacteria. Probiotics are considered generally safe and do not cause many side effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bloating, gas, upset stomach and diarrhea are all potential side effects while taking daily 1 to 2 billion cells of Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a species of probiotic.
Bloating and Gas
Bloating is a result of trapped gas in your intestines and stomach. When you ingest probiotics, your digestive system may need time to adjust to the new level of helpful bacteria in the gut. During the adjustment process, excessive gas may be created, increasing the number of time you may belch or pass gas daily. When you produce too much gas, it can become trapped throughout the digestive system, causing pressure to build in your abdomen and visual swelling of the stomach. If you develop severe abdominal pain, call your doctor immediately.
Lactose Consideration
Mayo Clinic states that some probiotics supplements may contain lactose, a sugar found in milk. Many people cannot digest lactose because of an enzyme deficiency. For your body to break down lactose, your small intestines must produce lactase that will convert lactose into galactose and glucose. These simpler sugars are easily absorbed into the body and stored as energy. If you lack the enzyme, the lactose remains undigested and causes excessive gas, bloating and diarrhea within 30 minutes of taking the supplement. Talk with your doctor about taking a lactase enzyme supplement in conjunction with probiotics to prevent these side effects.
Warning
In rare cases, probiotics may cause an allergic reaction. If you have a known milk allergy or are allergic to any other ingredients in the supplement, you should avoiding using them. Common signs of an allergic reaction include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, hives, shortness of breath, eczema, wheezing and lightheadedness.
