Because microbes used as probiotics already exist naturally in your body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered safe. They may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them.
When first using probiotics, some people experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Changes in the gut microbiota can result in bacteria producing more gas than usual, which can lead to bloating. However, these side effects usually clear up within a few days or weeks of taking the probiotics.
The probiotic group showed a faster normalization of stool frequency and consistency, with most participants achieving a normalized profile after 1 week.
Additional research suggests that probiotics can improve gut transit time, increase the frequency of bowel movements, and make stools softer and easier to pass.
For example, frequent diarrhea can be a sign of pathogenic bacteria present in your intestines. A high-quality probiotic will help bring more good bacteria into your gut so that they crowd out the bad bacteria.
Probiotics can make diarrhea go away about one day faster. Generally speaking, probiotic products – which mostly contain certain lactic acid bacteria – are well tolerated.
A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it's safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily. It's important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine.
Probiotics are safe for the majority of the population, but side effects can occur. The most common side effects are a temporary increase in gas, bloating, constipation and thirst. Some people can also react poorly to ingredients used in probiotic supplements or to naturally occurring amines in probiotic foods.
Reason #1 People Feel Worse When Taking Probiotics-
The specific strain within your probiotic formula, is the wrong kind or you already have too much of that strain in your gut. Remember that the bacteria and the bacterial diversity found in your microbiome is highly unique to you. There is no one size fits all.
The ideal time to take probiotics is right before bed because "the gut is pretty inactive at night. If you think about it, you don't usually wake up in the middle of the night to poop,” says Patricia Raymond, MD, a gastroenterology and internal medicine physician and clinical advisor for Gastro Girl.
Research shows the best time to take a probiotic is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or before going to sleep at night. Probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
probiotic+ Along with taking probiotic supplements, functional medicine doctor Wendie Trubow, M.D., says it's important to eat a diverse diet rich in fiber and beneficial bacteria. As long as these nutrients are making their way into the gut, Trubow says missing a few days of a supplement won't be as big of a deal.
Bottom Line: For most conditions, take probiotics for at least 3-4 weeks to see if they work for you. Acute diarrhea and food intolerances are exceptions to these guidelines.
The short answer: It takes most people 2 to 3 weeks to feel significant benefits when they start taking probiotics. That's because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.
Because microbes used as probiotics already exist naturally in your body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered safe. They may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them.
Probiotics can be useful in infectious diarrhea, as the natural gut flora is disrupted after an infection and, in otherwise healthy individuals, the probiotics can be used to repopulate the colon with healthy bacteria. This should be done in conjunction with a physician.
Probiotics Aren't Recommended for Most Digestive Conditions, Guidelines Say. The American Gastroenterological Association says there's no solid evidence that probiotics can treat conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Also, taking supplements when you don't need them could upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, leaving you feeling sick. Other times, some type of probiotic is needed to feel better. For example, when too many bacteria growing in your gut leads to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
While one is in food (such as yogurt and cheese), you can also take probiotic supplements.
“Don't take a probiotic supplement with hot food and drinks such as tea or coffee as this can lessen the chance of the bacteria getting to your gut unharmed. Give it 30 minutes after taking them before you reach for the teapot.”
In addition, probiotics might have synergistic effects with vitamin D, through improving the expression of vitamin D receptors [9]. Therefore, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis by probiotics plus improving vitamin D levels might provide a novel target to treat mental and metabolic disorders.
However, some patients take probiotics and feel even worse. Symptoms can include cramping, gassiness, diarrhea, fatigue, and even brain fog or memory problems. Often these symptoms intensify just after a meal.