Can Probiotics Cause Diarrhoea?

The thing with probiotics, is that although they are hugely favoured by many as a beneficial addition to their everyday routine, there is still continuous research being carried out on how effective the live cultures are at treating certain conditions.

Having said that, there is a great deal of information surrounding these supplements and how they help improve many who use them. Whether you reap the rewards or not, you’ll find when taking probiotics, you are often left with a common side effect of having diarrhoea. This usually occurs during the introductory stage of you using probiotics and will normally calm down after a few days. If you find that the symptoms last a little longer, it’s best to consult with a doctor or medical professional for the best advice.

If you wanted to know more about probiotics and how they benefit the body, you can check out our dedicated blog post over on The Health Insiders. Today’s focus, however, is going to be on can probiotics cause diarrhoea as a long-term concern. So, let’s dive right in and find out more together.

Why do I get diarrhoea after taking probiotics?

Suffering from diarrhoea, gas, and bloating are all very common when you first take probiotics. It’s a result of the gut’s microbiome changing causing any remaining bacteria to produce excessive gas which can give you bloating and discomfort around the abdomen. This unfortunately is unavoidable and is something that should only last a couple of days once the gut’s flora has rebalanced and settled to the changes. Surprisingly for some, you’ll find the gut is very delicate and can become imbalanced with the slightest change, from how stressful your day is going, to which food you opt for at lunch time. With the probiotics boosting the overall levels of good bacteria you’ll find the bad bacteria wouldn’t go without a fight. As long as you’re fully prepared and aware you’ll suffer from some minor side effects, you’ll be reaping the rewards in now time.

There is such a vast variety of probiotics available which can often make the whole task very daunting. Therefore, we suggest you always take your time finding a product that contains the correct strain for the concern you are wanting to treat. By finding the best strain, you’ll find you can treat the problem rapidly and effectively with any side effects being only short lived. As I have already mentioned, if these side effects persist, consult with your doctor for the best alternatives.

How long does diarrhoea from probiotics last?

Due to the microbes found in probiotics are already present in the body naturally, you may often find they can trigger some gas, bloating and upset stomach. As I have mentioned previously, this is something that is quite common, but how long these symptoms last are dependent on several factors.

• The natural balance and state of the gut when you first introduce probiotics
• Your overall health and wellbeing
• Your weight can also play a part in how long you suffer from any side effects
• The strain of probiotics is also something to consider, as if you are using the wrong type to combat your concern, it could mean the side effects last longer
• How potent the product is will also determine how long the symptoms last

Bear in mind however, that these should not last longer than a week and if you find yourself suffering stop taking the probiotics and wait until you have spoken to your GP.

Do probiotics affect bowel movements?

Yes, they do, and in various ways. For example, taking probiotics to stop diarrhoea is common benefit. By taking them to preventing frequent bowel movements, you’ll begin to notice a difference after a day.

On the other hand, you’ll find that probiotics can increase your bowel movements with a short term upset stomach. Once the gut’s microbiome has rebalanced and the levels of good and bad bacteria are improved, you’ll find that the regularity of your bowel movements will return to normal.

What are the negative side effects of taking probiotics?

Probiotics are natural supplements and are generally considered safe to use without having to much negative side effects. Many find that probiotics are something that can be introduced easily into their routine with little to no side effects at all. Having said that, each strain of probiotic is different, as are people and the general health of their gut which can determine just how badly they can be affected by taking probiotics on a daily basis. You already know some of the side effects when introducing probiotics into your routine, but here are some other common ones.

• Increased gas and flatulates
• Bloating
• Discomfort in the abdomen
• Constipation
• Frequent bowel movements
• Increased thirst
• Some find they suffer from frequent headaches and migraines
• Can cause some mild inflammation due to increased levels of histamine
• Can trigger allergic reactions
• Can alter the immune system which can put many at risk if they are suffering from a severe illness or have recently been in hospital

These probiotic microorganisms are highly effective at treating concerns and benefiting the body. Known for being safe enough to consume in large quantities, not forgetting of course you are able to benefit from having probiotic rich foods in your diet.

Can probiotic make IBS worse?

Yes, they can cause IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) to become worse, especially if your IBS is triggered by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO. If this causes a flare-up in your IBS it’s important you use the best strain of probiotic to help calm and prevent your IBS from becoming worse. The best two strains of probiotics are,

• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium 

If you are wanting to ensure neither of these strains will aggravate your IBS any further, take a close look at the formulation of the product. By opting for a gluten-free blend that contain high levels of colony-forming units, you will be giving the probiotics the best change of settling the gut flora, without causing any further flare-ups in IBS.

There you have a little more information about whether probiotics cause diarrhoea. As I have expressed already, it is very important to find the best product for you, and if you have any concerns, consult with your doctor or GP for peace of mind. Don’t forget to come and find us on Instagram for daily posts, product launches, and giveaways.