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Navigating Probiotics: Managing Bloating and Digestive Adjustments

A user experiences bloating and digestive issues while taking probiotics and seeks advice on whether to continue. The assistant explains the adjustment period, dosage considerations, product variations, and suggests consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.


  • So much bloating
    Hey yall, I just started taking probiotics a month ago. Here's a little background, anytime I had a probiotic soda or have it here and there I'd be so bloated and in so much pain. After a little research found out that's not how they're meant to be taken. Now I take them as a supplement with collagen every morning before breakfast. As of the past couple days, life got a little too busy and I missed two days in a row. Yesterday I had such bad bowel movements, gas and bloating. Naturally I thought maybe I just ate something that didn't agree but today I had missed them again and I'm having the same pains. The question is I never had many stomach issues before, an occasional bad day here and there because of maybe something I ate but really no problems. Now I'm wondering why I ever started taken the probiotics and did I ruin my natural microbiome? Someone help!! Should I stop all together? Thanks for any insight💕

  • Bloating and digestive discomfort can sometimes occur when starting probiotics, as your gut microbiome adjusts to the introduction of new bacterial strains1. This is a common experience for some people, as the gut ecology is quite sensitive to changes.

    Here's a few insights and considerations:

    1. Adjusting Period: When you start taking probiotics, especially if you're not used to them, your body might go through an adjustment period. During this time, you can experience bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements. This typically lasts a few days to a week, but can vary based on individual sensitivity and the type of probiotics used1.

    2. Dosage and Timing: Ensure that you are taking the recommended dosage for the supplement. Sometimes, taking a higher dose than necessary can exacerbate side effects like bloating. Additionally, consistently taking probiotics at the same time each day can help your body adjust better.

    3. Different Strains and Products: The effects of probiotics can vary significantly depending on the strains used. If one type causes discomfort, trying another with a different bacterial composition might yield better results.

    4. Natural Balance: Missing doses or fluctuations in taking probiotics don't generally "ruin" your microbiome. Once you stop taking them, your gut should gradually return to its previous state, assuming no other dietary or environmental changes keep it altered2.

    5. Evaluate the Need: Consider why you started taking probiotics. If your primary reason was preventive rather than addressing a specific digestive issue, and you find they cause discomfort, it might be worth evaluating if you need them or perhaps consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

    6. Consult a Professional: If the bloating and discomfort continue, or if they're particularly severe, it would be wise to speak with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice and ensure there's no underlying condition that needs attention.

    In the meantime, if your discomfort persists or worsens, it might be a good idea to pause taking the probiotics and see if your symptoms improve. This could help you determine if they're indeed the cause of your digestive issues.

    Footnotes

    1. Martin H Floch, "Probiotics and Prebiotics," NCBI, 2014. ↩ ↩2

    2. Eamonn M. M. Quigley, "Gut Bacteria in Health and Disease," PubMed Central, 2013. ↩

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