Probiotics can make you sick in some cases, experts say, and here's what to do if it happens

If you are trying to control your intestinal health, you are probably already on the probiotic wave. From yogurts to kombucha to dietary supplements, you can easily find probiotics in many common foods at your local grocery store. Although it is proven that they have many health benefits, probiotic supplements can have surprisingly negative side effects in some cases, not to be overlooked.

In simple terms, as Healthline reported, probiotics are "friendly bacteria" (or living microorganisms) present in different dietary products. There are hundreds of different strains; some researchers even estimated that there were thousands of them. These bacteria are similar to those already living in your body – the same bacteria that are essential to a healthy gut. Research has revealed that intestinal health (and these bacteria) plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall physical and mental health. In addition, a 2018 study found that probiotics may help counteract the effects of liver damage.

However, according to Ali Webster, PhD, RD, Associate Director of Nutrition Communications for the International Council of Food Information Foundation, existing research on probiotics is still limited.

"Probiotics have shown health benefits in specific groups of people and in some research studies, but in many cases these effects are not consistent, or are sufficiently impressive to make a strong, evidence-based recommendation. to take them, "Webster tells Bustle. "That being said, some people may have an improvement in their digestive health or other conditions resulting from taking a probiotic supplement or consuming probiotic-rich foods, and the risk of Side effects is usually minimal. "

Although generally safe, this does not mean that probiotics have no side effects. Webster says that bloating and gas are among the most common side effects of probiotics. According to Medical News Today, these gases are due to changes in your microbiome, but these symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks, once your gut has adjusted. However, a small study conducted in 2018 linked probiotics to bloat and brain fog due to the proliferation of bacteria in the stomach or small intestine.

Bloating and brain fog are often temporary and life-threatening, but Webster says "Probiotics could also cause serious side effects to people with compromised immune systems." According to the National Complementary Health Center and integrative, weakened immune systems, as well as those with underlying health problems or who have recently undergone surgery, risk developing harmful infections if they take probiotics, as they reintroduce bacteria into their system.

Although probiotic supplements can cause unwanted symptoms, the good bacteria they contain are not necessarily to blame if a new supplement makes you feel bad. "Food supplements may contain other ingredients that may cause side effects, regardless of their active or advertised content. For example, some probiotic supplements also include compounds derived from dairy products, egg or soy, common allergens, "says Webster. "It is important to read the labels carefully." Nevertheless, the FDA does not currently regulate supplements or vitamins, although earlier this year the agency announced that it would impose new standards for supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness .

Symptoms or not, Webster says it's always a good idea to check with your doctor first before adding a probiotic supplement to your daily wellness routine. Keep in mind that eating probiotic-rich foods and supplements is not the magic solution to intestinal problems and may have side effects if you do not take the strains that the unique microbiome needs in your stomach. . But you will probably feel good if you eat more yogurt a week, and if you do not, talk to your doctor.