Do Probiotics Cause Gas? Reasons for This Side Effect

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Probiotics are meant to feed your gut good bacteria and active microorganisms. 

For some people, these supplements might not always show positive results right away. A sudden change to your digestive health is bound to cause some side effects. 

One common side effect is gas and bloating. The gut microbiota is adjusting to new bacteria that have entered your stomach. But why does this even happen? 

Just keep reading to find the link between probiotics and gas. 

One study found that consuming probiotics will change the bacteria in your system. The chosen supplements introduce new probiotic strains that interact with the gut microbiome. Even though your gut is constantly fluctuating, bringing in other bacteria can cause temporary disruption. 

Some people might experience other side effects like constipation. New gut bacteria means your intestines have to adjust, which includes slowing digestion or making excess gas. This results in uncomfortable bloating and flatulence that disappears after a few days or weeks.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotic supplements are live bacteria and yeast that support digestive health. They are full of good bacteria that keep your gut clean. Most probiotics come in capsules, fermented foods like yogurt, and even dairy beverages. 

There are people who take a probiotic supplement daily to keep the good and bad bacteria balanced. Probiotics keep your gut microbiome healthy so that you have a strong immune system. Plus, the more good bacteria you have, the more likely you’ll fight off infections. 

You should think of your gut microbiome as an active community. Each microorganism plays a role in the digestive system and immune cells. Probiotic supplements can help strengthen this community and boost the good bacteria that supply your body with essential nutrients. 

How Do Probiotics Work?

Consuming probiotic supplements or probiotic foods can maintain a healthy balance in your digestive system. So, when you’re sick and have more bad bacteria, the gut microbiome will fight off these bacteria and restore the balance to replenish your health. 

Studies have proved that probiotics create acids to stop pathogen growth. These pathogens are infectious agents that increase the risk of disease. Probiotic bacteria essentially block out these bad pathogens and allow healthy microorganisms to thrive and grow. 

Once the beneficial bacteria balance out in your gut, you may notice improvements in your digestion and overall well-being. The digestive tract is a safe haven for microbes to form – microorganisms that boost your immune system function with the help of extra probiotics.  

Here are some of the things a probiotic supplement can do: 

• Support good digestion
• Prevent serious constipation 
• Create essential vitamins 
• Control bad bacteria 
• Improve a weakened immune system 
• Absorb and breakdown medicine 

Why Do Probiotics Cause Gas?

Probiotics cause gas because they are temporarily confusing your microbiome. Your body may produce excess gas due to adverse changes in your intestines. Taking probiotic supplements for the first time is bound to cause these side effects, too. 

A probiotic product will cause the most gas in the first two weeks. The new bacteria in your ecosystem are trying to find a place among the lively community of microorganisms. This sudden change causes small reactions in your gut, like bloating throughout the day or excess gas. 

People who take yeast-based probiotics may get constipation and increased thirst. It all depends on what supplements you’re consuming and whether they keep your body healthy. Everyone’s gut is always changing, so introducing new bacteria will be a startling surprise. 

Certain reactions could also increase the bacteria that produce gas when they break down food. The release of intestinal gas, mixed with higher levels of oxygen, hydrogen, ammonia, and methane, can make flatulence smell worse, especially when taken with fiber-rich foods.

To reduce the occurrence of this side effect, begin with a low dosage. Then, slowly increase the number of probiotics you take over the next few weeks. During this time, your body can adjust to the healthy bacteria without triggering symptoms like cramps, gas, bloating, and constipation.

FAQs

Conclusion

Gas is a common side effect of adding probiotics to your diet. Not everyone will experience this, but it’s nothing to be concerned about if you do. You can consult with your doctor beforehand about taking supplements to ensure you don’t get adverse reactions or digestive problems.