Are there side effects to probiotics?
James Craig
Published Jan 25, 2026
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.
What are the side effects of probiotic?
The Bottom Line
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. If this occurs, stop using probiotics.
Is it OK to take a probiotic every day?
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.
What happens when you start taking probiotics?
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.
Can probiotics make things worse?
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.
20 related questions foundWho should not take probiotics?
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.
Can probiotics cause IBS symptoms?
Can probiotics make IBS worse? Probiotics can make IBS worse if your IBS is triggered by SIBO. If you have SIBO, probiotics can get trapped in your small intestine and worsen your symptoms. Take a breath test to test for SIBO before treating IBS with probiotics.
What are the signs you need probiotics?
6 signs you need a probiotic
- You have allergies and asthma. ...
- You suffer from one or more mood disorders. ...
- You've had food poisoning. ...
- You've taken antibiotics. ...
- You're always getting sick. ...
- You suffer from skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
Can probiotics make you poop more?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that you can buy as supplements, but they also occur naturally in many fermented foods. They have a number of health benefits, and may even help you poop more. Research shows that probiotics could be especially useful in managing symptoms of IBS, including constipation.
How do I know if my probiotic is working?
If you feel the following improvements after taking probiotics, it's likely that they're working properly.
- Decreased Abdominal Pain and Discomfort. ...
- Reduced Bloating and Gas. ...
- Increased Regularity in Bowel Movements. ...
- Improved Digestion. ...
- Improved Immunity and Energy. ...
- Decreased Bowel Inflammation.
Do probiotics mess up your stomach?
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.
Should I take probiotics in the morning or at night?
With more time in your gut, the good bacteria can get to work healing your digestive issues. And that's exactly what you want if you're investing in a supplement. The bottom line: The best time to take a probiotic is generally at nighttime before bed.
What happens when you stop probiotics?
If you stop taking them, your gut bacteria are likely return to their pre-supplementation condition within one to three weeks. You may be able to get longer-lasting changes by “feeding the healthy bacteria”. Like all living organisms, bacteria need food to survive.
Can probiotics cause you to gain weight?
You Are Taking Probiotic Strains That Promote Obesity
Yes, that's right. You may be actively consuming a probiotic strain that promotes weight gain while expecting it to help you lose weight. Some strains of probiotics encourage obesity.
Should a woman take a probiotic daily?
Probiotics can ward off vaginal yeast infections, urogenital infections, and bacterial vaginosis by keeping the vaginal microbiome in balance, Fasig says. Studies have also shown that taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum strains ($24, Amazon) daily can positively improve vaginal flora.
Can probiotics cause anxiety?
Then she found an article in Mental Health Daily about the side effects and adverse reactions to probiotics that people have reported. And there she found her answer. That if you take more than 20 billion CFUs (she was taking 400 billion CFUs) per day, you can get side effects. And anxiety is listed as one of them.
Do probiotics cause stinky poop?
The stinky findings are not shocking given past disappointing and inconclusive data on probiotics. A 2016 review of randomized controlled studies concluded that probiotics had almost no effect on the overall mix of microbes in people's poop.
Why am I pooping so much after taking probiotics?
Do They Make You Poop? Probiotics can, in fact, make you poop—especially if you're suffering from constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It's important to understand that probiotics are not laxatives. Their purpose is not to stimulate your bowels.
Do probiotics make you fart?
So yes, probiotics can cause gas (among other probiotic side effects) and it's somewhat normal at first. Probiotic side effects may include gas, bloating, and headaches -- but they should go away after taking your probiotic consistently for a few weeks.
How long should you take a probiotic?
NICE guidance suggests people who wish to try probiotics be encouraged to select one brand and take it at the recommended dose for at least four weeks while monitoring the effect.
How long does it take to see effects of probiotics?
If you are taking a high quality, multispecies and multistrain supplement, you can expect to notice initial improvements and health benefits of probiotics in your digestion as early as the first 1-2 weeks after starting your probiotic. Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days.
How do I know if I have a leaky gut?
"Leaky gut syndrome" is said to have symptoms including bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, and aches and pains.
Can probiotics make acid reflux worse?
Probiotics do not increase stomach acid and may help protect against the ill effects of acid reflux. Lactobacillus johnsonii was shown to have the opposite effect on hydrochloric acid production in a study involving mice.
Can probiotics cause gallbladder problems?
However, our study found that there was a significant increase in bifidobacteria in the gut of mice with gallstones. It is suggested that excessive probiotics (Bifidobacterium) may be related to the formation of gallstones.
Is Biomel good for IBS?
Biomel is perfect for anyone looking to improve their gut health and for people with tricky digestive issues, like IBS.