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What are the dangers of taking probiotics?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 21, 2026

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. There are certain people who need to use caution when using probiotic supplements. There is a risk of infection in some people.

Who 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 more harm than good?

New research in the journal Cell Host & Microbiome suggests that under certain conditions, probiotics can be harmful due to their ability to evolve once in the gut. Share on Pinterest For some people, probiotics may do more harm than good. Probiotics are live microorganisms that play a key role in intestinal function.

Can probiotics be harmful to you?

Possible harmful effects of probiotics include infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract.

What are the side effects of too much probiotics?

Signs You May be Taking Too Many Probiotics

  • Diarrhea, Gas, Bloating, and other Digestive Symptoms. ...
  • Headaches from Amines in Probiotic Foods. ...
  • Certain Strains May Increase Histamine Levels. ...
  • Certain Ingredients Can Cause Adverse Reactions. ...
  • Probiotics May Increase the Risk of Infection for Some People.
35 related questions found

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.

What happens when you take probiotics everyday?

One concern people often have is whether their digestive system will become 'lazy' if they take probiotics every day. But, rest assured, probiotics are not thought to be like laxatives which can cause the gut to become 'lazy' and reliant on them in order to function.

Can long term use of probiotics be harmful?

The long-term probiotics use is safe and well accepted and can be an effective method of pouchitis prevention.

Can probiotics mess with hormones?

Probiotics may reduce the number of calories you absorb from food. They also affect levels of hormones and proteins related to appetite and fat storage, as well as potentially reduce inflammation, which can drive obesity.

Do probiotics actually do anything?

Probiotics can aid digestion and help maintain gut health

But a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that you can treat and even prevent some illnesses with foods and supplements containing certain kinds of live bacteria.

Can probiotics damage liver?

On the other hand, probiotics can strengthen the intestinal wall, reducing its permeability, bacterial translocation, and endotoxemia according to animal and human studies. They can also reduce oxidative and inflammatory liver damage, while improving the histological state in certain situations.

Can probiotics affect your heart?

Probiotics and heart health. Clinical research published earlier this year has found that probiotics can significantly improve health in those at risk of heart disease7. An important connection exists between the gut microbiome, probiotics and heart health8.

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.

Can probiotics give you brain fog?

In the study, 30 patients were questioned on their symptoms and use of antibiotics or probiotics. The results showed that the 22 patients who took probiotics complained of brain fog or increased gas and bloating.

Does probiotics 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.

Can probiotics make you poop blood?

Aforementioned studies suggest probiotic side effects are mild and occur with similar frequency as the comparison treatments. The most common adverse effects reported in studies were abdominal distention, constipation, dizziness, flulike symptoms, abdominal discomfort and bloating, and upper GI bleeding.

Do probiotics affect estrogen?

This restoration improved the function of their reproductive system. Another study corroborated this finding and discovered that the probiotic Lactobacillus species were most effective in rats at improving polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms and rebalancing the estrogen cycle.

What are the symptoms of a leaky gut?

Leaky gut may cause or contribute to the following symptoms:

  • chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.
  • nutritional deficiencies.
  • fatigue.
  • headaches.
  • confusion.
  • difficulty concentrating.
  • skin problems, such as acne, rashes, or eczema.
  • joint pain.

Why does my probiotic give me a headache?

Probiotics may trigger headaches because the good bacteria stimulate the body to eliminate toxins and chemicals such as bad bacteria and yeast residing in the digestive tract. As these toxins exit the body symptoms may be experienced for a few days or a week.

Can you stop taking probiotics cold turkey?

In other words, you need to keep taking the probiotic supplements for the effects to last. 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”.

How long should you be on 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.

Why can't immunocompromised take probiotics?

We do not recommend that individuals who are immunosuppressed take live cultures supplements, due to a lack of clinical evidence. Patients who are severely immunocompromised or immunosuppressed do not have the ability to mount an appropriate response to any microbe that they come in contact with.

Will probiotics cause acid reflux?

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.

Should you take a break from probiotics?

If you experience ongoing side effects from probiotics such as bloating and gas, it may be a good idea to take a break from probiotics and ensure you are taking the correct strain and dose.

Can you eat yogurt and take probiotics?

Mistake #1: You store probiotics in your medicine cabinet

It's important to note that there are a few ways to take probiotics. While one is in food (such as yogurt and cheese), you can also take probiotic supplements.