Do Probiotics Make You Gassy? (SOLUTION)
Many research and people’s experiences show that probiotics can improve gut health; however, a major drawback associated with probiotic supplements is flatulence.
Most probiotics contain many live strains of bacteria and yeast, and they can survive in your digestive system but can also make you gassy. Gas production is caused by the bacterial fermentation of your body’s undigested carbohydrates and other foods.
The flatulence is usually temporary and can be managed by taking probiotics in the morning or after meals.
If you are taking probiotics for the first time, it is important to know about this side effect and how to manage it. This article will explain the causes of flatulence after taking probiotics, how to manage and reduce it.
Can Probiotics Cause Gas in the Stomach?
Some people experience a few days of mild gastrointestinal discomfort when first taking probiotics. Healthy bacteria in our gut produce gas as they digest food. The newly introduced probiotics flora may produce more gas than usual while their populations grow and become established.
Gas in the stomach is an indication that you’re having probiotic side effects. This can happen when you first begin taking these supplements or after a period of not using them.
This side effect will usually pass within some days or weeks of using probiotic supplements. To be precise, this timeframe may be anywhere between 7 and 21 days.
In rare cases, the symptoms will persist. In that case, consider seeing your doctor, who may recommend a suitable solution, such as changing to a better probiotic product.
Besides, always take probiotic products at the dose prescribed by your doctor or the manufacturer. It’ll keep you from taking too much, which may cause mild discomforts like gas and diarrhea.
Moreover, try to get your probiotic supplements from a trusted brand and store it in a cool, dry place. In addition, avoid taking probiotics with dairy products as these may affect their digestion.
Why do Probiotics cause a Gassy Stomach?
Probiotic supplements may cause a gassy stomach for many reasons.
Some of these are:
Gut Sensitivity
Your gut microbiota has a sensitive balance of good and bad bacteria. Introducing new bacteria into it with probiotics affects that balance and can cause gas. If you’re taking probiotics and experience gas, try taking them with food or after eating. This helps slow down the release of bacteria into your digestive tract.
Food Intolerance
Some people with food intolerances may react to probiotics.
This may include lactose intolerance, gassy foods like beans or broccoli, and gluten sensitivity. Try a lactose-free or gluten-free version if you’re experiencing gas after taking probiotics. If you find that the symptoms continue, talk to your doctor about other options.
Taking too many Probiotics can make you gassy
Gas and bloating are the most common side effects of taking too many probiotics.
This is because your body might be sensitive to lactobacillus, one of the most common bacteria in probiotics supplements. If you have a sensitivity to lactobacillus, consuming it in high quantities can cause gas and diarrhea.
If you’re using a probiotic that contains lactobacillus, it’s important to take the recommended dose. If you need to increase your dosage, talk to your doctor first so they can help you find a safe way to do so.
Improper Storage
Some probiotic supplements can lose their effectiveness if they aren’t stored correctly. The best way to keep them is in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). This will help to maintain the potency of the probiotics. If you’re storing them at home, ensure they are kept away from heat sources like stoves and microwaves. You can also store them in your freezer if you’re not planning on using them right away.
Improper Dosing
While there isn’t an exact formula for how much probiotics you should take each day, research suggests that most people need at least 10 billion CFUs daily to reap the benefits of this supplement. The effects may be counterproductive when you overdose on probiotics. One of the symptoms is excess gas, accompanied by bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
Not Eating Enough Fiber
Fibre helps move food through your digestive tract more quickly, so it can help reduce gas. If you’re taking probiotics and experiencing gas, try eating more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Taking Antibiotics With Probiotics
Antibiotics kill bacteria, disrupting your body’s balance of good and bad bacteria. Taking antibiotics with probiotics may also cause gas. If you’re taking probiotics and experience gas, wait at least two hours after taking antibiotics before taking antibiotics.
Delay in Gastric Emptying
Probiotics can delay the emptying of your stomach.
This means that food stays in your stomach longer, allowing bacteria more time to ferment and produce gas. If you experience this side effect with probiotics, try taking them before eating or on an empty stomach.
Fructose Malabsorption
Fructose malabsorption is when people cannot correctly digest fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits and vegetables. If you have this condition and take probiotics, it can cause gas. Get tested for fructose malabsorption so your doctor can give you the correct dose of probiotics that doesn’t exacerbate symptoms.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
SIBO is when there are too many bacteria in your small intestine. Suppose you have this condition and take probiotics. In that case, it can cause gas because the bacteria ferment the food that would usually be absorbed into your bloodstream. To reduce your symptoms, talk to your doctor about taking an antibiotic or another medication that treats SIBO.
If you don’t want to take drugs, try changing your diet by eating more fiber and fewer sugars.
How Long Does Probiotic Gas and Bloating Last?
Probiotic gas and bloating are usually temporary, lasting between 1-2 weeks. In some cases, it may be longer. You can ease the gas by lowering your probiotics intake and slowly returning to the recommended dose.
You should also drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. You can also try eating more soluble fiber, which will help your body produce less gas.
Once your gut becomes more balanced, you will notice that the probiotic gas and bloating symptoms go away. If you’re still experiencing probiotic gas and bloating after a week or two of taking a probiotic supplement, then it could be a sign of another underlying health issue.
If you’re experiencing probiotic gas and bloating after taking a probiotic supplement for more than 2 weeks, contact your doctor immediately.
How Do You Get Rid Of Gas From Taking Probiotics?
If you experience gas after taking probiotics, reduce your dosage to one pill per three days and gradually increase it again. Watch for signs of excessive gas production from your gut to indicate whether the normal dose is being restored.
Generally, it may take a few days to restore back to normal without gas; during this time, you can manage and hasten the process with the following tips:
- Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out the gas.
- Eat probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi in moderation.
- Avoid eating foods that you know cause gas, such as beans and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower).
- Take probiotics with food, not on an empty stomach.
- Avoid carbonated drinks and caffeine, which can increase acid levels in your stomach
- Eat more fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to help move things along.
- Try eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of larger ones less often
Also, you may like to explore yeast-based probiotic supplements. Research suggests these probiotics will likely reduce your likelihood of experiencing flatulence.
However, taking yeast-based probiotics as an alternative to healthy gut bacteria also has downsides. You may experience constipation and dehydration, or thirst.
That’s not a worry because there’s a way around it, too. Trying the simple method of taking a reduced dose may have surprisingly positive effects for you.
Speak with a doctor if the gas persists for more than two weeks after you stop taking your medication, if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or diarrhea, or if you do not see any signs of improvement.
Which Probiotics Do Not Make You Gassy?
While most probiotics cause gas as part of their normal digestive process, some strains are known not to cause gas as part of their effects. These strains are often recommended for people with IBS and other digestive problems that lead to gas.
Some examples of strains that do not produce gas are:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- B. coagulans
- Lactobacillus casei/paracasei
Gas-prone people may want to seek out brands containing high concentrations of these strains.
Some of these brands are:
Yourbiology+ Probiotics: This brand contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and other strains that don’t cause gas. The brand also contains 40 billion CFUs per serving, which is a high concentration of probiotics.
The speed with which a probiotic makes its way to the stomach can also affect whether or not it will cause gas. Some probiotics are slow-release, meaning they take longer to arrive at their destination. This can help reduce the amount of gas the probiotic produces during its journey through your digestive tract.
Brands like Yourbiology Gut+ have been able to take advantage of this slow delivery by using a special delivery system. This allows them to create probiotics that don’t make you gassy.
In addition, the YourbiologyGut+ probiotic supplement is made from a capsule protection system called MAKtrek. This helps to release beneficial bacteria into your small intestine instead of your stomach.
Biotics 8: Biotics 8 is another top-priority probiotic supplement for those who prefer calm digestion. This mild work will remove digestive symptoms such as bloating, especially gas.
What this does is dissolve new good bacteria before getting into your belly.
That way, there’s little chance of digestive side effects such as stomach aches or gas.
The probiotic formula contains 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium lactis. This helps to promote good digestion, especially in those who are lactose intolerant. It’s a great choice for those with digestive issues that need an extra boost of healthy bacteria in men.
1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum: This is a highly-rated gut health supplement that contains many different strains of beneficial bacteria. The probiotic is also formulated to support your immune system, digestion, and overall health.
1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum contains 18 strains of probiotics that have been clinically tested in humans for safety and effectiveness. In addition, the product is free from gluten, soy, and dairy ingredients.
FAQs
Can Probiotics Help With Bloating?
Certain probiotic strains can help relieve digestive symptoms like bloating but not all. The best probiotics for bloating are those that help with the breakdown of food and can support gut health. The most effective strains include Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus Plantarum.
Can Probiotics Cause Stomach Pain?
Probiotics can cause stomach pain in some people as they are usually taken on an empty stomach. They can also cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea if you’re not taking the right strain or dosage. If you experience these symptoms, try taking your probiotic with food or reduce the amount you take.
Can Probiotics Cause Constipation?
Probiotics can cause constipation as they promote good bacteria in your gut. The best way to prevent this is by taking them with food or spreading them throughout the day rather than all at once. If you’re experiencing constipation, try increasing your fiber intake and drinking more water.
How Long does it take to adjust to Probiotics?
The amount of time it takes for probiotics to work depends on the type of probiotic you’re taking. Some strains can cause side effects like gas, bloating, and diarrhea in the beginning. This is normal as your body adjusts to new bacteria.
For other probiotics, It can take up to six weeks for your body to adjust to the side effects. If you notice any other symptoms after taking a probiotic, stop taking it immediately and talk with your doctor.
Do Probiotics make you fart?
The introduction of new live bacteria in the gut can cause to produce gas and fart. This is a normal side effect of taking probiotics. The gas can be embarrassing, but it’s harmless and temporary. If you are experiencing excessive gas or bloating, try taking your probiotic with food or take it after eating.
Can Probiotics Cause Bloating?
Yes, probiotics can cause bloating and gas. You may experience this side effect when you first start taking a probiotic supplement or if your dosage is too high. Probiotics often produce gas by breaking down food in the large intestine, which produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Other probiotics have different effects on your body and can cause bloating and gas.
Can Probiotics Cause foul-smelling Gas?
Yes, probiotics can cause foul-smelling gas. If you notice that your stool has an unusual odor, it could be due to the probiotic supplement you are taking. Probiotics are living organisms that produce gas as they digest food in the large intestine. This may result in a strong odor when you pass gas or stool.
Do probiotics make you less gassy?
Probiotics have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of gas and bloating by promoting the growth of good bacteria in your digestive tract.
The best way to do this is to eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables every day. If you don’t like eating these types of foods or they don’t agree with your digestive system, taking a daily probiotic supplement can also help boost levels of healthy bacteria in your body.
Do all probiotics make you gassy?
Not all probiotics will make you gassy. In fact, most probiotic supplements contain lactobacillus rhamnosus and bifidobacterium longum strains that actually reduce gas and bloating.
However, avoiding a probiotic supplement containing these strains may be best if you’re prone to intestinal issues like gas or diarrhea from eating dairy products.
Look for a probiotic supplement that contains prebiotics or soluble fiber, both of which promote the growth of good bacteria in your digestive tract.
Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria can make gassy stomachs worse if they aren’t taken with food or at the right dosage. If you’re prone to gas and bloating, try taking your probiotic with food or drinking it with a meal that contains some form of insoluble fiber like whole grains or legumes.