The side effects of probiotics
Probiotics usually don’t have any severe side effects. In most of the cases, the side effects go unnoticed but for individuals whose gastro intestinal tracts have the presence of high bad bacteria can have some side effects. Interestingly, side effects itself is a sign that the probiotics are working. Most of the side effects are a part of the transition phase where the harmful bacteria are driven out. Many people look at the symptoms as an adverse and stop the intake of probiotics.
Some of the common probiotics side effects are listed below –
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Acne
- Rashes
- Bloating
These side effects of probiotics don’t last for more than two weeks and can be reduced effectively by employing some very simple curative measures. These side effects are nothing but the change in the alkalinity levels inside the gastro intestinal tract when the probiotics are ingested. Ideally, the tract should have a pH ranging from the values of 6.7 to 6.9, with the level of pH of 7 being neutral. Anything below those levels is considered acidic.
An acidic medium encourages the growth of pathogens which are ingested through the probiotics. Chlorine in water, antibiotics, and prescriptions are alkaline, and the bacteria inside them before the introduction of probiotics are accustomed to the alkalinity levels. The newly ingested body-friendly bacteria change the medium from alkaline to acidic which promotes the growth affecting the bacteria already present in the tract. As the colon pH level changes, there is a war between the good bacteria and the bad bacteria, which results in the symptoms such as gas, loose stool, rashes, etc. The symptoms might last a little longer than usual if the user unknowingly takes any particular antibiotic that is harmful to the good bacteria. For instance, fermented food, butter milk, yogurt can encourage the growth of good bacteria. It is best not to discontinue probiotics as it may stop the symptoms, but gut would still have bad bacteria. Possible ways to reduce the side effects are by keeping the body hydrated by drinking plenty water and if the symptoms are aggravating reducing the dosage.
