Do Probiotics Have Side Effects?
Published June 01, 2015 Your gut is populated with "good" and "bad" bacteria. All these microorganisms make up what's called the microbiome, and a healthy balance of all that good and bad bacteria in your gut can make a big difference when it comes to your health. But there are a lot of things in our modern lifestyle—things like stress, toxins, and antibiotics—that can affect the diversity of the microbiome, things that can also affect the "good" bacteria. [1]
What Are Probiotics?
These good bacteria are also called called probiotics, and more and more people are taking them for the health perks. Studies suggest they can aid in digestion, boost the immune system—even regulate mental health. [2] [3] And if heart health is a concern, your probiotic might even help with that. [4] There's also recent evidence suggesting probiotics can help you maintain a healthy weight. [5]
But probiotics are far from perfect; there are certain side effects you should consider. For the most part, those side effects for healthy individuals are just mild digestive issues—things like gas or bloating. One study suggests, though, that probiotics could shorten diarrhea symptoms or help discourage much more severe gastrointestinal problems (such as Crohn's disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome), so perhaps those slight side effects aren't that bad after all. [6]
Whenever someone is taking live bacteria, though, there's always a possibility of danger. Those who are critically ill shouldn't take probiotics for this reason. For example, a Dutch study suggests a higher death rate among acute pancreatitis patients when drinking a probiotic blend of six active cultures. [7] In this case, "good" bacteria is seen by the already weakened immune system as harmful and attacked as invaders.
What Probiotics Can't Do
But, while they can certainly help supplement a healthy lifestyle, don't think of probiotics as a miracle drug. Don't just jump on the bandwagon without doing your research. After all, probiotics are something of a big business right now, with the latest research suggesting they could be worth about $45 billion by 2018. [8]
So, yes, while there are a lot of things to consider when taking probiotics, if you're healthy and think they're right for you, by all means try them! But, maybe you currently take probiotics and worry about side effects. We'd love for you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
- David, L. A. et al. Host lifestyle affects human microbiota on daily timescales. Genome Biology. 15 (7).
- Behnsen, J. et al. Probiotics: Properties, Examples, and Specific Applications. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine.
- Foster, J.A. & McVey-Neufeld, K.A. Gut-brain axis: how the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in Neurosciences. 36 (5).
- Baker, J. et al. Intestinal microbiota determine severity of myocardial infarction in rats. FASEB.
- Goodrich, J. et al. Human Genetics Shape the Gut Microbiome. Cell. 159 (4).
- Gevers, D. et al. The Treatment-Naive Microbiome in New-Onset Crohn's Disease. Cell Host & Microbe. 15 (3).
- Besseling, M. G. et al. Probiotic prophylaxis in predicted severe acute pancreatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 371 (9613).
- Transparency Market Research. Probiotics Market (Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Foods & Beverages) – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth And Forecast 2012 – 2018. Transparency Market Research.
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