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Probiotics May Be The Cause Of Your Unexplained Bloating

Turns out they’re not a cure all for gut health. - by Lucy Bode
  • 25 Nov 2019
Probiotics May Be The Cause Of Your Unexplained Bloating
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You’ve heard us wax lyrical about the benefits of probiotics for years now – from balancing gut bacteria to keeping things…regular. But as new evidence suggests, taking too much can cause some pretty unpleasant side effects.

The research – first published in the journal Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology – found that probiotic supplements may bring on stomach pains, bloating, gas and mental fogginess when consumed regularly. The reason? Bacterial overgrowth (when the ‘good’ microbes multiply in excess, colonising the small intestine and stomach.)

The study’s lead author Dr Satish Rao and his colleagues analysed 30 adults who were taking probiotics. While all participants suffered from gas and bloating, 22 had cognitive issues such as confusion and difficulty concentrating. Some were even forced to quit their jobs due to the severity of their brain fog, which would often last for hours after eating.

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Interestingly, the researchers established that the participants all had large communities of bacteria in their small intestine, as well as abnormally high levels of D-lactic acid (a by-product of probiotic bacteria that can be temporarily toxic to brain cells.)

The participants were prescribed antibiotics and asked to stop taking the supplements, which in most cases, resulted in relief from their symptoms.   

“What we now know is that probiotic bacteria have the unique capacity to break down sugar and produce D-lactic acid,” explained Dr Rao. “So, if you inadvertently colonise your small bowel with probiotic bacteria, then you have set the stage for potentially developing lactic acidosis and brain fogginess.”

So, what’s a girl looking to improve her gut health without overdoing it to do? Dr Rao suggests chowing down on kimchi, dark chocolate and yoghurt as these ingredients are relatively low in good bacteria.

“Probiotics should be treated as a drug, not as a food supplement,” he added. Food for thought.

RELATED: Study Finds Cooked Veggies Are Better For Your Gut Health Than Eating Them Raw

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Lucy Bode
Lucy Bode
Lucy is Women Health’s digital editor, social media specialist and the go-to girl for all things holistic wellness. Her background as a journalist and passion for food, fitness and integrative medicine has led her to write for some of Australia’s leading publications over the course of her career.

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