{"id":58985,"date":"2023-06-20T13:06:19","date_gmt":"2023-06-20T17:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58985"},"modified":"2025-11-29T10:44:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-29T15:44:45","slug":"probiotics-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/probiotics-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Who should not take probiotics?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It might seem odd that ingesting live microorganisms\u2014essentially, germs\u2014can be good for your health, but that\u2019s the idea behind probiotics. Probiotics have become a popular supplement for people searching for better gut health and improved overall health.<\/span>
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But not everyone should take probiotics. They can cause unwanted side effects, such as bloating, gas, or constipation. But for some people, probiotics aren\u2019t safe at all. Read on to find out why probiotics don\u2019t work for everyone, what the side effects are, and who should avoid probiotics entirely.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>RELATED: <\/b>Can probiotics help treat diabetes?<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do probiotics work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi (including yeasts). The activity and composition of the organisms in your gut are collectively known as your gut microbiome (or microbiota or intestinal microflora).\u00a0<\/span>
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There is an ongoing balancing act between the beneficial and harmful bacteria in your gut, where the \u201cgood\u201d bacteria keep the \u201cbad\u201d bacteria in check, which would otherwise flourish, leading to disease or infections. A healthy gut biome is crucial to your immune system and regulates proper digestion, bowel movements, and other bodily functions. If you\u2019ve ever had a yeast infection or diarrhea after a round of antibiotics, you\u2019ve felt the unpleasant effects of what happens when too many beneficial bacteria get wiped out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Probiotics are beneficial microbes (or yeasts) found in fermented foods or in dietary supplements. They<\/span> help to restore<\/span><\/a> a healthy balance in your microbiome.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbiotics support the growth of healthy natural flora (good bacteria) in your body,\u201d says<\/span> Caitlin Goodwin<\/span><\/a>, RN, a consultant for<\/span> Mom Loves Best<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThese probiotics help crucial bodily functions.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to reducing the risk and severity of antibiotic-induced and infectious diarrhea,<\/span> research shows<\/span><\/a> that probiotics can reduce atopic dermatitis. They may also support your body\u2019s overall immune function; however, research about their efficacy for immune support as well as other health benefits, such as weight management, improvement of gastric distress symptoms, and other benefits is ongoing. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>RELATED: <\/b>Probiotics 101<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What are the side effects of probiotics?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Probiotic supplements\u2014which contain a variety of microorganisms in powder, pills, or liquid form\u2014are safe for most people to consume daily. However, in addition to the benefits of probiotics, some people experience mild side effects, many of which will resolve when your body\u2019s microbiome readjusts, according to<\/span> Daniel A. Monti, MD<\/span><\/a>, founder of<\/span> Marcus Institute of Integrative Health<\/span><\/a>. Below, we detail common probiotics side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Digestive discomfort<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common side effect of probiotic supplementation, according to Dr. Monti, is digestive discomfort. \u201cSome people experience bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort,\u201d he says while adding that it is usually temporary and mild. While some studies report that probiotics alleviate constipation, it can also be a much less common side effect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Thirst<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some people experience increased<\/span> thirst<\/span><\/a> when they begin taking yeast probiotics, especially in the first week, as their body adjusts to the new balance in the gut bacteria. For most people, the symptoms subside on their own. If they don\u2019t, consider changing to a bacterial probiotic rather than yeast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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