Can Probiotics Cause Diarrhea?

Can probiotics cause diarrhea? Some people that take probiotics can experience diarrhea, but it is a case-by-case situation. And this is because they produce short chain fatty acids within the gut. The people that experience diarrhea the most are the ones that take large doses of probiotics. So, the main reason anybody would experience diarrhea from probiotics is because of overconsumption.

Can probiotics cause diarrhea? iStock-photo credit: PCH-Vector

Some of the high-risk groups that can potentially experience side effects to probiotics are:

• People with gastrointestinal conditions
• Immune compromised individuals
• Young children
• Premature infants

If you choose not to take probiotics supplements and you want to resort to eating probiotic foods, then those are:

• Yogurt
• Pickles
• Sauerkraut
• Kefir
• Tempeh
• Kombucha

There are some research studies that show that experiencing diarrhea or gastrointestinal side effects are linked to people that have IBS, (Irritable Bowel syndrome).

Although overconsuming probiotics can cause diarrhea it is important to know that there are certain probiotics based on studies that can treat diarrhea. And those are:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, (LGG)- This is one of the most effective probiotics for treating diarrhea in adults and children.

Bifidobacterium lactis– This probiotic has strong immune boosting properties and can significantly reduce the severity and frequency in diarrhea in children.

Saccharomyces boulardii-This is also a strong probiotic that has been shown to treat infectious diarrhea.

Probiotics are safe for most people, but it is still a good idea to contact your health provider before adding it as a dietary supplement.

The Bottom Line is if you overconsume probiotics, it can cause diarrhea but there are certain probiotic strains based off research studies that can treat diarrhea too.

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