If taking probiotics known to be beneficial for gut health causes increased stomach troubles such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, it is advisable to stop consumption. Brain fog, which causes a feeling of mental cloudiness, can become severe and may even lead to sepsis in extreme cases.

 

Probiotics refer to a community of bacteria that decompose sugars to produce lactic acid. When healthy individuals take them, they suppress the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and improve the gut environment, aiding smooth bowel movements. However, if the specific strains or amounts are not appropriate, or due to underlying health conditions, adverse effects may occur.

 

In particular, patients with ▲Crohn's disease and intestinal leak syndrome, ▲cancer patients and those taking immunosuppressants, and ▲small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) patients should avoid probiotics. Patients with Crohn's disease and intestinal leak syndrome have an unhealthy mucous membrane covering the intestinal wall. It is loose or has gaps, allowing bacteria to penetrate and migrate to blood vessels and other organs.

 

At this time, bacteria infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to bacteremia that circulates throughout the body, and sepsis, which is characterized by an inflammatory response that can cause damage to major organs. Cancer patients and those taking immunosuppressants also have weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, so it is better not to consume probiotics. Since probiotics are also bacteria,

 

For people with weakened immune systems, excessive beneficial bacteria in the body can act like regular bacteria and cause infections. Especially for those who have a catheter (such as a central venous catheter) inserted for medication administration, the risk of infection is even higher. Patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) should also avoid taking probiotics. The small intestine is highly active and has vigorous digestive functions, making it difficult for bacteria to survive, so most gut bacteria reside in the large intestine.

 

However, if there are many bacteria in the large intestine or if the movement of the small intestine decreases, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can occur, where bacteria excessively proliferate within the small intestine. At this time, taking probiotics additionally may prevent the probiotics from reaching the large intestine, causing them to remain in the small intestine, leading to increased gas production and metabolic waste, which can worsen gastrointestinal troubles.

 

If there are too many bacteria in the small intestine, the blood concentration of D-lactic acid produced by gut bacteria increases, which can cause brain fog symptoms. In fact, there is a study showing that one in two patients with brain fog suffers from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It has been confirmed that these patients have been taking probiotic supplements for a long period.

Probiotics are known to be particularly helpful for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (a complex condition accompanied by systemic symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, frequent belching, general fatigue, headaches, and insomnia related to gut health).

 

In fact, a research team led by Professor Kim Joo-sung from the Department of Gastroenterology at Seoul National University Hospital found that taking 13 billion probiotics three times a day for 8 weeks significantly improved symptoms. If, among patients with irritable bowel syndrome, symptoms do not improve or worsen after about two weeks of taking probiotics, it is safe to stop consumption and seek medical attention. This is because there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as exacerbation of inflammatory diseases.

 

If you experience temporarily loose stools or stools that are firmer than usual when first taking probiotics, it is okay to observe the condition a bit longer.

Meanwhile, to enhance the effectiveness of probiotic intake, it is advisable to consume foods rich in dietary fiber such as fruits and vegetables or to take prebiotics, which serve as food for probiotics, together.

 

 

My diarrhea worsened after taking probiotics... Should I stop taking them? © Provided by Health Chosun