What are the side effects of probiotics?

You’ve probably heard it a million times: probiotics are the buzzword of the century! From yogurt to supplements, everyone seems to be taking them religiously. They’re supposed to cure constipation, diarrhea and even promote weight loss. But did you know they could also have some pretty nasty side effects? Here’s everything you need to know about what probiotics can do- both good and bad!

What Are Probiotics?

Let’s start with some basic knowledge first. Simply put, probiotics are living microorganisms that are thought to provide health benefits when consumed in large amounts. These microorganisms include bacteria or yeast and similar forms of life like fungi.

Probiotics live primarily in our digestive tracts but can also be found in other parts of our body, such as the skin or vagina. Their main function is that they help support a healthy gut microbiome – this refers to all the tiny creatures (microorganisms) that we host within us.

Although there are around 400 different types of bacteria living inside your belly (yikes!), only specific strains play an essential role in maintaining digestive balance.

How Do Probiotics Work?

The beneficial substances found within certain strains of these little organisms help combat harmful viruses and may work well for those who struggle with leaky gut syndrome by healing inflammation naturally or easing chronic bowel disorders like IBS.

Say thank you microbes for their ability (“proclivity”) towards battling unhealthy microbes; this competition among “good” v “bad” pathogens plays out every day within your intestines at almost microscopic levels! It’s easy therefore simply…you must maintain a harmonious equilibrium between these critters so things don’t get out-of-control 😉

Before we dive into all aspects concerning how taking probiotic supplements may potentially harm you, let’s take a look at some of the scientifically proven benefits! (because who doesn’t love hearing the good news first?)

Digestion

Probiotics have been found to be effective in treating diarrhea caused by various factors. That’s because they help balance out your gut microbiome by introducing “good” bacteria which crowd out or kill off harmful bacteria that are causing distress and disease.

Boost Your Immune System

Some studies suggest that these little bugs can support your immune system’s response against potential infections like respiratory viruses, especially when consumed regularly over an extended period- typically weeks/months 😎. Although more research is needed in this area – current data looks promising!

Heart Health

Another section where probiotics can work wonders: heart health! Studies suggest that certain strains could reduce total cholesterol levels in those with high enough numbers already without statins protecting themselves from further risk; likewise waging war against other lipid abnormalities – reducing inflammation all around 😉

Now that we’ve talked about the positives let us now address the negatives. Sadly like all supplements, consuming excess amounts of probiotics has its downsides too.

From upset stomachs to severe infections – here are some common side effects associated with taking regular doses of probiotics:

Stomach Upsets Could Occur

While rare- some people may experience gas, bloating or diarrhea as their body adjusts to added foreign invaders into existing fauna/fauna within turning their bowels upside down for short/long periods depending on each unique digestion environment….

In rare cases even if the product label indicates precise directions extra consumption above & beyond what was recommended (whether it was due simply just wanting more or mislabeling) may cause severe digestive turmoil😢 so keeping up with appropriate dosages is important…unless you really want to spend hours and possibly days running to the bathroom (not recommended!)

Allergies

Like most things out there, some people experience allergic reactions while taking probiotics – whether it’s due simply because they are intolerant of certain components or additives used during extraction/processing/compounding etc) is often unclear.

Symptoms such as itching and rashes usually occur within the first few hours after consumption- sometimes resulting in a full-blown emergency situation for those with severe allergies (gasp!) 🚨

Infections of The Lactobacillus Family

Lactobacilli species are generally regarded as safe by regulatory bodies but in recent years have been associated with infections caused by different parts of human body such as: urinary tract infections; vaginal infections’ ear & blood stream conditions among others…

Bottom line?

The adverse effects may not sound too bad initially since they’re just the usual suspects pretty much any time someone ingests anything that doesn’t naturally fit into their environment. However, if you’re considering starting regular probiotic supplements, make sure you’re well informed about potential complications before going all-in on these microorganisms!

Microbes might be small but do not underestimate them! They can offer many beneficial health advantages when consumed appropriately alongside an overall healthy diet combined with physical activity 💪. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that-overconsumption or usage without proper medical supervision could lead to unpleasant outcomes👎.

So stay vigilant and listen to your gut (pun intended 😜) – Probiotics may help prevent certain health issues we could encounter throughout our lifetimes but should never overtake plain old commonsense food choices and exercise routines or specific medications advisable only from your doctor…so let’s play sweet hide & seek together with our microbiome population !!

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