Can Taking Probiotics Cause Diarrhea?

Although probiotics are usually tolerable for some people, including them in your diet can cause some side effects, including diarrhea.

Probiotics are more likely to help your digestive health, however, everyone is different. Even though there are many health benefits to taking probiotics, always talk to your doctor or our colonoscopy Beverly Hills doctor to see if probiotics are for you.

Colonoscopy Beverly Hills doctor, Peyton Berookim, shares what you need to know about probiotics and your digestive health.

How does someone get diarrhea?

Gut bacteria play a vital role in your digestive health. They protect the body from disease-instigating microorganisms. When your gut bacteria are unbalanced, you may experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

How do probiotics help?

Probiotics are living microorganisms, like yeast and bacteria, which may improve your digestive health and balance your gut bacteria. Probiotics are also known to strengthen your immune system. Probiotics are supplements for improving diarrhea symptoms rather than causing it. However, since probiotics stimulate your digestive system, they can cause mild diarrhea in the first days of using a new type probiotics.

What should I be aware of when buying new probiotics?

• Potency
  The main thing to look for when investigating potency is CFU, colony forming units. Generally, choose higher CFUs because probiotics are living organisms that are prone to die when the product is being stored.

• Survivability
  Will the capsule of the probiotics be able to make it to your gut without dissolving first? There is a lot of bile and gastric acid in the earlier stages of the digestive system, so the capsule should be able to pass through that for effective results.

• Stability
  Some probiotics should be kept cold during the process of getting it on your drugstore’s shelf. The best way to check storage conditions of your probiotics is to check the product label.

Colonoscopy Beverly Hills doctor, Dr. Berookim, knows that mild side effects of probiotics (gas and bloating) are normal for healthy people.

Be aware of the medications you are currently taking, your medical conditions, and your allergies before taking probiotics. Always consult your doctor if you’re unsure.

About Dr. Peyton Berookim

Dr. Peyton Berookim is a board-certified colonoscopy Beverly Hills doctor and gastroenterologist. He is dedicated to providing compassionate medical care to his patients. Anyone interested in a colonoscopy Beverly Hills doctor should contact Dr. Berookim at 150 N. Robertson Blvd. #204, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (310.271.1122) or through his website www.gidoctor.com.