Probiotic Users

Did you get worse before you got better?
I started taking a probiotic for my constant gas, rumbling, bloating, etc about a month ago.

I have read that sometimes your symptoms will get worse before they get better- as your gut re-colonizes and the bad bacteria die off.
I just feel like it should have resolved by now at almost 4 weeks.

I feel so gassy, bloated a lot, and sitting here now my gut sounds like it's having a fight with itself- so noisy!

I am almost done with my month's supply and before I order more, I am wondering if I should switch brands or stop all together. Or do I keep going for a few more weeks to see if it equals out?

Anyone have experience with this?

Probiotic Users

When I started taking it within two days I immediately felt better.

Re: Probiotic Users

I actually got gassy and bloated from a probiotic. I took Align...didnt work for me. Maybe I need to try something different.

Re: Probiotic Users

Hmm, I'm not expert, but slightly education on the subject - and 4 weeks seems like a long time to be feeling like that. It's usually 2 week thing, but it's still possible you're experiencing a die off reaction.

You should always have a reaction initially, otherwise the probiotics aren't doing anything and you don't need them. I'd probably give it another few weeks.

And I don't know your diet, but if it's high in refined sugars, you're probably going to continue to have those GI issues, even with a probiotic - especially as you get older.

Re: Probiotic Users

Re: Probiotic Users

Message edited 3/3/2017 12:50:45 PM.

Re: Probiotic Users

There are many different probiotic strains on the market. It doesn't sound like the one you are using is meshing well with your system. I would try a different brand.

Probiotic Users

Which one are you taking?Align screwed my stomach up so I had to stop. I take culturelle now with no issues.

Re: Probiotic Users

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by LiveForMoments

Hmm, I'm not expert, but slightly education on the subject - and 4 weeks seems like a long time to be feeling like that. It's usually 2 week thing, but it's still possible you're experiencing a die off reaction.

You should always have a reaction initially, otherwise the probiotics aren't doing anything and you don't need them. I'd probably give it another few weeks.

And I don't know your diet, but if it's high in refined sugars, you're probably going to continue to have those GI issues, even with a probiotic - especially as you get older.

Thanks. I might give it a few more weeks.
I do try to eat better - I am by no means a healthy eater and I by no means avoid all sugar.
But I do try to keep it in moderation when I can
I guess I should try to be more strict but it's super hard for me. I seriously believe sometimes that I have a real food addiction.


ETA- And the things I would be replacing the refined sugars with- like fruit, veges, etc- also seem to be a cause of gas, bloating, etc.
I cannot win!

Re: Probiotic Users

Probiotic Users

Try Klaire Labs from amazon. There are so many different strains. Also I find cutting out simple carbs makes me so much less bloated. So simple to tell you to do, and soooooo hard to do! I love bread.

Re: Probiotic Users

I can't do probiotics, they make me feel the same way. I tried them for a month when I was having huge acid reflux issues, but I felt it just made it worse. My miracle item was Manuka Honey for the reflux issues

Probiotic Users

It took months for me to feel better, but I had a lot of other issues including reflux. I had to eliminate foods one by one, listen to my body's reaction, to figure out what was ailing me. And it started all of a sudden. I never had these gastro issues before. And almost a year later, I'm finally feeling better. But when I start eating the foods I can't tolerate, it lets me know pretty quickly. Food journaling helped narrow it down. Also seeing an ND for the right combo of supplements, including the right pro-biotic for my issues.

Re: Probiotic Users

If a food is harder to digest you will get gassy and bloated. Grains, refined sugar, legumes, nuts etc. are all difficult to digest and the gas and bloating is a byproduct. Also, certain foods like sugar, encourage growth of bad bacteria in your gut. If you are have having this reaction to most food, it's also possible that the walls of your digestive are damaged and having a hard time digesting things that a healthy digestive system wouldn't have a problem with. If you need more info on this, I can recommend some books, etc.

Refined sugar should be avoided (honey is the easiest sweetner to digest), legumes and nuts have something in them (forgot what it's called) that is purposely difficult to digest. It's supposedly mother nature's way of stopping animals from eating them so the nut or bean can germate and grow into a plant. Proper soaking removes most/all of this substance so they are easier to digest.

You can also try taking a digestive enzyme (I use Enzymedica) when you eat something that makes you gassy and it will help your body digest it. Just start off with a lower dose or you may feel really sick. I found this out the hard way!

Message edited 3/3/2017 5:49:42 PM.

Re: Probiotic Users

I use genestra brands HMF Forte probiotic recommended by the naturopath I see. I dont recall having that kind of reaction when I started, but hey..everyone is different

what time of day are you taking the probiotic? I take mine first thing in the Am, on an empty stomach. that is how I used to take prevacid to help with the acid pumps. I find taking it this way I have very little bloating and reflux.

Re: Probiotic Users