Probiotics short-term negative and long-term positive effects!

Probiotics are helpful and safe live bacterial strains, but that doesn’t mean they come without side effects for everyone. Some people might experience unpleasant changes in 1st two weeks, but there are long-term benefits to it.

The gut is intricately connected to every other part of the body, including the immune system and brain. To support digestion, ease bloat, promote regularity, many people start taking probiotics; these benefits only touch the surface. Not only are they beneficial for overall gut health, but they may also contribute to healthier skin, improve stress response, and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Probiotics also play a role in metabolism. Robert Rountree, M.D., a renowned integrative physician, says that certain bacteria extract energy and nutrients from foods than others. That means if more such bacteria are found in the gut, then it becomes easy to maintain a healthy weight.

According to the NCCIH, in general, probiotics are considered safe to take and, if one is healthy, won’t cause significant side effects. The body would take time to adjust to new bacteria, so one might see some mild unpleasant changes before improvements start.

The short-term negative effects of probiotics –

Irregularity – Transit time can be decreased by probiotics or how quickly waste and food move through the digestive system. As the body adjusts, this regularity will typically resolve itself, and the regular bowel movement will start. At the start, it can be uncomfortable.

Gas and bloating – According to Amy Shah, M.D, “the two most common side effects are gas and bloating are a normal response that happens when you introduce a new bacteria to your gut ecosystem.” As the gut microbiome adjusts, gas as a byproduct can be produced by bacteria, and trapped gas leads to bloating.

Headaches – Amines are found in some probiotic food that can trigger headaches, especially in sensitive people. This side effect isn’t usually an issue with probiotic supplements but may develop if intake of probiotic-rich foods increases, like sauerkraut and yoghurt.

The long-term positive effects of probiotics –

One might go bathroom regularly – Good bacteria improve digestion in probiotics, leading to more consistent bathroom visits. At the same time, this may be a side effect inconvenient at times.

Sound immune system – The longer the probiotics are taken, the more diverse microbiome will become, which makes the immune system strong.

Less Bloated – After the body adjusts to probiotics, then less bloating will happen. Bloating is caused by an imbalance of good-to-bad bacteria in the gut. Taking probiotics regularly can support a healthy microbial balance in the gut, which eases bloating.

One will feel more energetic – Probiotics helps the body properly utilize and absorb nutrients. When the body starts getting the right amount of minerals and vitamins, it creates more energy.