Probiotics caused IBS
Hi. Just found this forum, and was wondering if anyone can help.
11 days ago (Tuesday)I started taking probiotic tablets, as I have experienced loose stools for quite a while now, and thought that I may be able to improve the situation by taking these. On the Thursday (after 3 tablets) I was experiencing cramping, loose stools and abdominal pain, so stopped taking the probiotics. Since then up to present, the abdominal pain, bloating and gas has continued, I have been taking Buscopan most of the time, and it does seem to help a little. Also, I find the pain is worse after eating or passing stool, the cramping seems to last for hours after I've pooped. If anyone has had a similar problem with probiotics, what did you do, and how long did it take to get back to normal? I think if it continues for another week I will see my GP, but would be grateful for any advice in the meantime. Thanks. Sue
Hi
and welcome to our community. I'm so sorry that your symptoms got so much worse after taking probiotics. You're definitely not alone, other people have experienced similar issues: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/probiotics-never-again, https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/forums/anyone-here-with-sibo-experience. Not all probiotics are right for all people unfortunately.
I'm also wondering if the probiotics you took maybe had a trigger ingredient? This happened to me once when I was breastfeeding a baby with milk protein allergy and accidentally took probiotics with dairy in them.
If your symptoms don't get better, I'd definitely go see a doctor, like you said. In the meantime, I would just focus on eating safe foods, resting and giving yourself time to recover as much as possible. Have you tried using a heating pad for the cramping?
Wishing you quick relief, Karina (team member)Thanks for the link 😀 You're welcome! 😀 Karina (team member)
Hi Sue! I'm sorry that these probiotics were not a pleasant experience for you. I'm curious to see what foods you try! I am also trying to add probiotics more naturally into my diet, as pills don't really do much for me. If you wouldn't mind me sharing what has been working for me; I have taking a fiber supplement as well as drinking some kombucha to help out my gut. I'd recommend talking to your doctor or another medical professional if you want to add something, but those two things have helped me feel a little more regular and could be something to consider! ~Michaela (Team Member)
I think it depends on the fiber, what what I've read soluble fiber would be better for IBS-D and insoluble fiber for IBS-C, although it won't work like that for everyone. Here's an article that explains the difference: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/food/dietary-fiber. I hope this helps. Karina (team member) I take fiber more for diarrhea, although sometimes I swing the other way. My doctor recommended a bulk-forming fiber. I don't know the ins and outs, but definitely check out the article that Karina posted! I myself am going to give it a read. ~Michaela (team member)
Which probiotics did you take?I'm going to tag so that your question doesn't get lost. 😀 Karina (team member)
These were the ones I took, got them from Amazon.
Thank you for sharing! Karina (team member) 
thank you so much for the insight!! Looks great! ~ Sawyer (team member)
