Probiotics never again
So I started taking probiotics 1billion cultures as recommended by a consultant and I had read they can make a huge difference to some people suffering from ibs - ( I refuse to put this condition in capitals). Four days in and I have had excruciating stomach cramps. My stools changed with passing mucus first then hard and eventually mucus and normal stools. I was literally crying whilst on the loo. I'm now too worried to eat incase this starts again. Needless to say, I am not taking any more of these pills. My partner who doesn't have ibs is going to try them but I have stated that my bowels are much more sensitive than his. I'm hoping that now I'm not taking them that my stomach settles . I have been trying meditation each night but when I'm doing the breathing my bowels feel so swollen. I can actually feel them with my hands on my stomach. I'm keeping up fluid intake and will try a light snack later keeping everything crossed these pains do not return. Probiotics may work for others but I definitely won't be trying them again
Ok here's the deal: Probiotics CAN be helpful for some and harmful to others. I used to love them because they helped with my dirrhea really quickly BUT if you tend to have SIBO (like I probably do now), additional bacteria in your smaller intestines + compounts added to the probiotic pills (like starches a.s.o.) may lead to a ... less than desireable outcome.
There is a case to be made that a first worsening of the symptoms is natural because the bacteria have to be active in your intestines (some say ~ a week is to be expected) but when they used to help, they helped me after 2-3 days. Mucus in your stool could point towards inflammation so yeah, good of you to quit those probiotics.
I'm so sorry that the probiotics didn't work for you and hope that you'll start feeling better again soon. It's so frustrating when you try something that helps others but makes your own symptoms worse! What kind of probiotic did you try? There are so many different kinds and some of them might definitely not be for you. I personally had the best results when taking probiotics recommended by a very nice pharmacist after explaining my symptoms, although I wouldn't say that the improvement was drastic by any means. I also agree with the comment above - depending on what's going on in your gut, (some) probiotics can make things worse, even if they work for others. Karina (team member)
I took biocultures complex 1 billion. This could have just been too much however I still won't try another one. I ended up at the Doctor's today due to these severe cramps and mucus. They took a blood test and didn't say what it is. It isn't a bug and the ibs isn't usually like this so I'm convinced it's the probiotics . This is the third day of not taking them now. The cramps are worse if I eat so I've just had fluids only today. Less cramps today so I'm really hoping I'm feeling better tomorrow. Considering I only took them for 4 days do you think they'll be out of my system soon?
I'm not sure about the strength of probiotics, however there are so many different cultures that some might definitely not work. I personally have had a rather bad experience with Saccharomyces Boulardii although that one's always recommended for IBS-D. However, I didn't get really bad symptoms like you, it just increased discomfort a bit. It's good that your doctor is doing tests, as it seems kind of strange that a probiotic could cause such severe symptoms after just 4 days. Maybe it was an additive or other ingredient? Sometimes they contain dairy, soy or things like that... Wishing you quick relief, Karina (team member)
