Normal dairy products have probiotics in their composition but in low content. As is the case of yogurt that does not have contraindications due to their bacterial composition. Although it is recommended because such bacterias are considered to be beneficial for health. Since they balance the intestinal microbiome, their effect is low since these bacteria die before reaching the intestine, i. e., due to gastric acids.
On the other hand, when we talk about contraindications regarding probiotics, we refer to their consumption in supplements. In this sense, the supplements that are presented in capsules, resist gastric acid and directly release its contents in the intestine. While there is evidence to suggest that probiotics may be beneficial to health, lack of knowledge and intake without prior medical consultation may show side effects.
Here we tell you the side effects of probiotics and when are contraindicated.
Can Probiotics Be Toxic?
The term probiotic is used to refer to foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms destined to cultivate the so-called “good bacteria”. Since many of these bacteria are the same that are found naturally in the body, probiotics are not toxic.
What Are The Contraindications That Probiotics Have?
If you have any stomach upset, it is always advisable to check with your doctor before starting probiotic intake. So that he will give you the right amount or maybe another treatment. Generally, for probiotics to have a good effect, you should pay attention to your diet and avoid a sedentary life.
In general, the main contraindications of probiotic supplements are:
- Specialists do not recommend the consumption of probiotics (supplements) for more than a month unless the professional administers it.
- Under no circumstances should you provide probiotic supplements to infants and children without prior pediatric consultation.
Probiotic Supplements in Pregnancy and Lactation:
Because there is a wide variety of probiotic supplements on the market, you should never consume them in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding without prior medical consultation. Your doctor will advise the indicated one in case he accredit it and its quantity.
Probiotics for Milk Allergy:
It was shown that people with intolerance to certain foods or allergies, can consume probiotic supplements to relieve their symptoms. However, if you are allergic to lactose, gluten or any other component, it is always advised to read the product label as many contain milk. Your doctor will recommend the indicated one taking into account your medical condition.
Probiotics May Contain Sugar, Lactose, or Other Sweeteners:
It is also recommended that people who are intolerant of any other sweetener, whether natural or artificial. Such as fructose, consult the product label since, generally, probiotics that come in liquid (drinkable) form, contain some type of sugar.
For this reason, people diagnosed with diabetes should never consume these products without medical consultation. On the other hand, if the person suffers from diarrhea or some type of intestinal problem, probiotics with some type of sweetener can make the situation worse. It is advisable to consume supplements without sugar.
Seen commercially, probiotics that contain some type of artificial sweetener also add artificial flavorings so they taste good. This does not usually happen with capsules that have no flavor, however, you should always check the ingredients on the label.
Probiotics are Not Recommended For Everyone:
In special cases such as illness, probiotic supplements are not recommended
Autoimmune Diseases Patients:
If you are under medical treatment due to an autoimmune disease such as AIDS or lupus? You should never ingest prebiotics without prior medical consultation so that it does not interfere with the medication.
Intestinal Diseases:
Although probiotics are recommended in treatments against gastric and intestinal discomfort. The diseases diagnosed as Crohn’s should be consulted with the doctor to avoid worsening the situation.
Cancer Treatment:
As demonstrated in patients who underwent chemotherapy, specialists saw positive results that helped alleviate the side effects of this therapy. Despite this, in certain types of cancer, special care should be taken and it is always advised to consult with the oncologist.
Taking Different Medications:
In case you are taking medications for specific treatments, always check with your doctor before taking probiotics as these may decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs.
Can Antibiotics Be Mixed With Prebiotics?
Generally, antibiotics weaken the intestinal flora, especially when it is being treated for a long period. In these cases, doctors may recommend the intake of probiotic supplements to strengthen beneficial bacterias.
Specialists usually recommend waiting within two hours of differences in intake between antibiotics and prebiotics. Also, they recommend continuing with probiotics for another week at the end of antibiotic intake and changing the diet for a healthier one, avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Can Probiotics Reduce Gas and Abdominal Swelling?
As mentioned earlier, it was found that probiotics help reduce certain symptoms of abdominal swelling or intestinal problems, improving the microbiota at the bacterial level and thus improving health. Despite this, in certain patients, capsule probiotics are not indicated as they can increase the symptoms.
It should be taken into account that probiotic supplements are not usually indicated as a treatment for flatulence since these symptoms can also increase, for example, in the event that the supplement contains fibers. It is always recommended to consult with the doctor for proper advice.
Can Probiotics Prevent Diseases?
The specialists do not recommend the continuous consumption of probiotic supplements without medical control to relieve certain discomfort. In the case of intestinal and stomach problems, following a healthy diet with physical activity, can be alleviated efficiently always that the discomfort is mild.
Always consult a doctor in case the discomforts are recurrent since the intake of probiotic supplements. Because without prior control can produce adverse effects.
Side Effects of Probiotics:
So far, many of the side effects of probiotics in the intestinal flora are still under investigation. It must be taken into account that these side effects will vary from person to person. And depending on the amount ingested, the quality of the product. What types of bacteria it contains the physical condition of the person, among others.
For example, there are cases in which some people may feel more abdominal swelling or flatulence than others when consuming probiotics. With the passage of time and new research, the indications or contraindications that these supplements may cause may be better known.
Can Probiotics Cause Infections?
In a medical report, lactobacillus sepsis has been identified in two infants who were under medical treatment at the time of administering probiotics. In both cases, the administration of the supplement was carried out for a period of 50 days.
On the other hand, it is known that patients with a short bowel may have infections due to the lactobacillus present in probiotics. However, this can be avoided by avoiding excessive consumption.
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