The existence of “good” bacteria in the stomach is essential for controlling harmful bacteria, promoting proper digestion, and maintaining a strong immune system, among other benefits. There are several signs that you may need to take probiotics. Some of the most common include:

• • Yeast Infections: Recurrent yeast infections, often known as Candida, is a good indication that there is an overpopulation of harmful bacteria in the system. Probiotics are the most effective technique to restore balance and block harmful bacteria in the body, allowing it to recover from the symptoms associated with overpopulation.

• • Poisoning by Food: Taking a probiotic will help fight harmful bacteria and restore balance to your digestive and bowel movement patterns due to food poisoning.

• • Skin Conditions: A lack of digestion and an imbalance in gut bacteria are the most likely causes of acne, eczema, skin rashes, hives, and psoriasis, among other skin conditions. Start taking probiotics and cleaning up your food at the same time.

• • Antibiotic Applications: Antibiotics are drugs meant to destroy bacteria in the body, and they make no distinction between harmful and beneficial microorganisms. When taking antibiotics, try taking a probiotic to help reintroduce the healthy bacteria back into the body after finishing the course of treatment.

• • Immune Deficiency: You might consider taking probiotics if you get sick with the flu every year. Clinical studies have shown that probiotics help enhance the immune system and strengthen the body’s natural defenses against disease and infection.

• • Disturbances in the Digestion: Probiotics have been demonstrated to treat diarrhea, gas, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and H. pylori infection. If your gut has not been functioning correctly and you are suffering from a digestive system disease, you might consider taking a probiotic supplement to help restore balance.

• • Asthma and Allergies: Probiotics have shown promise in reducing the severity of asthma symptoms and the need for medication. The most common underlying cause of food allergies is a leaky gut, which can be alleviated by maintaining healthy flora levels in the stomach. According to a study by Johnson et al. published in the Translational Research journal, children who have a well-balanced gut flora are less likely to develop allergies and asthma as they grow older.

• • Mental Health Disorders: If you are experiencing stress, worry, irritability, and sadness regularly, your digestive flora may be out of balance. Start taking probiotics to restore its balance, which will enhance the functioning of your neurotransmitters and, as a result, your overall mood and outlook.

• • Autism: Based on the new study by Abdellatif et al. in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, probiotics may offer therapeutic promise in treating autism spectrum conditions. They believe that the bacteria in one’s stomach may have a role in the symptoms of autism. While more research is needed, probiotic supplements for autism appear to be a promising treatment option.

How Can I Reduce Gas in My Bowels?

A buildup of gases in the digestive tract occurs when you ingest air, and the beneficial bacteria break down some foods in the colon. But how can we reduce gas in our bowels?

Avoid Problematic Foods: Foods known to cause gas should be avoided to reduce the likelihood of developing gas in the intestines. This includes fruits and pears, vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and onions, whole grains such as bran, and dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream.

Drink Liquids Before Meals: Drinking liquids before meals can help to flush out stomach acids and prevent food from being broken down as effectively.

Eat and drink slowly: When you eat or drink quickly, you risk swallowing a large amount of air, which might result in gas formation.

Consume digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes are accessible as dietary supplements in the form of over-the-counter supplements.

Experiment with Activated Charcoal: Although the research on this topic is relatively limited, researchers believe activated charcoal may effectively reduce and treat excess gas and bloating.

Avoid Filling Your Stomach With Air: Habits such as smoking, chewing gum, and drinking through a straw can cause your stomach to fill with air, resulting in gas production.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners: Sorbitol and related sugar alcohols, commonly included in many sugar-free versions of meals, can also increase gas production.

Try Herbs for Gas Relief:  Various herbs may effectively alleviate excess gas. Ginger is one of the herbs demonstrated to have carminative properties. A review published in the journal European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Studies examined the effects of ginger on the digestive system. Ginger aids in digestion, allowing the stomach to empty faster. Gasses can pass more quickly into your small intestine, alleviating discomfort and bloating.

Do Probiotics Cause Stinky Poop?

Probiotics do not cause stinky poop. Taking them can assist in restoring a healthy balance in the gut’s microorganisms. When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Probiotics can help reduce occasional stomach distress while supporting bacterial balance.

What Are the Dangers of Taking Probiotics?

Probiotics have a long history of use that appears safe, particularly in otherwise healthy individuals. People suffering from serious illnesses or with compromised immune systems, on the other hand, are at increased risk of experiencing adverse side effects from probiotics.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the possible dangers of taking probiotics are below.

• Infections
• The creation of toxic compounds by probiotic microorganisms 
• The probiotic organisms may transfer antibiotic resistance genes to other microorganisms within the digestive tract.
• In some cases, probiotic products have included bacteria other than those indicated on the label. When present in high concentrations, these pollutants can cause serious health hazards.

Do Probiotics Make You Fart?

Yes, probiotics can make you fart (along with other probiotic side effects), and it’s completely normal at the beginning. Gas and bloating are all possible adverse effects of probiotics based on a review by Nancy Toedter Williams in the American Journal Of Health-System Pharmacy. It should subside after a few weeks of taking them regularly.

References:

1. Changing gut bacteria through diet affects brain function, UCLA study shows. (2013). Retrieved 24 April 2022, from https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/changing-gut-bacteria-through-245617
2. Johnson, C., & Ownby, D. (2017). The infant gut bacterial microbiota and risk of pediatric asthma and allergic diseases. Translational Research, 179, 60-70. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2016.06.010
3. Abdellatif, B., McVeigh, C., Bendriss, G., & Chaari, A. (2020). The Promising Role of Probiotics in Managing the Altered Gut in Autism Spectrum Disorders. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 21(11), 4159. doi: 10.3390/ijms21114159
4. “Can Nausea And Vomiting Be Treated With Ginger Extract?”. European Review, 2015, https://www.europeanreview.org/article/8750. Accessed 24 Apr 2022.
5. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
6. Williams, Nancy Toedter. “Probiotics”. American Journal Of Health-System Pharmacy, vol 67, no. 6, 2010, pp. 449-458. Oxford University Press (OUP), doi:10.2146/ajhp090168. Accessed 24 Apr 2022.