"I had extreme bloating and gas in the first few days, so I stopped."
For a small portion of people with the poorest digestive health, there is a greater chance that things will get worse before they get better*. Let's explore why.
*However, if you feel the pain is extreme, please stop taking our supplement and consult your GP immediately.
at a glance:
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initial symptoms:
Bloating, stomach pain, gas, and altered toilet habits.
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causes:
Disruption of gut microbiota, die-off effect, increased gas production.
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expected duration:
Symptoms should subside within 1-2 weeks, aim for a 2-week minimum trial period.
alleviating symptoms:
the science
what's causing my discomfort?
gut microbiota imbalance
When probiotics are introduced, they can temporarily disrupt the existing gut microbiota. Studies show that introducing new bacterial strains can cause changes in the gut environment, leading to symptoms like bloating and gas until a new balance is achieved
die-off effect
Known as the Herxheimer reaction, this occurs when probiotics kill off harmful bacteria and yeast, releasing endotoxins. This can cause temporary symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
increased gas production
Probiotics can increase the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the intestines, leading to increased gas production. This is a common initial response to the introduction of beneficial bacteria.
