If you find yourself running to the bathroom more often than usual, your new probiotic supplement may be the culprit. Let's find out whether probiotics make you poop.
Probiotics are the good bacteria found in your gut, and they are widely available in supplement form.
However, if you are new to taking probiotic supplements, you might be wondering — do probiotics make you poop?
In this article, we go into the relationship between probiotics and digestion, as well as the reason why your probiotic supplement might be making you go.
The Link Between Probiotics And Digestion
In short, it is possible that probiotics make you poop.
This is because probiotics play an essential role in maintaining the overall health of your gut.
They are responsible for helping the body digest food and absorb the nutrients from food so that the rest can be passed as stool.
In addition, probiotics fight against bad bacteria that might otherwise lead to illness.
Probiotics can also be uniquely beneficial for men.
Because probiotics play such a large role in digestive function, the amount of probiotics in your digestive system will affect how well it functions.
This is why adding probiotics into your diet, either through the consumption of food containing probiotics or supplementation, can increase the frequency or consistency of your bowel movements.
Green powder supplements containing probiotics are especially effective in supporting gut health.
Related: Check out the best digestive enzymes
Do Probiotics Help With Constipation?
Before we get into the benefits of probiotics, I want to note that probiotics are not laxatives.
Further, they are not considered a treatment for constipation, which is defined as less than three bowel movements per week.
If you are experiencing chronic constipation, it is best to consult with a health professional.
That being said, probiotics can help with constipation by supporting overall gut health.
In fact, research shows that probiotics can directly improve constipation symptoms in the following cases:
Constipation From IBS
IBS, short for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a disorder of the intestines that causes stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
While various factors contribute to IBS, recent research points to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut as a leading cause of the disorder.
Therefore, taking a probiotic supplement might help balance bacteria levels in the gut and reduce symptoms of IBS.
A review of over 30 studies done by the American College of Gastroenterology determined that probiotics may alleviate IBS symptoms, like bloating, in people who struggle with the disorder. (Source)
In addition, taking a probiotic supplement might help improve the consistency and frequency of bowel movements.
Constipation From Pregnancy
Constipation is very common throughout pregnancy.
In fact, statistics show that up to 40% of women experience it at one point while expecting. (Source)
It is unclear what causes constipation during pregnancy, but a combination of hormonal and physical changes, as well as a reduced physical activity, are likely to be responsible.
Regardless of the cause, probiotics can balance the healthy bacteria in the gut, which can enhance the movement in your digestive tract as a result.
It has been shown by research that taking a probiotic supplement during pregnancy relieves constipation symptoms.
For instance, one study reported that taking a probiotic supplement significantly reduced symptoms of constipation in pregnant women. (Source)
Related: How To Get Rid Of Apron Belly
Constipation From Medications
When we are sick, we often take medicine to kill the bad bacteria that are causing our illness.
However, certain medications can destroy the good bacteria in your body too.
This can negatively affect your gut’s microbiome — which is defined as the balance of good and bad bacteria living in your gut.
Taking a probiotic supplement after recovering from an illness may help your digestive system restore balance and return to optimal functioning, including making regular bowel movements.
That being said, it is not recommended to take probiotics after the use of antibiotics.
This is because recent research suggests that your body will naturally recover as the antibiotics leave your system. (Source)
Therefore, taking a probiotic supplement might hinder the recovery of your microbiome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that are considered the “good” bacteria in your gut.
They are different from digestive enzymes as they help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.
As a result, probiotics create balance in the gut and enhance overall health.
Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are the most beneficial for gut health among the wide range of probiotic strains.
Bifidobacteria support the immune system and stop harmful bacteria's growth in the intestine.
Lactobacillus contributes to the production of lactase and lactic acid, which are both substances that reduce the levels of bad bacteria in the body.
The easiest way to add probiotics to your diet is by taking a supplement containing probiotics.
They are widely available in capsule form.
Once ingested, the capsule will travel to the intestines, which is where probiotics provide the most benefit.
Who Should Take Probiotics?
In general, most healthy people do not need to take probiotic supplements.
However, they can be beneficial in certain cases.
Probiotics could enhance your gut and overall health if you have IBS symptoms, including constipation, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are recovering from an illness.
Do Probiotics Give You Diarrhea?
In general, probiotics do not cause diarrhea.
Rather, they restore the balance of bacteria in the gut so you can have healthy bowel movements.
Diarrhea occurs when you are exposed to pathogens, such as viruses or harmful bacteria, that your body perceives as dangerous.
As a result, your body tries to expel these dangerous pathogens as quickly as possible, which can lead to diarrhea.
In addition, diarrhea can also occur as a result of antibiotic treatment.
This is because antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in your stomach, throwing your microbiome out of balance.
Ironically, this lack of good bacteria in your gut can lead to more pathogens entering your system, subsequently leading to more diarrhea.
In either of these cases, taking a probiotic supplement can help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the stomach.
Can Probiotics Cause Constipation?
I know, I know. This article goes into all the reasons probiotics can make you poop.
However, probiotic use can actually cause constipation in some people.
In fact, one of the more common side effects of taking probiotic supplements is experiencing constipation.
The good news is these constipation symptoms are often temporary.
They normally occur because the body adjusts to the additional probiotics entering its system.
After the initial adjustment period, symptoms of constipation should go away on their own. (Source)
Is Pooping A Sign That Probiotics Are Working?
When trying a new supplement, it is normal to want results immediately.
However, with probiotics, it could take anywhere from one to two weeks before you start noticing a difference in your gut and overall health.
One way to determine if probiotics are working is by keeping track of your bowel movements.
If you begin passing bowel movements more frequently, it might signify that changes in your gut microbiome are taking place.
Final Thoughts: Do Probiotics Make You Poop?
In conclusion, probiotics can definitely make you poop.
Probiotics play a large role in the digestive system, from helping the body digest food and absorb nutrients to preventing the growth of bad bacteria in the stomach.
Therefore, taking a probiotic supplement can help restore balance in the gut and promote healthy bowel movements.
This is especially true for people who have IBS, are pregnant, or are recovering from an illness.
That being said, probiotics are not a laxative and are not considered a treatment for constipation. If you are experiencing chronic constipation, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before trying a probiotic supplement.