Still Bloated? Your Probiotics Might Be the Problem

Apr 25

Probiotics are often marketed as a fix-all for gut health. But if you’re dealing with IBS and your symptoms have actually gotten worse since starting them… you’re not imagining it.

I see this all the time in my practice: patients who start taking probiotics for bloating, gas, or irregular digestion — and end up more uncomfortable than before.

So what’s going on?

Let’s unpack the research and the real-world experience behind why probiotics may not be the right move for every IBS patient.

🧬 Not all probiotics are helpful — and some can make symptoms worse

One reason probiotics can backfire? Strain specificity.
A 2021 meta-analysis found that the impact of probiotics on IBS symptoms depends heavily on the exact strains used— and most over-the-counter supplements don’t tell you much about what’s inside [1].

In some cases, the wrong strain can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine — worsening bloating, gas, diarrhea, and general discomfort [2].

🦠 Changing the microbiome isn’t always a good thing

Probiotics can shift the balance of your gut microbiome. That sounds good in theory, but in practice? It’s a delicate ecosystem. Adding random strains without precision can disrupt the balance, leading to more inflammation and more symptoms [3].

🚫 A leaky gut + probiotics = more inflammation

Many people with IBS have increased intestinal permeability (a.k.a. “leaky gut”). That means bacteria or food particles can slip into the bloodstream and trigger immune responses.

And here’s the kicker: some probiotics can make this permeability worse — especially in sensitive individuals [4].

🧠 What I see in practice:

In my clinical experience, most patients with IBS don’t tolerate probiotics well — at least not right away.

That’s why I rarely start there. Instead, I focus on:

Identifying root causes (like SIBO, dysbiosis, or poor motility)
Using targeted, individualized support
Helping patients rebuild tolerance gradually — without the bloating, guessing, or disappointment

🧩 The bottom line:

Probiotics are not one-size-fits-all. And for many people with IBS, they’re not the place to start. If you’ve tried probiotics and felt worse, it’s not a failure. It’s a sign your gut needs a more personalized, root-cause approach.

✨Want a plan that actually works for your gut?

I help women get clear answers and long-term relief — without wasting time (or money) on the wrong supplements.

📍 Book a 1:1 appointment with me here

In health,

Dr. Renata, ND

References:

[1] Mujagic Z, de Vos P, Boeckxstaens G. The Effectiveness of Probiotics in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021 Jan;55(1):6-17. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001372. PMID: 32697545.

[2] Siebecker A. SIBO: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16(2):8-12.

[3] Siebecker A. Understanding and treating SIBO. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Feb;14(1):8-11. PMID: 26770131.

[4] Rao SSC, Rehman A, Yu S, Andino NM. Brain fogginess, gas and bloating: a link between SIBO, probiotics and metabolic acidosis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2018 Apr 10;9(4):162. doi: 10.1038/s41424-018-0030-7. PMID: 29633774.

Renata Zambo