Can You Take Too Many Probiotics?
Our gut is home to over 100 trillion microorganisms, each playing a unique part in supporting a harmonious digestive environment so that we can approach every day feeling our best.
From supporting overall digestive health to improving nutrient absorption and supporting immune function, a balanced gut microbiome has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits.
But between a healthy yogurt smoothie every day and a daily probiotic for overall digestive health, you may wonder if it’s possible to have too much of a good thing or if a higher CFU count is good. You’re not alone in wondering this. And we think you’re going to find the answer interesting.
Can You Take Too Many Probiotics?
How many CFUs is too many CFUs? This is the age-old question for those of us looking to optimize our digestive health and immune function without going overboard. For a quick refresh, CFU stands for “colony forming units,” and this number on the label of your daily probiotic represents the amount of live probiotic bacteria that’s able to divide and form colonies in the microbiome. Getting live bacteria into your gut is what probiotic supplements strive to do. (This is why we are so committed to our MAKTrek 3-D® Delivery System for maximum probiotic bioavailability).
The National Institutes of Health notes that probiotics have an extensive history of safe use, particularly in healthy people. The truth is that the amount of daily probiotic that’s best for you is going to depend on your unique gut health and microbiome make up.
Many healthy adults can safely take upwards up 30-50 billion CFU if they have a reason or desire to. Interestingly, a study published in the journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2015 showed that between 10 – 20 Billion CFU is all that is really needed. That said, taking more than you need won’t necessarily result in added benefits. And in some rare cases, it may actually prove to be counterproductive for individuals with weakened immune systems.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Too Much Probiotics?
An unnecessary “probiotic binge” may cause bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and other painful abdominal complications. Here’s a deeper look into the possible side effects of taking probiotics in excess.
Digestive Challenges
If you’re looking to dramatically increase your probiotic intake, the best way is to ease into it. Your gut needs some time to adjust.
Sudden overconsumption of probiotics may result in the bacteria producing more gas in the gut microbiome, which may cause bloating.
Skin Woes
Skin complications are very rare in healthy adults consuming even higher doses of probiotics.
Additionally, more and more research is supporting the topical benefits of probiotic extracts. Those who have tried our probiotic extract-based skin care line have experienced incredible results.
Allergy Risks
Individuals with intolerance to dairy, eggs, lactose, or soy may need to be watchful when choosing probiotics. Before consumption of a new probiotic supplement, your best bet is to check product labels for any allergens. You can ask the pharmacist for probiotics supplements free of allergens. All Probulin Digestive Probiotics are manufactured without gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs.
What Are The Best Probiotic Strains For Regular Consumption?
- Lactobacillus: These micro-species are found in yogurt, fermented foods, as well as Probulin Digestive Probiotics. Lactobacillus may help to support digestion by helping the production of enzymes that may help with the breakdown of lactose as well as other hard to digest foods.
- Bifidobacterium: By supporting the production of antimicrobial chemicals, Bifidobacterium may support a more friendly environment for the good bacteria to thrive. These bacteria get nutrients from lactose and may help you digest dietary fibers. They’re also found in Probulin Digestive Probiotics.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast is often found in certain probiotic supplements. Regular consumption of Saccharomyces boulardii may strengthen the intestinal barrier’s function to benefit overall digestive health. It may also help support digestive regularity and digestive comfort.
If your daily diet consists of foods that are too insufficient to maintain a healthy microbial balance in your gut, taking probiotic supplements may help support the growth of healthy bacteria that further contributes to healthy balance. Probulin Digestive Probiotics contain a diverse combination of probiotic strains that may greatly support your gut, digestive, and immune function.
The primary function of any probiotic supplement is to support the digestive environment with the introduction and production of good bacteria in your gut.
The Final Verdict
Not much evidence is available regarding whether a person can take too much of a probiotic supplement.
The optimal CFU per capsule will depend on a person’s health and the type of probiotic supplement.
To browse some options, we highly recommend heading over to our list of 4 keys to choosing the best probiotics. And of course we would encourage you to browse a few of Probulin favorites such as our Women’s Probiotics, Probiotics for Immunity, and Probiotics for Kids.
And as always, if you have any questions at all we’d love to hear from you. Contact the Probulin team any time so we can help.