Natural Gut Healing Questions and Answers

Who Should Not Take Probiotics?

Who should not take probiotics?

Probiotics are generally considered safe for most people, but certain groups of individuals should consult with their physician before taking them.

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, critically ill, or recently undergoing an organ transplant, may be at a higher risk of infection from probiotics¹. These people should consult their physician before using probiotics.

Some individuals have developed blood infections (Lactobacillus bacteremia) or sepsis after taking probiotics. These cases involved specific probiotic strains such as Saccharomyces Boulardii (cerevisiae), Lactobacillus GG, Bacillus subtilis, and Bifidobacterium breve, or combinations of probiotics. Additionally, there have been instances of fungal infections caused by S cerevisiae in patients with weakened immune systems.

In rare cases, some people may experience allergic reactions or other negative side effects from probiotics.

Probiotics are generally safe and without side effects; however, they should be used cautiously in individuals with severely weakened immune systems.

It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, including probiotics, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.

A functional medicine doctor can help you determine whether probiotics are appropriate for your individual needs and can recommend high-quality supplements to support gut health.

If you’re interested in exploring natural ways to support gut health, consider scheduling a consultation with the team at LifeWorks Wellness Center to learn more about the functional medicine approach to gut health.

REFERENCES

Cierna, S., Mego, M., Semanova, M., Wachsmannova, L., Adamcikova, Z., Stevurkova, V., Drgona, L., & Zajac, V. (2017). Probiotic survey in cancer patients treated in the outpatient department in a comprehensive cancer center. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 16(2), 188-195. doi:10.1177/1534735416643828

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