probiotics side effects?

[Donna10112]

Hi.  I have FMS and have recently started a proper diet of no sugar, no yeast, no wheat, no mold, and no artificial sweeteners.  I tried a new greek yogurt with probiotics (all bacteria), eating 6 oz over a two day period.  The second day my stools were brown, smelly, stringy and to be completely gross, were shaped like earthworms.  So Gross!!!  I had about 5 of these total ending in more diarrhea form, but still shaped like worms.  I did become physically ill, my lower abdomen ached and did have some gas as well.  Is it possible the probiotics were too strong for my system?  Has anyone else experienced this?  It really has me creeped out.  Thanks.

[Donna10112]

Thanks for the feedback.  Actually the author of the book I was referring to does sell suppliments for FMS on his website.  His combination of probiotics come in bottles of 100 and sell for $25, and the best part is only one a day is necessary.  That comes out to 25 cents a day which is even cheaper that the yogurt.  I think I'll try that and see what happens.  Thanks for all the feedback, I really appreciate your answers.
Donna

[patient915]

I would recommend trying a pill form and try one for a few months and if it doesn't help, then I would switch to another one.  But to answer your question, probiotic bacteria shouldn't create side effects unless they are kind of "re-adjusting" your system.

[Donna10112]

I'm confused too.  To be honest, I'm trying to figure out for myself how to change my diet and I know I'm missing some of the bacteria we need for proper digestion.  The books that I've read recommend taking a supplement with at least 3 bacteria in it.  The author suggests:  acidophilus, lactobacillus bifidus, bulgaris and streptococcus faecium.  I've only looked at over the counter products hoping to make the job easier than sorting through all the suppliments out there.  Most OTC supplements only contain one or two bacteria.  So I guess at this point my question isn't what I should be taking, but do probiotic bacteria create side effects?  Thanks.
Donna

[patient915]

Yogurt is okay for people that have mild lactose intolerance.  Yogurt is better than milk for example but for people with more severe lactose intolerance, yogurt cannot be tolerated.  What do you mean by you haven't found a pill product that contains all the probiotics you need?  Have you tried pill versions of probiotics and haven't found the helpful but know that if you add another particular bacteria it will help?  Sorry, but I'm confused.

[Donna10112]

Thanks for the welcome and for answering.  Yes, FMS is fibromyalgia.  I've been lactose intolerant for about 20 years.  However, I read that yogurt is safe for us because it also contains lactase, the enzyme we are missing to digest milk.  I've eaten Activia and have because of it, I've even been able to eat dairy without the irritable bowel symptoms.  But Activia doesn't contain all the probiotics I need to build up my colon flora.  The yogurt that gave me the problem is Chobani.  It has several probiotics and more protein than regular yogurt.  I haven't been able to find a pill product that contains all the probiotics I need.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
Donna

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  By FMS, do you mean fibromyalgia?  It is probably that you are suddenly eating more lactose and that you are a little bit lactose intolerant.  You might want to try switching to a probiotic pill to see if that is better.