In the lead up to travelling to Nusa Dua in Bali last month, I was quite worried about our holiday being ruined by an upset stomach.
You see, I’ve fallen victim to Bali belly before – even though I’d never actually been to Bali!
In 2009 I went to the Philippines for a conference; the plan was that I would go sight seeing in the day or two after the conference, before my flight home.
Except … I was doubled over in pain instead, and needed to be within close reach of a bathroom at all times!
The infamous traveller’s tummy had struck. I’m not sure what I blame it on – brushing my teeth with tap water, or eating salad, perhaps. (Isn’t salad supposed to be GOOD for you?!)
All I know is that it took me a good two weeks to fully recover, and I definitely did not want a repeat experience!
So we started taking probiotics in the month before we left, in the hope that it would boost the health of our digestive systems.
Can Probiotics make you Sick?
By day 4 of taking them, I was feeling decidedly ordinary. This also just happened to be Christmas Day, so I blamed my dodgy tummy that evening on over-indulging at lunch.
However, the symptoms continued for several days, despite the fact I was now eating a very bland diet.
I’m a bit of a slow learner, but finally I realised what was going on. I felt just as bad as I had in Manila! So I searched online: Can probiotics make you sick?!
The short answer is: Yes. Yes they can.
I have since discovered that it is a good idea to introduce them slowly … and also, that these unpleasant side effects usually pass after a couple of weeks (if you can wait that long).
However, I was in so much discomfort I stopped taking them – and from then on I quickly recovered.
I don’t like to think about the fact my gut health must be pretty bad, if taking a course of probiotics – good bacteria – really upset it.
It’s probably something I should look into now we are back and everything has settled down again but … I still haven’t worked myself up to it.
My advice, if you *are* going to take probiotics? Make sure you start them at least a month beforehand so if they do make you sick, you can stop taking them and get better before your actual holiday!
Have you ever taken probiotics – and if so did they make you sick?!
Hi Janet, I am taking ‘Inner Health plus’ and ‘Yakult’…. mainly for my bowel functions. I have found no problem in taking these & have felt that my digestion/bowels have changed for the better. Sorry to hear about your nasty experience ?
Hi Sue, Yes I will have to give it another try, but ease into it gradually this time!
We took them before we went to Bali a few years back and didn’t get sick before we went, I didn’t get sick while we there either. Hubby did though, but he had a pre-existing condition that even the pro-biotics couldn’t save! Your holiday looked fab – hope you both dodged the dreaded Bali Belly!
We were very fortunate Sammie, no Bali belly for us 🙂
I tried taking probiotics a few years back and they affected me very badly. No one believes me when I tell them! Last year I started having some tummy trouble, so I started drinking kombucha and it helped clear it up. So I stick to that now. I’ll have to really prepare when I go to Bali later this year!
Just stick to bottled water for drinking and teeth cleaning, make sure any fruit is peeled, don’t eat salad, and don’t have ice cubes in your drinks – and you should be right 🙂
I have just been through, and am not quite over, a bout of gastro for the first time in 9 years. I have read that probiotics are useless. Who knows? I know that I have been eating Greek yoghurt to soothe my tummy and that it seems to help. I personally think that supplements are rubbish and you should try to get your nutrients from actual food and that is the way to go. That way everything is balanced. I worry about drinking our tank water and our filter wore out without us realising it so I think that’s how I got it. All that bird poo and dirt running off the roof. Eeeeurrrk.
Poor you! Gastro sucks big time. Like you, I am pretty sceptical about taking any supplements. However as I loathe yoghurt, in this case I thought probiotic tablets would help. Nope!
Goodness, I have never had a problem with pro-biotics – I’m not sure what that says about my gut flora 😉
There is a terrific natural remedy for Bali Belly – Diapet – the locals use it and recommended it to us when Rowan was sick at one stage. It works brilliantly and effectively.
OMG !! I’ve been taking Yakult for 2 years now & luckily I don’t have any problem with that. Even sometimes it gives a big relieve when I eat something wrong or unhealthy. I’ll definitely go with probiotics …. 🙂