Can Probiotics Make You Poop or Help With Constipation?

Key takeaways:

• Probiotics are living microbial organisms that help you maintain a good biological balance of microorganisms in your gut.
• Probiotics can improve constipation, although initial doses can cause diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Some strains are more effective than others for constipation treatment.
• Some foods contain beneficial bacteria and probiotics.

The human body contains billions of microbes. These bacteria and yeast are usually beneficial and keep you healthy. They aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, increase immunity, and maintain a defense against harmful microbes.

Probiotics are supplements and food that contain helpful living microorganisms. These yeast and bacteria can help you maintain a balance of healthy gut bacteria. Good gut bacteria help you regulate your bowel movements and fight off intestinal diseases.

There is evidence that probiotics can improve constipation in people who have constipation due to a variety of causes. Probiotics are not the same as laxatives, though, and should be used only in specific circumstances.

Do probiotics help with constipation?

Constipation is a common health issue. It is a condition in which you have infrequent bowel movements, have difficulty with bowel movements, or have trouble completely emptying your bowels.

The studies of probiotics and constipation are mixed. While one meta-analysis of various studies showed probiotics to be helpful in treating constipation, another study found no benefits.

Some studies have shown that probiotics can help constipation caused by pregnancy, iron supplementation, cancer, and chemotherapy. There is also evidence that probiotics help treat constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Do probiotics cause more frequent bowel movements?

Probiotics usually cause frequent bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool and absorbing water in the intestine. Adding beneficial bacteria to the gut makes bowel movements more regular if you have constipation.

How long it takes for probiotics to affect bowel movements

The length of time before you see the effects of probiotics depends on the condition you are treating. It usually takes eight to 12 weeks for probiotics to improve constipation. If you are treating diarrhea, you may see results in only one to five days.

Choosing the right probiotic for digestive health

The effects of probiotics depend upon the strain. Some strains are useful for one disorder but not another. When using a probiotic to treat any digestive disease, consider the disease and your treatment goals.

You should also consider the source of probiotic supplements. Do they have an established reputation? The evidence that probiotics are helpful for constipation is mixed. Before taking a probiotic, read the package information carefully and consult your doctor.

Lactobacillus

Substantial evidence is available that Lactobacillus plantarum is helpful for treating irritable bowel syndrome. It has been shown to relieve clinical symptoms and change the microbiota in stool in people with the condition.

Bifidobacterium

There is moderate evidence that Bifidobacterium lactis can be effective in the treatment of constipation. It is found in yogurt under the brand name Activia. Bifidobacterium longum has also been shown to improve stool consistency.

Streptococcus

Evidence shows that S. thermophilus improves stool consistency and symptoms in people with chronic constipation.

There is moderate evidence that S. boulardii helps treat inflammatory bowel disease, traveler’s diarrhea, acute diarrhea in adults, and diarrhea caused by antibiotics. It may also help prevent diarrhea associated with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. S. boulardii is sold under brand names that include Florastor.

Potential side effects of probiotics

As with most bioactive substances, side effects can occur when you take probiotics. If you experience side effects, try decreasing the dose rather than switching the supplement type.

Gastrointestinal (GI) effects

When you begin a probiotic, you may experience digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, or excessive gas. These symptoms should resolve as you continue your probiotic treatment.

Increased risk of infection

Some studies have suggested that probiotics can increase infection risk in people with weakened immune systems. You should consult your doctor before starting probiotic supplements if you have a medical condition or take immunosuppressants.

Read our guides on how to encourage bowel movements and foods that can help you pass a bowel movement for more.

When to see a doctor about infrequent bowel movements or constipation

Although constipation is rarely a sign of a serious condition, it should not be ignored. Untreated constipation can cause serious complications, including rectal prolapse.

Hemorrhoids are another potential complication of constipation. Some home remedies include drinking plenty of water (at least 64 ounces daily) and being active for at least 30 minutes daily. Magnesium and fiber supplements can also be helpful.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your constipation lasts longer than two to three weeks
• You have never had constipation before
• You have tried lifestyle changes and home remedies but remain constipated
• You have unexplained weight loss
• You are experiencing belly pain

You should go to the emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain with bowel movements
• Inability to pass any gas or stool
• Significant changes in the consistency, shape, or amount of your stool

Questions to ask your doctor about infrequent bowel movements or constipation

If you see your doctor because of constipation, you should provide a complete history of changes in lifestyle, medication, or supplements. You may also want to ask the following questions to be sure you understand your condition and your treatment plan.

• What strain of probiotics is most effective for the relief of constipation?
• Are there any other measures I should take, including medications, while I wait for the probiotic to start working?
• Do probiotics have specific side effects with any of my current medical conditions or medications?

Frequently asked questions: probiotics and bowel movements

The following may prove helpful to you as you explore probiotics as a treatment option.

Do probiotics make you poop right away?

No, probiotics will not make you poop right away. Probiotics take approximately eight to 12 weeks to take effect and treat constipation.

In the meantime, you should drink plenty of water and perform around 30 minutes of physical activity each day. You may also want to add an over-the-counter magnesium supplement.

Do probiotics make your poop softer?

If you are constipated, your stools are probably hard and difficult to pass. Probiotics can improve the consistency of your poop.

Can probiotics make you poop too much?

Probiotics can initially cause diarrhea. They increase the frequency of bowel movements through their actions on the gut microbiome. Probiotics, however, are not laxatives that stimulate or draw water into the colon.

Take-home message: probiotics and constipation

Probiotics are often used to improve stool consistency and encourage more regular stool passage through the digestive tract. Different strains of probiotics have different effects, so it is essential to use a strain that is effective for treating constipation. You may also benefit from eating fermented foods like kimchi, which contain beneficial bacteria. In any case, contact your doctor if you have any questions.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Adam Carewe, MD.

Sources

Bodke, Harsh, and Sangita Jogdand. “Role of Probiotics in Human Health.” Cureus vol. 14,11 e31313. 9 Nov. 2022, doi:10.7759/cureus.31313

Ritchie, M., & Romanuk, T. (2012, April 18). A meta-analysis of probiotic efficacy for gastrointestinal diseases. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22529959/

Dimidi, Eirini, et al. “Randomised clinical trial: Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 probiotic vs placebo, and impact on gut transit time, symptoms, and gut microbiology in chronic constipation.” Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics vol. 49,3 (2019): 251-264. doi:10.1111/apt.15073

Markowiak, Paulina, and Katarzyna Śliżewska. “Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health.” Nutrients vol. 9,9 1021. 15 Sep. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9091021

Powers, Elizabeth Allison, et al. “Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy.” American Family Physician vol. 108,4 (2023): 360-369.

Sniffen, Jason C, et al. “Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: An evidence-based practical guide.” PloS one vol. 13,12 e0209205. 26 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209205

Yoon, Jin Young, et al. “Probiotics Ameliorate Stool Consistency in Patients with Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Digestive diseases and sciences vol. 63,10 (2018): 2754-2764. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-5139-8