Can I Drink Probiotics If I Have a Stomach Ache?

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 review in the European Journal of Medical Research, probiotics were shown to significantly reduce the risk of epigastric pain in some gastrointestinal disorders. But can I drink probiotics if I have a stomach ache caused by other issues? The answer depends on the root cause of your discomfort, the specific probiotic strains involved, and your body's individual reaction.

Quick Summary

The decision to take probiotics for a stomach ache depends on the underlying cause. Some specific strains can help with issues like IBS, diarrhea, and bloating, while other strains might cause temporary gas and bloating as the gut adjusts. It is vital to differentiate between mild discomfort and severe pain, for which medical advice is necessary.

Key Points

Cause-Dependent Efficacy: Probiotics are not a cure-all for stomach aches, but their effectiveness depends on the underlying cause, such as gas, constipation, or IBS.
Strain-Specific Benefits: The benefits are specific to the probiotic strain. For example, S. boulardii helps with diarrhea, while B. lactis and L. plantarum can assist with bloating and gas.
Temporary Side Effects Are Possible: When starting probiotics, it's normal to experience temporary side effects like increased gas or bloating as your gut microbiome adjusts.
Supplements vs. Food: Supplements offer targeted, high-potency strains, while fermented foods provide a wider, more diverse range of microbes.
Consult a Doctor for Severe Pain: Do not take probiotics for severe, persistent, or undiagnosed stomach pain. Consult a healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions.

Understanding the Connection Between Probiotics and Stomach Aches

Stomach aches are a common complaint with many potential causes, from simple indigestion to more complex conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can provide health benefits, particularly for the digestive system. They work by helping to restore and maintain the balance of the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria living in your digestive tract. When this delicate balance is disturbed, it can lead to symptoms like pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

For many, a balanced microbiome can lead to reduced inflammation and improved digestive comfort over the long term. However, the effect of probiotics is highly specific to the strain and the individual's gut. What works for one person's stomach ache might not work for another's. It is important to note that probiotics do not act like a painkiller; instead, they work to address the underlying gut imbalance that may be causing the discomfort.

When Probiotics Can Help with a Stomach Ache

Probiotics can be beneficial for specific types of stomach discomfort by targeting the root cause of the issue. The key is choosing a strain that has been studied for your particular concern.

Stomach Ache from Diarrhea

Probiotics have a long history of use for managing diarrhea. Certain strains can help restore the gut barrier and speed up the recovery process after a stomach bug, antibiotic use, or travel.

Specific strains: Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial yeast), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
How they help: They help restore balance after antibiotics kill off good bacteria and can reduce the duration and severity of infectious diarrhea.

Stomach Ache from Gas and Bloating

If your pain is caused by gas and bloating, certain probiotic strains can help rebalance the gut, which may result in less gas production and greater comfort.

Specific strains: Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.
How they help: They assist in breaking down undigested food and balancing the gut flora, which can be the culprits behind excessive gas.

Stomach Ache from Constipation

For the dull, heavy ache associated with constipation, certain probiotics can help support gut motility. Increased transit time allows waste to pass more comfortably.

Specific strains: Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.
How they help: They are known to enhance gut motility and improve the frequency and consistency of bowel movements.

Stomach Ache from IBS

For individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), chronic abdominal pain is a hallmark symptom. Studies have shown that certain probiotic strains can help reduce overall symptoms, including pain and bloating.

Specific strains: Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v.
How they help: Some strains may help by reducing inflammation, managing gas, and positively affecting gut transit time.

Potential Side Effects and When to Be Cautious

While many people tolerate probiotics well, some may experience temporary side effects, especially when first starting. This is often part of the acclimation period as the gut microbiome adjusts.

Increased gas and bloating: A sudden influx of new bacteria can cause increased fermentation of carbohydrates, leading to gas and bloating. This typically resolves within a few weeks.
Histamine intolerance: Certain strains can produce histamine in the gut. Individuals with histamine intolerance may experience side effects like headaches or rashes.
Mild constipation or diarrhea: As the gut adjusts, some individuals might temporarily experience changes in their bowel movements.

For severe, persistent, or worsening pain, or if new symptoms like fever or bloody stool appear, it is crucial to stop taking probiotics and consult a healthcare provider.

Supplement vs. Food: A Comparison

Choosing between probiotic supplements and probiotic-rich foods depends on your goals, severity of symptoms, and personal preferences.


Feature	Probiotic Supplements	Probiotic-Rich Foods
Potency	Higher, with specific strains designed for targeted issues.	Lower, with a wider variety of naturally occurring microbes.
Strain Specificity	Allows for precise dosing and targeting specific symptoms.	Provides a more diverse range of microbes, beneficial for general gut health.
Safety & Regulation	Regulated as dietary supplements, not as drugs, in the US. Quality can vary.	Generally safe for most people, but always check for pasteurization.
Prebiotic Content	Some include prebiotics (synbiotics) which can increase gas/bloating initially.	Foods like kefir and kombucha may contain prebiotics naturally.

Making an Informed Decision

Before incorporating probiotics for a stomach ache, consider these steps:

Identify the cause: Is your stomach ache from gas, constipation, diarrhea, or a chronic condition like IBS? The cause influences the best probiotic approach.
Start slow: If using a supplement, begin with a lower dose and increase gradually to allow your gut to acclimate and minimize temporary side effects.
Choose the right strain: Research which strains are effective for your specific symptoms. Strains like L. plantarum for bloating or S. boulardii for diarrhea can be targeted.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds. If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few weeks, consider changing the strain or stopping use.
Consult a professional: Always speak to a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian, especially if you have an underlying health condition, are immunocompromised, or if your pain is severe.

For comprehensive guidance and resources on gut health, you can visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website.

Conclusion

While the prospect of using probiotics to soothe a stomach ache is promising, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For mild, functionally-related pain like gas, bloating, or regularity issues, specific probiotic strains can be a valuable tool to help restore balance to your gut microbiome. However, it is essential to be patient during the initial adjustment phase, as temporary digestive side effects can occur. Always prioritize safety by consulting a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms, as a stomach ache can signal more serious issues. By being mindful of the cause of your discomfort and choosing the right probiotic strategy, you can support your gut health from the inside out.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'best' probiotic depends on the cause of your stomach ache. For diarrhea, Saccharomyces boulardii is often recommended, while for gas and bloating, strains like Lactobacillus plantarum or Bifidobacterium lactis are more suitable.

Yes, some people may experience a temporary increase in gas, bloating, or mild discomfort when they first start taking probiotics. This is a normal adjustment period as your gut's microbial balance shifts and typically resolves within a few weeks.

For some, relief from symptoms like diarrhea may come quickly. However, for more chronic issues, it can take two to four weeks of consistent, daily use to notice significant benefits as the gut microbiome establishes a new balance.

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of probiotics. They provide a diverse range of beneficial bacteria, which can help support overall gut health and digestive comfort.

Some studies show specific strains can help manage IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain and bloating. However, consistency and choosing the right strain, like Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 or Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, are key.

You should avoid taking probiotics for severe, persistent, or undiagnosed stomach pain. It's also not recommended if you are immunocompromised or have recently had surgery. Always consult a doctor for severe pain.

For most healthy individuals, probiotics are safe. However, if you are taking antibiotics, it's generally best to separate your probiotic dose by a few hours. Always discuss with your doctor if you are on other medications.