Can Probiotics Cause Dizziness? Understanding the Link to Your Gut Health

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

For most healthy individuals, probiotics are well-tolerated and offer numerous health benefits. However, a small subset of users report experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness, leading many to ask: Can probiotics cause dizziness? This phenomenon is often linked to the body's adjustment period or specific gut-related reactions.

Quick Summary

Probiotics may occasionally cause dizziness due to factors like histamine intolerance, an initial adjustment phase, or the gut-brain connection. These potential side effects are often temporary and vary based on individual health, probiotic strain, and dosage.

Key Points

Dizziness is a possible, though uncommon, side effect of probiotics: While most people tolerate them well, some individuals experience dizziness or lightheadedness, often linked to gut-related changes.
Histamine intolerance can cause dizziness with certain probiotic strains: Some probiotics, like Lactobacillus casei, are histamine producers and can trigger symptoms like dizziness in individuals with an intolerance.
The gut-brain axis mediates the link between gut health and neurological symptoms: The introduction of new bacteria can cause a temporary, low-grade inflammatory response that affects the neuroendocrine system, leading to dizziness.
An adjustment period can cause temporary side effects: When starting a new probiotic, your body may need time to adapt to the changing gut microbiome, which can cause transient dizziness and other mild discomfort.
Underlying health conditions increase the risk of side effects: Individuals with compromised immune systems or conditions like SIBO may be more susceptible to adverse reactions from probiotics.
Manage risk by starting slow and choosing the right product: You can minimize the risk of dizziness by beginning with a lower dose, monitoring your body, and selecting high-quality products or fermented foods.
Consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms: If dizziness or other side effects continue or are severe, it is advisable to stop taking the supplement and seek medical guidance.

The Link Between Probiotics and Dizziness

While it’s not a widespread or common side effect, some individuals report experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness after taking probiotics. The scientific community has several theories regarding why this may occur, primarily focusing on the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the rest of the body.

The Gut-Brain Connection and Its Role

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network linking the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. When you introduce a new probiotic, it can alter your gut’s microbial balance, which in turn can influence this axis. For some sensitive individuals, this change may lead to neurological symptoms like dizziness or brain fog. One theory suggests that the introduction of new bacteria could cause a temporary, localized inflammatory response in the intestine, which then impacts the neuroendocrine system and triggers these feelings of unsteadiness.

Histamine Intolerance and Probiotic Strains

Histamine is a naturally occurring compound that plays a role in the immune system. People with histamine intolerance have difficulty breaking down excess histamine, which can build up and cause various symptoms, including headaches, congestion, and dizziness. Some probiotic strains are known to be histamine producers, such as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus hilgardii. In susceptible individuals, consuming these strains can increase the body's histamine load, potentially leading to a "histamine bucket overflow" and causing symptoms like dizziness. Conversely, other strains like Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium infantis are known to be histamine-degrading.

Navigating the Initial Adjustment Phase

For those new to probiotic supplementation, the body may require a temporary adjustment period. As the new beneficial bacteria begin to colonize and shift the existing microbial community, a phenomenon known as the “die-off” effect can occur. This process releases toxins from dying harmful bacteria, which can cause temporary, flu-like symptoms that sometimes include a feeling of dizziness or fatigue. Additionally, some probiotics produce gases and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as metabolic byproducts. A sudden influx of these can cause bloating and discomfort, which may also contribute to a general feeling of being unwell or off-balance. This reaction typically subsides within a few days or weeks as the gut adapts to its new composition.

The Influence of Underlying Health Conditions

Certain pre-existing health issues can increase the risk of experiencing adverse probiotic side effects. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with certain autoimmune diseases or those undergoing specific medical treatments, may react poorly to probiotic supplements, and for them, there's a rare risk of the bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing an immune response. Additionally, conditions like Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) could be exacerbated by high-dose probiotics, leading to more pronounced symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any probiotic regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

How to Minimize the Risk of Dizziness

If you're concerned about or experiencing dizziness from probiotics, consider these strategies:

Start with a lower dose: If you're new to probiotics, begin with a low-potency product and gradually increase the dosage over time. This allows your body to adjust more slowly.
Monitor your symptoms: Pay close attention to how your body responds to the supplement. If dizziness persists or worsens, consider discontinuing use and consulting a healthcare provider.
Choose the right strain: If you suspect histamine intolerance, research the specific strains in your product. Avoid high-histamine-producing strains and opt for those that are histamine-degrading.
Prioritize quality: Since the supplement industry lacks stringent regulation, it is important to choose high-quality products from transparent brands that confirm potency and safety.
Incorporate food-based probiotics: For a gentler, more natural approach, increase your intake of fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, which contain naturally occurring probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics from Supplements vs. Fermented Foods

Understanding the difference between getting probiotics from supplements and food sources can help you decide the best approach for your body.


Feature	Probiotic Supplements	Fermented Foods
Potency & Dose	Typically higher concentration (billions of CFUs).	Generally lower and more variable concentrations.
Variety of Strains	Can be single-strain or multi-strain formulations.	Contains a natural, diverse mix of microbes.
Strain Specificity	Labels list specific strains for targeted effects.	Less certain which strains are present and active.
Absorption	May use advanced delivery tech (enteric coatings) to ensure bacteria survival.	Bacteria are part of a food matrix, which may enhance survival.
Nutritional Content	Provides isolated probiotic bacteria.	Offers additional nutrients, prebiotics (fiber), and vitamins.
Cost	Often more expensive per serving.	Typically more affordable and part of a regular diet.

Conclusion

While a direct causal link between probiotics and dizziness is not established for the general population, it is a reported side effect for some. The root cause can often be traced back to the complex interplay of the gut-brain axis, individual histamine sensitivities, or a simple adjustment period as the gut microbiome shifts. For the majority of healthy individuals, these effects are mild and temporary. However, for those with underlying health concerns or sensitivities, a more cautious and informed approach is warranted. By starting with a lower dose, monitoring symptoms, and consulting a healthcare professional, individuals can safely explore the benefits of probiotics while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. As with any dietary change, paying attention to your body's signals is key. You can find more comprehensive information on gut health at the Cleveland Clinic's section on leaky gut syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, any mild side effects, including dizziness, that occur during the initial adjustment period typically resolve within a few days to a few weeks as the body adapts to the new bacteria.

Yes, taking a high dose of probiotics, especially at the start, can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects like dizziness, bloating, or digestive upset. Starting with a lower dose and increasing gradually is recommended.

If you are histamine-sensitive, you may want to avoid strains like Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus hilgardii, which are known to increase histamine production. Opting for histamine-degrading strains, such as Bifidobacterium longum or Bifidobacterium infantis, may be a better choice.

Both can be beneficial. Food sources like yogurt and kefir provide a natural and diverse mix of microbes along with other nutrients. Supplements offer a more concentrated, targeted dose of specific strains. Your choice depends on your specific health goals and how your body tolerates them.

If you experience persistent or severe dizziness, it is best to stop taking the probiotic and consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if the probiotic is the cause and recommend a safe course of action.

Yes. Probiotics are not rigorously regulated in the same way as medicines. A poor-quality supplement might contain incorrect strains, insufficient viable bacteria, or other ingredients that could cause adverse reactions.

The gut-brain axis is a communication pathway between your gut and brain. Disruptions in your gut microbiome, such as from a new probiotic, can send signals that affect your neuroendocrine system, potentially causing neurological symptoms like dizziness.