Will a Probiotic Get Rid of Gas? The Science of Gut Health

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the average person passes gas about 14 times per day, but when this process causes pain and bloating, it's natural to seek a remedy. Many people question, "Will a probiotic get rid of gas?" The answer is complex, as it depends heavily on the specific probiotic strain and the individual's gut microbiome.

Quick Summary

Probiotics can help manage gas by balancing gut flora and improving digestion, but effectiveness varies by strain and individual. Some specific strains have shown promise for reducing gas and bloating, particularly those in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families.

Key Points

Probiotics can reduce gas by rebalancing the gut microbiome. Introducing beneficial bacteria helps crowd out gas-producing microbes and improves digestive efficiency.
Not all probiotic strains are equally effective for gas. Specific strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium infantis have shown positive results in clinical studies.
An initial increase in gas can occur. It is normal to experience temporary gas or bloating when first starting probiotics as the gut adjusts; this usually resolves within a couple of weeks.
Probiotic benefits are often enhanced by lifestyle changes. Combining probiotics with mindful eating, staying hydrated, and avoiding gas-causing foods maximizes effectiveness.
Persistence is key when trying probiotics. Consistency is more important than immediate results; monitor your body's response over several weeks to determine if a specific probiotic is right for you.
Consider the specific cause of your gas. Different probiotic strains target different issues, such as lactose intolerance or IBS-related bloating, so matching the strain to the problem is important.
Consult a professional for persistent or severe symptoms. A healthcare provider can help determine the root cause of gas and advise on the most suitable course of action.

The Connection Between Probiotics and Gas

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The human gut is home to trillions of these bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. When the balance of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria is disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis, it can lead to a host of digestive issues, including excess gas, bloating, and constipation. Probiotics work to restore this microbial balance, but their effect on gas is not always straightforward.

How Probiotics Influence Gas Production

Probiotics can influence gas production through several key mechanisms within the digestive tract:

Restoring Gut Balance: By introducing beneficial bacteria, probiotics help crowd out harmful, gas-producing microbes that may have overgrown due to diet, stress, or antibiotic use.
Enhancing Digestion: Certain strains aid in the more efficient breakdown of complex carbohydrates and other foods, preventing them from fermenting excessively in the colon and producing gas.
Improving Motility: Some probiotics can help regulate gut motility, ensuring food and waste move smoothly through the digestive system. This prevents gas from becoming trapped and causing discomfort.
Reducing Inflammation: Certain probiotic strains can modulate the immune response in the gut, reducing inflammation that can contribute to gas and bloating, particularly in individuals with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Can Probiotics Cause More Gas at First?

It's important to note that some individuals may experience a temporary increase in gas and bloating when they first start a probiotic regimen. This is a normal part of the adjustment phase as the gut microbiome adapts to the new bacteria. This effect is typically mild and should subside within a week or two. To minimize initial discomfort, it is recommended to start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it over time.

Effective Probiotic Strains for Gas Relief

While the search results show that some clinical guidelines urge caution due to inconsistencies in research on probiotics for IBS, numerous studies have highlighted specific strains with promising results for gas and bloating relief.

Lactobacillus Strains

Lactobacillus acidophilus: Found in yogurt and fermented vegetables, this strain helps with the digestion of dairy by producing the enzyme lactase, which can reduce gas and bloating in lactose-intolerant individuals. It also helps balance gut flora disrupted by antibiotics.
Lactobacillus plantarum: Particularly helpful for those with IBS, this strain has been shown to reduce gas and abdominal discomfort. One study noted that a specific strain, Lp299v, demonstrated a meaningful impact on bloating and gas symptoms.

Bifidobacterium Strains

Bifidobacterium lactis: This strain supports overall digestive health, improves bowel regularity, and has shown positive effects in reducing bloating in clinical studies, including in people with IBS.
Bifidobacterium infantis: Evidence suggests this strain, especially Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, can effectively relieve many IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain.

Bacillus and Other Strains

Bacillus coagulans: Shown to significantly reduce gas and bloating, particularly in healthy adults and those with IBS.
Saccharomyces boulardii: A beneficial yeast probiotic that is not affected by antibiotics. It can help restore gut balance and reduce bloating and diarrhea, especially those associated with antibiotic use.

Comparison Table: Probiotic Strains for Gas Relief


Probiotic Strain	Type	Best For	Notes
Lactobacillus acidophilus	Bacteria	Lactose intolerance, antibiotic-related gut issues, general bloating	Helps digest dairy by producing lactase.
Lactobacillus plantarum	Bacteria	IBS-related bloating and discomfort	Effective at reducing general gas symptoms.
Bifidobacterium lactis	Bacteria	Constipation, regularity, IBS symptoms	Supports digestion of fiber and helps regulate bowel movements.
Bifidobacterium infantis	Bacteria	IBS symptoms (pain, bloating)	Has shown clinical efficacy in reducing IBS discomfort.
Bacillus coagulans	Bacteria	General bloating, IBS	Promising for significant reductions in bloating in healthy adults and IBS patients.
Saccharomyces boulardii	Yeast	Antibiotic-associated diarrhea and bloating	Not killed by antibiotics, making it ideal for concurrent use.

Beyond Probiotics: A Holistic Approach

While a specific probiotic can get rid of gas for some, it's most effective when combined with other gut-friendly habits.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Dietary Changes: Identify and limit common gas-causing foods like certain carbohydrates (e.g., beans, broccoli), carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners.
Prebiotics: These are types of fiber that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and oats can act as prebiotics, supporting the growth of good microbes.
Mindful Eating: Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly can reduce the amount of air swallowed, minimizing bloating.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common cause of gas.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity, even a short walk after a meal, helps move gas through the digestive tract.

Other Remedies

Digestive Enzymes: Over-the-counter options like alpha-galactosidase (Beano) can help break down complex carbs, while lactase supplements assist with dairy digestion.
Simethicone: This OTC medication helps coalesce gas bubbles in the GI tract, making them easier to pass.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Path to Gas Relief

For many, the answer to "will a probiotic get rid of gas?" is yes, but it's not a universal solution. The effectiveness depends on the specific probiotic strain, the root cause of the gas, and individual differences in gut health. Starting slowly with a researched strain like Bifidobacterium infantis or Lactobacillus plantarum can be a good strategy. However, success with probiotics is often best achieved when used as part of a broader, holistic approach that includes smart dietary and lifestyle choices. For persistent or severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to rule out underlying medical conditions and find the most suitable treatment. This personalized approach acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual's gut microbiome and offers the best path to long-term digestive comfort.

For more in-depth information on the gut microbiome and its connection to overall health, you can read more here: The Role of Probiotic Cultures in the Control of Gastrointestinal Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most-researched strains for gas and bloating include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Bifidobacterium infantis. The yeast probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii is also effective, especially for antibiotic-related issues.

The timeframe for relief varies. Some people notice improvements within a few days, while others may need several weeks for their gut microbiome to adjust and for symptoms to subside. Consistency is crucial.

Yes, it is possible. The introduction of new bacteria can cause temporary gas and bloating as your gut microbiome adjusts. This effect is typically mild and should resolve within one to two weeks.

Both fermented foods (like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut) and supplements can provide probiotics. While food offers diverse strains and other nutrients, supplements often provide a higher dose of specific, clinically studied strains for targeted relief.

Start by identifying the potential cause of your gas. For IBS-related issues, consider Bifidobacterium infantis; for antibiotic-related gas, try Saccharomyces boulardii. Looking for products with clinically studied strains is key. Consulting a healthcare professional for a personalized recommendation is also a good option.

No, probiotics are not a universal cure. Their effectiveness depends on the root cause of the gas. For some, gut imbalance may be the issue, but other factors like diet, food intolerances, and medical conditions can also cause gas. Probiotics are best viewed as one tool in a comprehensive approach to gut health.

Dosage can vary significantly depending on the specific strain and product. There is no single universal recommendation. It's best to follow the dosage instructions on the product label and consider starting with a lower dose to see how your body responds.