Probiotic yoghurt drinks and "die off"

wantsajob

I started drinking some probiotic yoghurt drinks (Strawberry flavour, yum), just under a week ago. I now feel a bit unwell and the most noticeable symptom is what feels like a sore throat/cold coming on.

I Googled and apparently probiotic drinks can cause something called Candida Die Off http://www.thecandidadiet.com/candida-die-off.htm In short, toxins are released into the body as yeast cells are killed off by the probiotics. Having read that I feel like a hypochondriac as the other symptoms ring true also, the nausea, headaches, gas, and joint pain. These symptoms are only slight and not too problematic, but they are noticeable.

I suppose I'm supposed to take this as a sign that good things are happening inside my body. However, I can't help but thinking how unusual it is - a product sold which claims to improve your health, can initially make you feel unwell, and there's no apparent warnings.

Has anyone else experienced these types of symptoms?

Rochdale_Guy

Oh dear, I've never actually drunk any.

I've always stuck it up my bum on a pessary.....



:rotfl:

ktb

Angelic wrote: »

I was going to post a picture but decided against googling "man's bottom with white liquid oozing out":o:D

Firstly.... eugh!!!! :rotfl:

Secondly... I didn't think that the pro-biotics in the 'yoghurt type drinks' were gut resistant (and therefore were a bit of a con)???? I thought to get any real benefit you had to get ones that were specifically treated to survive transit?

Also, if you try and find any *medical* journals on gut candida, I think you will struggle. There is no medical evidence it exists if I remember correctly. Happy to stand corrected if anyone knows differently... but i tried to find something earlier in the year and failed miserably.

murphydog999

ktb wrote: »

Also, if you try and find any *medical* journals on gut candida, I think you will struggle. There is no medical evidence it exists if I remember correctly. Happy to stand corrected if anyone knows differently... but i tried to find something earlier in the year and failed miserably.

What did our stomachs do before these products? The same as they have done for millions of years. It's all a bit of a con, excellent marketing on extremely tenuous links.

Fire_Fox

You are self diagnosing based on something that might be a coincidence, based on ONE ingredient in a processed product and based on a poor quality commercial website. Those little drinks only contain a relatively small number of probiotic bacteria IF they have been stored properly from manufacture all the way to the point you drink them. If they have sat out at the warehouse, at the store or in the warm boot of your car ..... If you don't take them after food your stomach acids will destroy any remaining bacteria.

If you would like to take probiotics purchase freeze dried acidophilus capsules, store in the refrigerator after opening and take after food. They can be beneficial if you have an imbalance of gut bacteria due to poor dietary habits, prior history of a tummy upset or course of antibiotics.

j.e.j.

wantsajob wrote: »

Has anyone else experienced these types of symptoms?

A few years ago I took Yakult for a few days. I didn't feel ill, but I stopped taking them because of other undesirable/anti-social side-effects! :eek::rotfl:

As someone's pointed out, the 'beneficial bacteria' in these drinks would be killed off by the stomach acid, anyway?

If you've got a specific problem (like thrush, for example) you're better off taking an anti-fungal tablet, tbh. If you haven't got a medical problem, why bother spending money on these products..

Fire_Fox

murphydog999 wrote: »

What did our stomachs do before these products? The same as they have done for millions of years. It's all a bit of a con, excellent marketing on extremely tenuous links.

Humans ate wholefoods instead of processed junk, didn't have antibiotics and were at higher risk of dying from diarrhoea. The human race survived alright, but many died prematurely along the way.

wantsajob

Guess it could just be coincidental timing with a common cold. Haven't had one in a while so probably due one. Definitely more burping and farting than usual though, lol.

Fire_Fox

wantsajob wrote: »

Guess it could just be coincidental timing with a common cold. Haven't had one in a while so probably due one. Definitely more burping and farting than usual though, lol.

Have you had candidiasis or an issue with liver function diagnosed? How do you know the reaction is down to the bacteria and not another ingredient known to cause altered digestive function in some individuals - the dairy, sugar or an additive such as a sweetener? Does your general diet consistently meet or exceed all our government's recommendations for healthy eating? Have you recently made any additions or subtractions aside from the probiotic drinks?

Pubmed is ae excellent index of published studies if you want to research any links between probiotics, candidiasis, Herxheimer or specific symptoms. There look to be a couple of full text articles that might be of interest, and you can glean a surprising amount from just the abstracts. IMO only look at articles from the last decade or so, any older landmark study will be mentioned or have been superceded.

j.e.j.

wantsajob wrote: »

Guess it could just be coincidental timing with a common cold. Haven't had one in a while so probably due one. Definitely more burping and farting than usual though, lol.

Yup, it's come to be known as 'farty milk' in our house..
..best avoided, methinks

wantsajob

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Have you had candidiasis or an issue with liver function diagnosed?

Not aware of Candidiasis. A few years ago I had Gall Stones and an operation to remove the Gall Bladder. I had Jaundice at that time caused by the Gall Stones. No known issues since though.

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Does your general diet consistently meet or exceed all our government's recommendations for healthy eating? Have you recently made any additions or subtractions aside from the probiotic drinks?

Erm have to admit general diet not great. Suspect I eat too much calories for my physical activity levels, closer to 2/3 a day than 5 fruit and veg. I used to religiously drink diet drinks, but since moving in with my partner 2 years ago have been moving towards the sugar filled variety. Recently did 5 weeks work experience and during this time drank significantly more caffeinated drinks (I wanted to feel more alert, awake, and able to do the work). I'm aware there are withdrawal symptoms associated stopping intake of caffeine. Nothing else comes to mind at present.