Is Probiotics Safe For Treatment Of Loose Stools?

Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 2 Jul 2014 Answered on

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had b diffuse cell agg resive n.h. lymphoma. My last chemo treatment was in Oct (2013). I was said to be in remission. But I still have loose stools frequently. (The cancer manifested itself in my bowels and intestine.) I think. Had treatment at VA and they don't answer questions that much. Though they obviously did a great job. My question is this: a friend recommended probiotics to help the estools and strengthen my gi tract. I've been taking one pill a day for 4 days. Seems to help though too early to tell. But can this in any way shape or form cause the cancer to come back? Is it safe? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these loose stools that you have been having. Probiotics are just concentrates of naturally occurring gut friendly micro-organisms. They help to restore the friendly intestinal germ composition and equilibrium. They cannot cause cancer or be responsible for a treated cancer to come back. If you are getting some positive results with this, then it would be the right thing to do by continuing with the probiotics.

I hope this helps and addresses your query fully. I wish you well and thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar