Probiotic supplements promise a healthier gut, but what happens if it become deadly? In a stunning Japanese case, a man's everyday probiotic set off a deadly bloodstream infection. The unusual but disturbing event has raised urgent questions about the safety of probiotics, particularly for people with underlying health issues. Is your gut-friendly supplement a silent danger?

In a rare and unexpected case, a 70-year-old Japanese man developed a deadly bloodstream infection attributed to the very probiotic supplements intended to enhance his health. His case, which was reported in BMJ Case Reports, has sparked serious questions regarding the possible dangers of probiotics, especially for those with weakened health.

The man, who had a history of alcohol dependence and underlying medical conditions, was found collapsed in his home and was rushed to the hospital. Upon examination, doctors diagnosed him with metabolic acidosis—a dangerous buildup of acid in the blood—triggered by a severe lung infection, kidney injury, and possibly heavy alcohol use.

To his list of health issues, the patient tested positive for COVID-19. He was put in the ICU, where he was provided with intensive care, such as breathing assistance, a blood thinner, anti-inflammatory steroids, and tocilizumab—a medication used to suppress inflammatory proteins. In addition to treating a secondary bacterial infection, he was administered antibiotics, which caused diarrhea, a typical side effect.

In an attempt to get his gut health back, doctors prescriped a probiotic with Clostridium butyricum, a naturally occurring bacterium in approximately 20% of healthy people. Although considered safe, the probiotic unexpectedly and fatally turned in his instance.

For nearly two months, the patient appeared to be recovering. However, he suddenly developed severe fatigue, swelling, and persistent abdominal pain. Body scans revealed a life-threatening reduction in blood flow to his intestines—a condition that often results in tissue death and organ failure.

As his health worsened, blood work was done, and an alarming finding was discovered: C. butyricum bacteria were found in his blood. This was a definite indication of probiotic-associated bacteremia—a rare but reported side effect in which bacteria from a probiotic supplement get into the bloodstream and infect the body. Genetic testing proved that the strain in his blood was the same as the one in the probiotic he had been consuming.

In spite of medical treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated quickly. His immune system, already compromised by his medical history of colon cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and smoking, could not combat the infection. Because of his unstable status, surgical intervention was not possible. In a matter of days, he had multiorgan failure. With no other medical options available, physicians switched him to palliative care, and he sadly died on the 60th day of hospitalization.

How Might a Probiotic Supplement Become Lethal?

Probiotics are frequently utilized to maintain gut health, particularly following antibiotic use. Probiotics replace beneficial bacteria, enhance digestion, and alleviate inflammation. In rare instances, however, probiotics may break through the gut and enter the blood, causing severe infections. This is more likely in people with compromised immune systems, chronic disease, or underlying gastrointestinal disease.

A number of studies, one of which was released in 2019, have established genetic associations between probiotics and hospital patient bloodstream infections. This case contributes to mounting evidence that while probiotics are generally good for many people, they can be dangerous for susceptible populations.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Though probiotic infections are unusual, some groups are at greater risk, which includes:

• Older patients with multiple comorbidities: As in this case, older patients with comorbidities are at increased risk of developing serious complications.
• Patients with compromised immune systems: Diseases like cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases raise the risk of infection.
• Critically ill or hospitalized patients: The combination of several treatments, including steroids and immunosuppressive medications, can further increase the risk.

Individuals with gastrointestinal abnormalities: An existing gut problem makes it simpler for probiotics to cross the intestinal barrier and get absorbed into the blood.

Should You Stop Eating Probiotic Supplements?

Even with this unfortunate case, health specialists highlight that probiotics are still safe for most healthy individuals. Nevertheless, they advise using probiotics cautiously, especially in high-risk patients.

Experts point out that although probiotics are prescribed to patients suffering from gastrointestinal conditions, rare but serious side effects can take place. He emphasizes that healthcare practitioners should screen a patient's history before they suggest probiotics, particularly in a hospital setting.

Probiotics are commonly lauded for their shield against colds, digestive problems, and severe health ailments. Their advantages are still controversial, though. A new study conducted by UC San Francisco researchers contradicts the notion that probiotics, in particular the Lactobacillus strain, ward off eczema—a disease commonly associated with asthma.

Probiotics, which exist in supplements and foods that are fermented such as yogurt and kefir, are believed to help promote the health of the gut by enhancing immune function and suppressing disease-causing pathogens. According to the World Health Organization, they are "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."

Released in Pediatrics on August 7, 2017, the research surveyed high-risk asthma infants. Comparing those supplemented with probiotics for six months to those that were not supplemented, researchers saw no apparent effect that probiotic supplementation has in lowering the risk of eczema, fueling the continued controversy surrounding their actual health effects.

One of the major point of conversations right now is longevity. People are learning day by day about what may affect their biological age and how, why and which way they can lower it. Many studies have pointed out that things like sugar, and some drinks may lower it, however, a new study shows that there may be some unexpected heroes among our daily drink consumption.

A study recently published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed something interesting: drinking about seven to eight cups of tea, coffee, and plain water every day might help you live longer.

Researchers looked at the drinking habits of over 182,000 people and found that hitting this total number of drinks, when balanced well, offered the best protection. It lowered the risk of dying from all kinds of serious problems, including cancer and heart disease. The main finding is that the mix of drinks is key—it's not good to overdo it, as too much might actually be bad for your heart.

How Do Tea, Coffee Or Water Help Your Health?

The research figured out the best possible way to combine these drinks to get the most health benefit:

Optimal Daily Total

The number one rule is to drink a total of seven to eight beverages every day. This total includes your water, coffee, and tea.

Coffee and Tea Ratio

Once you're hitting that daily goal, the best way to mix the coffee and tea is in a 2:3 ratio. This means for every two cups of coffee, you should have three cups of tea. This specific blend was found to be the most powerful for protecting you against dying from heart problems, cancer, and diseases of the lungs and stomach.

Hydration

The experts stress that the most important thing is to just stay hydrated first. Get your total number of drinks up to seven or eight. After you've done that, then you can start swapping some of your water for the healthier mix of coffee and tea.

How Much Tea Or Coffee Should You Drink?

The study also came with important warnings about drinking too much or too little of the mix:

If You Drink Very Little: If you currently have less than four total drinks a day, just adding a cup of coffee or tea won't help much. You need to focus on drinking more water first to reach the main goal of being fully hydrated.

If You Drink Too Much: If you are drinking nine or more cups of fluid a day, replacing water with more tea or coffee could actually raise your risk of dying from heart disease. More is not always better! Finally, the scientists noted two important things:

They can only say there's a link (an observation) between the drinks and living longer; they can't say for sure that the drinks are the direct cause of longer life. The study didn't know how people prepared their drinks—whether they added a lot of sugar or milk, which could affect the health benefits. The main takeaway is to focus on getting your overall daily fluid intake to seven to eight drinks and then use the beneficial mix of coffee and tea wisely.

Pregnancy is a unique and exciting journey, full of changes, decisions, and the constant desire to give your baby the best start in life. Nutrition becomes particularly important during this time, as what a mother eats can impact both her own health and the development of her baby. One ingredient that has been gaining popularity among expectant mothers is chia seeds.

Though tiny, these seeds are packed with nutrients and can be a versatile addition to a pregnancy diet. To understand their benefits, we spoke with Dr. Deepa, Senior Consultant at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital Kaushambi, who shared how chia seeds can support maternal and fetal health.

Benefits of Chia Seeds for Pregnant Women

Chia seeds are simple to incorporate into daily meals as you can sprinkle them on oatmeal, mix them into yogurt, blend them into smoothies, or even add them to baked goods.

Their mild taste and texture make them easy to enjoy, which is one reason why many pregnant women are turning to these seeds. According to Dr. Deepa, there are several ways chia seeds can help during pregnancy:

Supports Digestion

Constipation and other digestive issues are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and slower digestion. Chia seeds are high in soluble fibre, which can help regulate bowel movements. When soaked in liquid, they expand into a gel-like texture that aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. This not only helps prevent overeating but also supports healthy weight gain, which is important for both mother and baby.

Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Fluctuating blood sugar levels can be a concern for expectant mothers, sometimes leading to gestational diabetes. The fibre in chia seeds slows sugar absorption into the bloodstream, helping to maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels. By including chia seeds in meals, pregnant women may reduce the risk of sudden sugar spikes and maintain steadier energy throughout the day.

Aids Hydration

Hydration is essential during pregnancy, and chia seeds can play a supportive role. Dr. Deepa points out that chia seeds are versatile and can be added to a wide variety of dishes, from smoothies and salads to yogurt or baked recipes. When mixed with water or other liquids, they absorb moisture, helping to keep the body hydrated and supporting overall wellness.

Nutritional Power for Mother and Baby

Although small, chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. These nutrients support brain development in the fetus, improve digestion, help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and contribute to overall maternal health.

Dr. Deepa recommends consuming chia seeds in moderation. Eating too many may cause digestive discomfort due to their high fibre content. A typical portion is about one to two tablespoons per day. She also emphasizes that pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions.

Including chia seeds as part of a balanced, varied diet can help pregnant women feel nourished, support digestion and hydration, and provide essential nutrients for their growing baby. With their versatility and health benefits, chia seeds are a convenient and powerful addition to a pregnancy-friendly diet.

Are you one of those people who can’t start their day without a cup of tea? In many Indian households, tea is the first aroma that fills the morning air. But is having tea on an empty stomach really safe? To clear this common doubt, we spoke to Ms. Dnyeshwari Barve from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune. She explained how morning tea can affect your digestion and what you can do to enjoy it safely.

Morning Tea on an Empty Stomach: Is It Really Bad for Digestion?

‘Bed tea’ refers to sipping tea right after waking up, even before breakfast. While it may feel comforting and refreshing, experts warn it can also upset your stomach. After a long overnight gap of 7–8 hours without food, your digestive system is more sensitive. Drinking tea during this time can overstimulate the gut, trigger excessive bowel movements, and lead to hyperacidity.

However, it’s not all bad news. Barve points out that tea does contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and some varieties like green or black tea may even support immunity when consumed correctly. The problem often lies in preparation, boiling tea with milk and sugar can damage healthy gut bacteria. Choosing lighter versions and pairing them with the right foods can make a big difference.

How Morning Tea Affects Your Gut

Ms. Dnyeshwari Barve told us a few ways your morning tea can affect your gut:

• Increased Acidity and Irritation: Tea contains caffeine and tannins, which boost stomach acid. On an empty stomach, this can irritate the stomach lining, causing bloating, cramps, and heartburn.
• Inflammation Risk: Regular empty-stomach tea may inflame the stomach lining and contribute to chronic issues like gastritis.
• Dehydration: Tea has a diuretic effect, which means it increases urination. After a night of fasting, this can worsen dehydration and even constipation.
• Gut Bacteria Imbalance: Large amounts of tea, especially with milk, may disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut, affecting digestion and metabolism.
• Nutrient Absorption Interference: The tannins in tea can reduce the absorption of minerals like iron from food, especially if consumed frequently on an empty stomach.

How to Have Morning Tea Safely

Barve doesn’t recommend cutting tea out altogether. Instead, she suggests simple changes:

• Have a light snack, like soaked almonds, a banana, or a slice of toast—before your tea to protect the stomach lining.
• Choose herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties and are easier on digestion.
• Limit milk and sugar, which can worsen acidity and harm gut bacteria.
• Stay hydrated with water before reaching for your first cup.

Morning tea isn’t entirely bad, but having it on an empty stomach every day can cause digestive issues in the long run. The key is moderation and mindful pairing with food. If you enjoy your bed tea, make small adjustments so your morning ritual supports your gut health rather than harming it.