Question: I am a 28 year old male, otherwise in good health. About 6 months ago I was prescribed clindamycin for a skin infection, since then I have developed IBS. I got tested for cdiff twice (4 samples in all) and it was negative each time. To deal with the IBS, I have started probiotics which seemed to have helped a bit. About a month back, I took a multi-strain probiotic for about two weeks, it contained ( L. rhamnosus, L. helveticus, Bifidobacteria Longum, L. Casei, L. Plantarum, Lactococcus Lactis, B. Breve, Pediococcus acidilactici, 5Billion CFU in all). Since then I have been occasionally experiencing what can be described as brain fog. I also feel a slight heaviness at the top of my head and a slight fatigue. It makes it difficult to concentrate on mentally challenging work, but not to the point where I am forgetting stuff. Also it seems to be present some days or some times of the day. It tends to be more severe on days when I have slept less. I stopped the probiotic about two weeks ago but the condition persists. I have had a CBC and thyroid (T4 and TSH) testing done in relation to the IBS about a week back and that was completely normal. Since this started after taking the probiotic and some people have mentioned such side effects from probiotics, I am quite sure that this is due to the probiotic. What should I do at this point, should I get tested for electrolytes, vitamin D, B folic acid deficiencies or should I simply wait it out? I am also wondering whether this could be due to excess lactic acid present in the body introduced by the bacteria? If so what are the tests treatments for that? Also, I am quite sure that this is not Candida or yeast overgrowth because I don't have any skin symptoms. Please Advise.

Thanks,

I looked up the minimental test online and had a friend administer it to me. I was able to answer everything. While this may not be the same as a doctor administering it, I don't think my cognitive capabilities have declined to the extent where I might get things wrong on this test.

I would describe my condition as finding my self in a slight daze, where I am still capable of doing mentally challenging tasks, though I find it harder to concentrate and easier to get distracted. There are times of the day when I feel normal and times when I have this slight daze like feeling. I had a feeling that this could be a herx reaction from the probiotics, but it does not seem to have improved even after two weeks of stopping the probiotics.

I will visit a GI tomorrow and I will try to get tested for electrolytes and Vitamins and Mineral deficiencies. As for the IBS, I am planning to get a colonoscopy soon to rule out other causes. Any other advice, you might have?

Thanks,