‘Does taking Probiotics to make IBS worse?’ This is a question asked by many IBS patients, as the introduction of Probiotics can cause some unpleasant side effects in those with IBS.
The Probiotics may have a detrimental effect on your stomach and intestines, thereby exacerbating the symptoms of IBS.
First, it is important to understand what exactly is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by excessive abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other associated uncomfortable symptoms.
The exact cause for these symptoms is unknown, but it is suspected that the immune system is overproducing symptoms as part of an allergic response to certain foods.
Foods to avoid for your IBS
IBS affects roughly 20% of the population globally. It is more common in women than men and often occurs when the person’s diet contains too much-refined sugar or yeast, which then stimulates a reaction in the intestines.
Most patients with irritable bowel syndrome are advised to stay away from foods that are high in yeast, sugar, or milk.
For example, milk, sugar, white bread, and other wheat-based products should be avoided. Other foods to avoid are also generally thought to be higher in fat content, which can exacerbate abdominal pain and other IBS symptoms.
Avoiding these foods may help to reduce symptoms:
- Spicy or greasy food
- High fiber content (with exception of carrots and apples)
- Fried dishes, such as fried fish and french fries because they have high-fat content
By following this diet you will be able to feel better, live your life more comfortably, and become an IBS success story!
Can probiotics make IBS worse?
The answer is a resounding yes.
Although some studies have indicated that bacteria residing in the gut can reduce the symptoms of IBS, most studies have shown that the presence of normal intestinal flora is much healthier and actually has less of a detrimental effect on the symptoms.
It has been demonstrated that intestinal flora plays a significant role in regulating the inflammatory responses associated with IBS.
Therefore, any decrease in the abundance of one specific bacteria can potentially have a negative impact on IBS symptoms.
The impact of probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still not well-understood.
Researchers are currently researching and testing the effectiveness of different strains in reducing IBS symptoms, but take extra caution when trying to diagnose or treat yourself with them because they can have a negative effect too
Some people believe that probiotic supplements may help alleviate their gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea caused by antibiotic use; other possible benefits include helping food stay longer in your stomach so you feel fuller for longer periods while also aiding digestion.
However one study found no significant difference between those who received antibiotics plus placebo vs just receiving an inactive drug group over 2 weeks – this suggests that there might be little correlation between taking these pills and how it affects your gut health
Relationship between probiotics and IBS
Does probiotic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome have a relationship with the severity of IBS?
There is no definitive evidence as to whether or not this is true.
However, patients who receive stringent dietary interventions as a part of their treatment often report a reduction in the severity of their Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
One study did find that the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri might help alleviate diarrhea in patients with IBS. In this case, diarrhea occurred in patients that had low levels of the good bacteria (Lactobacillus).
This suggests that probiotics may benefit patients who have a less desirable intestinal flora than those who have normal levels.
The relationship between probiotics and irritable bowel syndrome isn’t well understood, but it is believed that the gut-brain axis may be at play.
The connection among digestive issues such as IBS is not clearly defined, however, there’s speculation this could have something to do with the “gut-mind” circuit.
This hypothesis proposes that what we eat has an effect on how people feel inside their heads because of changes in hormone levels or neurotransmitter levels in our brain which sends messages to other parts of our body including the digestion system.
The effect of low levels of good bacteria
Researchers have determined that the human body is made up of 10 trillion cells. Studies show, in fact, that it has 100 times more bacteria than our own immune system cells!
This means we need to be conscious about how much good stuff (bacteria) we are eating or putting on ourselves so as not to get outsmarted by bad microbes and their effects.
A correlation has been drawn between low levels of the good bacteria (Lactobacillus) and the occurrence of abdominal pain and other Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
Low levels of the bacteria occur in certain individuals more frequently than in others. These individuals, whose intestinal flora is less desirable, are more likely to report the presence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
Low levels of good bacteria can be the result of aging, lack of sleep, or stress.
Aging contributes to a reduction in our natural defense against bad bacteria and other harmful organisms that cause disease-causing inflammation within us.
The body’s response to these pathogens is reduced with age which leads to an increase in problems stemming from these types of infections such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and more importantly colon cancer.
Lack of sleep also reduces immune system function so it leaves you at risk for infections like cold viruses or pneumonia.
Stress may seem unrelated but chronic stress has been shown to reduce the production of hormones that boost immunity including cortisol and DHEA along with adequate restful nighttime slumber
Final thoughts
Probiotic treatments can reduce the severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by reducing the amount of intestinal lining that is destroyed during diarrhea or other forms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
The intestine has the necessary protective mucus lining in order to trap bacteria that cause IBS.
When the protective mucus layer is reduced, however, there is an opportunity for the intestinal bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they can cause a number of health problems.
One of the ways that probiotics reduce the impact of intestinal bacteria on the immune system is by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes that help to break down the proteins and carbohydrates that enter the intestines.
Probiotics can also decrease the amount of toxins that are created in the intestine by the breakdown of food that is not properly digested.
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