Which are the best probiotics for IBS? The short answer is – there isn’t one. Every case of IBS is different and each patient will have different responses to treatment.
Because of this, it’s impossible to give a single ‘best’ probiotic or even ‘correct’ dosage for treating IBS. Rather, what you need to find is the right combination of ingredients that will work best for you – and this is where the work is.
Since the gastrointestinal system is the main regulator of our immune system, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a surge in gut-related diseases. IBS, Crohn’s Disease, and ulcerative colitis are all on the rise.
But don’t worry! Probiotics can help by supporting healthy bacteria levels.
Studies into the relationship between probiotics and IBS
One type of probiotic that is increasingly being studied is the one that produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) – which makes it different from other types of probiotics.
The SCFA family of probiotics is known for its ability to counter the effects of excessive production of certain hormones, such as those that occur during an IBS episode.
This is particularly useful information for individuals who need dietary modifications in order to reduce or eliminate the uncomfortable side effects that occur during an IBS episode.
For instance, a high-quality probiotic strain that produces short-chain fatty acids would likely have benefits for patients with mild GERD or indigestion.
A high-quality strain that produces short-chain fatty acids is also likely to have benefits for individuals with high levels of gas or bloating.
Individuals with IBS, nevertheless, will find that a good source of probiotics, high in dietary fiber, is necessary in order to reduce the effects of bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
The best kind of study to look out for would be a clinical trial, as it demonstrates exactly how the probiotics perform in real humans with typical IBS symptoms, versus a placebo.
So, with a suitable probiotic for IBS (iburidil), it’s always good to check on its effects on diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gas.
Clinical trials have confirmed that probiotics can indeed ease the pain of IBS by suppressing diarrhea and easing gas production.
But like any drug or treatment, probiotics also have side effects and it’s important to note that although some have fewer side effects than others, there’s no evidence that they can cure IBS.
Probiotic types
Probiotics come in three strains, acid-sensitive, lactose intolerant, and soluble (or short-chain) probiotics.
- The acid-sensitive probiotics are used to treat patients who have extremely low levels of acidity in their gut, i.e., those with irritable bowel syndrome, or those having antibiotic-induced diarrhea.
- The lactose intolerant strains of probiotics are often used to treat infants or those with lactose intolerance who develop severe and recurrent diarrhea when fed dairy products.
- Long-chain types of probiotics, such as those found in yogurt or some forms of raw honey, are used to treat IBS symptoms that are provoked by stress.
Prebiotics, which are not part of the yeast/organism balance in the gut, but are found in some fermented food, are another group of probiotics.
These prebiotics are usually produced by the body’s digestive tracts and act to slow or stop the absorption of fats and carbohydrates in the gut. Most people do not digest prebiotics very well, so they are mostly only seen in cheese.
There is some evidence that prebiotics may help to reduce the symptoms of IBS. However, more research is needed to determine whether prebiotics have any effect on the causes of IBS.
Prebiotics are a group of nutrients including lactose, inulin, and pectins.
Benefits from probiotics
Fungi that are found naturally in the GI tract are called probiotics. Probiotics are generally beneficial to the health of the gastrointestinal tract and may even play a role in controlling the immune system and improving digestion.
There is some evidence that a high fiber diet may be effective in treating and preventing IBS symptoms.
Adding some yeast to the diet may provide an additional source of dietary-friendly bacteria.
Yeasts that contain lipase, a compound that helps break down starches, are often recommended as a food for those with irritable bowel syndrome and IBS.
It has only been recently that scientists have begun to understand how these products can help improve gastrointestinal health by regulating inflammation and improving gut motility, which are two factors commonly associated with chronic abdominal pain and discomfort due to constipation or diarrhea.
Treatment of IBS
When it comes to the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and IBS, the most common treatment is conventional medicine. There are a number of prescription medications that can be used to treat IBS symptoms.
While these medications may provide temporary relief from symptoms, they do not treat the underlying cause of the problem and may make the symptoms come back once you stop taking the prescribed medication.
While some doctors believe that probiotics may help to reduce the symptoms of IBS, there is still much research that needs to be done on this subject.
A recent study showed a significant improvement in patients who took an eight-week course of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v vs those who did not take any type of supplement.
The results were impressive: after just four weeks on the regimen, subjects reported significantly less abdominal pain and discomfort than they had before being treated – many said their quality of life improved dramatically!
IBS symptoms
As IBS sufferers know all too well, the symptoms of this condition are often prolonged and unpleasant.
But researchers have found that taking probiotics may help to alleviate some gastrointestinal (GI) problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Some of the common symptoms of IBS are constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, cramping, and rectal itching.
There are several conditions that can cause and contribute to the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome, including abdominal surgery, IBS-A, celiac disease, stress, hypoglycemia, Crohn’s disease, and many others.
Researchers have yet to determine how probiotics may help those with IBS.
However, there are a number of promising results from current studies, and as more is learned about the role of probiotics in the GI tract, they will undoubtedly continue to be refined and studied.
In conclusion
The benefits of probiotics for IBS are many.
Not only can they relieve abdominal discomfort, but there is also evidence suggesting that the bacteria in these products may help prevent and treat other diseases such as cancer and inflammation.
Probiotic supplements have a variety of uses beyond treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Evidence suggests that taking them daily could potentially reduce or even eliminate stomach pain caused by IBS while reducing symptoms like bloating, cramping, and gas expulsion through flatulence/burping which would increase regularity to make it easier on your digestive system overall.
Furthermore, research has shown potential links between using these types of health-boosting supplements with decreased rates in certain cancers including colorectal ones after just three months of use.
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