Best probiotics for IBS
Probiotics are organisms that live in the digestive tract as well as in other parts of the body, they are considered as friendly bacteria because they help to keep harmful bacteria at bay. The healthy gut contains friendly bacteria that help not only to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria but also fungus and yeast.
Quite a significant amount of research has pointed to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut as a possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome in some people, which is possibly why many people have found relief from IBS from taking certain antibiotics. However, antibiotics have also been implicated as a possible trigger of IBS due to the fact that they work by killing all bacteria, including the friendly bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics may help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. They also help to produce certain vitamins and enzymes as well as give the immune system a boost. As far as IBS is concerned, taking probiotics could possibly alleviate the symptoms of IBS and improve bowel movements in some people, particularly those whose delicate micro flora in the gut has become unbalanced. However, there is no guarantee that what will work for one person will work for someone else, IBS treatment involves finding a way that works for the individual.
Which strain of friendly bacteria is best for IBS?
Although there are hundreds of different strains of organisms living in a healthy gut, two of the most beneficial types for IBS would appear to be Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These can now be found in many drinks and yoghurts as well as in liquid, powder or tablet form from health food shops.
One double blind placebo controlled study by Whorwell et al and published in the American journal of Gastroenterology in 2006, involved giving Bifidobacterium or a placebo to over 300 women who had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. After a period of one month, the women taking the probiotic did see an improvement in their IBS symptoms.
Are there any risks associated with probiotics?
Probiotics are generally considered as safe for everyone but before taking anything as a way of coping with IBS then it wise to discuss the implications with your doctor, particularly if you have other health problems or your immune system is impaired in any way.
Some people do complain of digestive upsets whilst taking probiotics but all in all there is substantial evidence that probiotics are good not just for people with IBS but for everyone else too. Probiotics do help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut which may be more important for at least some IBS sufferers but they also help to improve health and well being in general. In order to get the best results from probiotics they should be taken on a daily basis.
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