Did You Know That Some Probiotics May Help With Ibs
This resource was made possible due to the support of: Bio-K+.
Desiree Nielsen, Registered Dietitian.
About the author: Desiree Nielsen is a registered dietitian and author based in Vancouver. She runs a nutrition consulting practice and has 10+ years of experienced in dealing with IBS. Desiree co-founded My Healthy Gut, the worlds first evidence-based nutrition self-management app for Celiac Disease and her anti-inflammatory cookbook, Eat More Plants, is a national bestseller.
Balance Of Bacteria Is Important For Gut Health
Many digestive processes rely on a balance of various bacteria, which are found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. If these bacteria fall out of balance, gastrointestinal disorders may occur, possibly including IBS.
Probiotics, which are bacteria or yeast that are associated with health benefits, may help restore this balance. Most probiotics used in IBS treatment fall under two main groups: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These probiotics are thought to assist the digestive system. Among other functions, they may strengthen the intestinal barrier, assist the immune system in removing harmful bacteria, and break down nutrients.
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It can also be difficult to control your symptoms, and treatment usually involves making changes to your diet and lifestyle .
Some research shows that probiotics, a type of beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract, could help relieve the symptoms of IBS and promote regularity .
However, with so many supplements to choose from, figuring out which probiotic is right for you can be a challenge.
This article provides an in-depth look at 8 of the best probiotics for IBS.
There are several factors to consider when buying a probiotic for IBS, such as:
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The Best Probiotics For Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Gut Health
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome , chances are your gut is in need of healthy probiotics. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential for anyone dealing with digestive disorders such as IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease . This essentially means that the good bacteria should outnumber the pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and fungus that are present in the gut.
Unfortunately, due to poor diet and other poor lifestyle choices, most of the general population does not have a balanced microbiome. As a result, conditions such as IBS have become extremely common and has essentially become accepted as normal.
Those who suffer from this condition are told there is no cure and that they need to avoid foods that can trigger symptoms. Also, many will try medication in desperation for a cure of their digestive aliments. However, most of time these medications can come with a whole list of unwanted symptoms in the body.
With that said, there is hope for those with digestive disorders such as IBS. In fact, research has shown that the supplementation of probiotics can help improve conditions of Irritable Bowel Syndrome significantly . However, before we get into the best forms of probiotics to be consuming, lets quickly discuss why IBS occurs in the first place.
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Examples Of Probiotic Strains
- Lactobacillus strains, such as L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and L. casei
- Bifidobacterium strains, such as B. infantis, B. longum, and B. bifidum
Researchers have also begun to develop and patent probiotic formulas intended for clinical research. One example, VSL#3, has been used in several clinical trials for IBS. The greatest benefit was observed in people who took VSL#3 for pouchitis.
However, as pointed out by a 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis, the results of the studies were inconsistent and the research methods used were not particularly strong.
Choose a product that contains live strains of bacteria and be sure to check the manufacturer’s suggestions for storing it. Some probiotics need to be refrigerated while others can be kept in a cool, dry place.
Who Should Not Take Probiotics
While they are considered generally safe to take, there are groups of people that should avoid probiotics for the risk of further health complications.
For instance, people with severe immune system issues should not take probiotics without the recommendation from their doctor as there is a risk of the healthy bacteria triggering an adverse autoimmune response in those with weakened immune systems.
Additionally, pregnant women and young children should also consult with their healthcare provider before taking probiotics due to the risk of potential adverse side effects on developing bodies.
Many patients who have just completed surgery are recommended to avoid taking Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements due to the risk of infection that can be caused by introducing foreign bacteria in an immunocompromised state.
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More Energy And Stamina
Probiology Gut+ is a supplement that claims to improve your energy and stamina. The ingredients in Probiology Gut+ are said to help increase energy levels and promote overall health. There is limited research on the effects of Probiology Gut+ on human energy and stamina, but preliminary studies suggest that the supplement may be effective. In one study, participants who took Probiology Gut+ reported an increase in energy levels and improved Stamina.
Another study found that people who were supplemented with probiotics experienced better performance during endurance exercise tests. While there is some evidence that Probiology Gut+ may help improve your energy and stamina, more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. Overall, however, it seems likely that Probiology Gut+ can improve your physical performance in some way.
What Is Gut Motility
It was previously discussed IBS, SIBO, Probiotics that one of the investigated observations in irritable bowel syndrome involves small intestinal bacterial overgrowth .
Another common parameter that is used to characterize the pathophysiology of IBS is alterations in gut motility. Gut motility is the stretching and contractions of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, and it controls the movement of food throughout the digestive tract.
The synchronized contraction of these muscles is called peristalsis. Abnormal motility patterns can lead to bloating, pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, all of which are symptoms related to IBS.
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How Much You Can Expect To Spend On Probiotics For Ibs
Inexpensive probiotics for IBS are anywhere from $25-$30, with mid-range products around $35 and higher-end products from $35-$60. The more expensive the product, the more strains and CFUs and the more specific health benefits that the product provides. Pricing depends on how many capsules or ounces are contained in a product.
Helps Reduce Ibs Symptoms
Using soil-based probiotics is also likely helpful for the challenging-to-treat diarrhea symptoms that can accompany irritable bowel syndrome. Providing Bacillus coagulans is helpful for people with this condition.
For example, soil-based probiotic supplementation B. coagulansMTCC 5856 reduces diarrhea symptoms in people with IBS in a recent study .
In fact, this probiotic helped IBS more than a low FODMAP diet or a medication used for IBS called rifaximin.
Soil-based probiotics also reduce abdominal pain as shown in people with IBS .
Bacillus reduced feelings of illness and nausea, indigestion, and flatulence as well as colitis symptoms in another study . The study used Prescript-Assist, which is a spore-based probiotic.
Unfortunately, the formula for this probiotic brand has since changed. So it doesnt make the list for best soil-based probiotics at this time.
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How To Ensure You Buy The Best Probiotic
Research shows that one out of five people suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome . This condition can be extremely stressful as it is characterized by gas, diarrhea, constipation and dont even get me started on the discomfort.
Due to its slow grinding and mildly stigmatizing nature, most people suffer through it in silence. Eventually seeking help when the condition they face proves not to be a passing cloud. So by the time they acknowledge it, IBS already possesses raging symptoms.
Since the body mainly contains both helpful and harmful bacteria, the balance between the two is extremely important to maintain a stable health. In the case of IBS, once this balance is threatened by the increase of harmful bacteria then its downhill from there.
But over the years medical researchers have been working tirelessly hoping for a breakthrough that will finally put the troubling nature of IBS to rest. Hence the exploration of probiotics has been a tremendous blessing worldwide.
The research is still ongoing and probiotics arent a proven cure for IBS yet, but is a start and thats why anyone taking probiotics to relieve IBS symptoms is required to regularly monitor their symptoms and general health.
But this doesnt stop us from describing probiotics as the light at the end of a dark and terrifying tunnel, as a number of probiotic strains have proven to be very effective after vigorous clinical studies.
Super Gut: The Gut Balancing Fiber Mix
A dietary fiber supplement that promotes healthy intestinal flora and facilitates digestion. In addition, it consists of components that strengthen the immune system and decrease inflammation. This gut bacteria do not include any GMO ingredients it is also gluten-free and vegetarian.
The Gut Balancing Fiber Mix from Super gut is an innovative combination of four distinct fibers that, when taken together, improve digestive health and make you feel as good as possible. It has a prebiotic combination that will encourage the development of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract.
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Recent Study Finds Inactive Probiotics Relieve Ibs Symptoms
More recently, Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 has been shown to improve symptoms of IBS, even in its inactivated form. For the eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Lancet Gastroenterology, researchers studied whether the heat-inactivated form of Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 could alleviate IBS symptoms.
Overall, 443 patients were randomized to receive heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 or placebo once daily. A total of 377 patients completed the trial. The primary endpoint was defined as a 30% or greater improvement of abdominal pain and at least somewhat relieved overall IBS symptoms for four or more weeks of the eight-week study duration. Significantly more patients receiving the Bifidobacterium probiotic met the primary endpoint compared to patients receiving placebo . In addition, a significantly greater percentage of patients receiving the probiotic also reported adequate relief of symptoms compared to placebo. Finally, individual symptoms including bloating, bowel movement satisfaction, and quality of life were also significantly improved with Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 compared to placebo.
When To Take Probiotics
Generally speaking, beneficial gut bacteria supplements should be taken at the same time each day or after meals for optimal benefits. However, dosing probiotics requires a little trial and error for the best results.
Much of the process of finding the right time to take probiotics is related to your specific wellness needs, your experience with beneficial gut bacteria supplements, and the type of probiotic you are taking.
For example, those who find their Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium supplement helpful for digestive issues may take their dose before a meal. But those taking probiotics for immune health may find it more beneficial to take their daily dosage at night, so the body has time to absorb the supplement for maximum benefit.
In cases where a probiotic formula is taken as a supplement to boost energy through better gut health, morning time is the ideal time to take their daily dose.
Others find that taking probiotics based on the specific strain or blend they are taking provides the best results. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus is often recommended to be taken 30 minutes before eating in order to produce more lactase, an enzyme that helps break down lactose sugar found in milk products.
On the other hand, Lactobacillus plantarum – thought to help support healthy bowel movements – is often recommended to be taken with meals for optimal absorption and efficacy in passing through the stomach acid barrier for reducing irritation when using the bathroom.
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Is There A Best Probiotic For Ibs
IBS is a common gastrointestinal condition that causes bouts of intestinal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. IBS affects millions of Americans, and most cases go away without treatment. In addition to these symptoms, IBS can cause fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms of IBS usually appear after eating and can last for days. For some people, IBS also interferes with their ability to control bowel movements.
Benefits Of Probiotic 40 Billion
The benefits of a probiotic mixture such as Probiotic 40 Billion include:
· Supporting Healthy skin and digestive function
Taking probiotics for IBS not only supports digestion but also helps nourish and improve the skin as other bodily functions thrive. Some probiotic supplements improve digestion and the skin by producing essential vitamins and neurotransmitters.
· Replenishing good bacteria
While the gut needs good bacteria, it doesn’t always get a sufficient supply from a diet devoid of supplements. Taking probiotic brands such as 40 billion helps replenish good gut microbiota and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
· Regulates the balance of bacteria in the gut
Most gastrointestinal diseases and autoimmune diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, are caused by a lack of balance in one aspect or another.
Introducing good bacteria to the gut means the body can function better, fight off diseases, and reduce the symptoms of specific disorders.
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Should You Take Probiotics If You Have Ibs
Despite some promising research, it is too early to make general recommendations about the use of probiotics for IBS.
While some strains have been shown to have benefits for one or two symptoms, the majority of probiotics are unlikely to cause improvements.
However, probiotics are safe, and a relatively cheap potential treatment option for IBS. Also, they have worked for some people, particularly for those with specific symptoms.
If you are interested in trying a probiotic, there is an .
Here are some key tips when making your selection:
- Choose an evidence-based probiotic: Select a probiotic that has research supporting it
- Select a probiotic according to your symptoms: Choose strains that work for your issues
- Take the right dose: Use the dosage recommended by the manufacturer
- Stick with one type: Try one variety for at least four weeks and monitor your symptoms
Keep in mind that some probiotic supplements contain ingredients that could make your symptoms worse. These include oats, inulin, lactose, fructose, sorbitol and xylitol. If your symptoms are triggered by any of these, look for a probiotic that does not contain them.
Even if you dont experience significant improvements, probiotics still offer other great health benefits and can be a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle.
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Benefits Of The Best Soil Based Probiotics Overview
Soil-based probiotics, also known as dirt probiotics, help plants. They do so by mining minerals in the soil and delivering these nutrients to plant roots.
In this way, soil probiotics help plants grow and increase the mineral content of foods.
Researchers have also recently discovered that many of these soil-based probiotics help the human gut.
They complete a vast number of tasks that help the human body.
In particular, soil-based organisms help :
- Restore gut health
All of these Bacillus species increase the amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in the gut . This is good because Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are the most popular probiotics found in many supplements.
Soil-based families of bacteria improve digestion, improve immunity, and lower inflammation.
Interestingly, soil-based probiotics such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus clausii also work together with other types of probiotics in your gut.
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What To Look For
While the evidence is limited, studies have indicated that certain strains of bacteria may influence IBS symptoms in some people with the condition.
Researchers don’t yet know which strains are the most helpful for IBS, therefore probiotic supplements often combine more than one. These products may also include fiber and prebiotics .
What Is The Best Probiotic For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
As I have already mentioned, different types of irritable bowel syndrome require different probiotic strains to treat any concerns. Well now go into a little more detail about this which will hopefully help you gain a better understanding. If you find you still need more information or advice, I strongly suggest you consult with a doctor for peace of mind.
The best probiotics for IBS-A
For many who suffer from IBS-A they will experience a mixture of constipation and diarrhoea. This may be the fact you are constipated for a few days, and the other you cant be too far away from the toilet. For this type of IBS, there are two strains of probiotics for you to take to help settle and calm the microbiome of the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 both of which have had clinical trails to establish how effective they are at combating IBS and similar concerns.
When suffering from IBS-A youll find that symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps, and abdominal distension are significantly reduced and by maintaining your probiotic intake will ensure these symptoms remain reduced. However, like all concerns and medications, even as natural as probiotics, it is vital you check with your doctor before taking anything.
The best probiotics for IBS-D
The best probiotics for IBS-C
The best probiotics for IBS-U
The best probiotics for post-infectious IBS
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Md Platinum Plus Benefits
Like the other probiotics on this list that suppress gastrointestinal symptoms for IBS patients, 1MD has its benefits. The most beneficial traits of this probiotic supplement are:
· It helps to regulate good gut bacteria
1MD, like other probiotic strains, introduces essential gut bacteria that help in treating IBS and promote normal bowel movements.
· Regulates Bowel movement
One of the symptoms that keeps patients with IBS up at night is irregular stool frequency. By introducing healthy gut microbiota, 1MD improves the guts’ ability to regulate antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Improves Mood and Reduces Stress
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome go through a spectrum of moods, especially when they have flare-ups.
However, taking probiotics for IBS introduces bacteria strains such as lactobacillus plantarum and bifidobacterium species – research shows that these two have mental health benefits that include improving:
Boosts the Immune system
Treating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms isn’t only about introducing good probiotic strains to the stomach. It’s also about introducing probiotic bacteria that prevent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
1MD probiotics help boost your immune system by preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria. The probiotic supplement also helps fortify the intestinal cells.
