Best Probiotic For Men With Ibs

Benefits Of Probiotics For Ibs Patients

Probiotics have been shown to be extremely effective in managing digestive and non-digestive symptoms of IBS. Further research supporting these findings continues to be published.

Abdominal Pain and Bloating

Probiotics can be especially helpful in reducing abdominal pain and bloating.

A meta-analysis noted that Probiotics were associated with less abdominal pain compared to placebo , and a randomized controlled trial showed a reduction of abdominal pain and distension in IBS patients with the use of probiotics . Several other studies demonstrated similar conclusions .

Diarrhea

Probiotics can help relieve IBS-related diarrhea. Two studies showed that Bacillus species probiotics reduced diarrhea and stool frequency in IBS patients .

In one more study, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth patients saw their diarrhea improve from probiotic supplements .

Constipation

Probiotics have been shown to help improve stool frequency and regularity in patients with constipation . In one study participants had less constipation even months after supplementation stopped .

Non-Digestive Symptoms of IBS

Probiotics may also improve non-digestive symptoms that are common for IBS patients, including fatigue , joint or body pain , and brain fog .

Probiotics For Digestive Health

Finally, we come to the main benefit of probiotics for men the thing that underlies every other benefit associated with the best probiotics for men on the market today: improved digestive health.

As well as promoting good overall digestive health, probiotics may help with the treatment of more serious conditions related to digestive health, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohns Disease, acid reflux, and Irritable Bowel Syndrom .

Depending on the probiotic strain being used, a probiotic supplement can help neutralize stomach acids , prevent indigestion, and attenuate the response to bowel irritants such as lactose, fats or alcohol.

Genus Species And Strain

Along with an alphanumeric, bacteria are identified by their genus, species and strain, per the World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines.

Within each genus, there are many species and strains, per the California Dairy Research Foundation. These are presented in order from the broadest category to the most specific. So, for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, the genus is Lactobacillus, the species is rhamnosus and the strain is GG, per the California Dairy Research Foundation.

Here are some of the most common genera found in probiotic supplements, per the NIH:

• Lactobacillus: This may help with diarrhea, as well as allergies, stomach pain and constipation, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine .
• Bifidobacterium: This good bacteria may help with constipation and airway infections, per NLM.
• Saccharomyces: This yeast may be effective against diarrhea and stomach pain, per a December 2020 report from ConsumerLab.
• Streptococcus: This is effective with some forms of diarrhea, per ConsumerLab.
• Bacillus: This helps with abdominal pain, bloating and constipation, per ConsumerLab.

“The most important thing to look for is the right species of bacteria tailored to your specific health needs,” Poe Mathes says.

Warning

The world of probiotics can be overwhelming, which is why the experts we spoke to recommended speaking with your doctor before starting one.

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Garden Of Life Raw Microbiome Ultimate Care 30 Capsules

Best: Overall

With 100 billion CFU and 34 strains of good bacteria, including both lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, one capsule a day of this supplement guarantees a high-potency dose of raw probiotics for gut health. The formula is created with Bulgarian yoghurt and wild kefir, and each pill contains 45mg of raw eastern European fruits and vegetables, including cherry, plum and carrot. The blend is classed as raw because it is made in conditions below 4C, which means the bacteria cultures arrive alive and stay that way until the expiry date. This supplement does contain milk, so it is not suitable for vegans or people who are lactose intolerant, but it is gluten-free.

Considering switching to a vegan diet? Check out our round-up of the 8 best vegan cookbooks for easy plant-based recipes

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Connecting The Gut Probiotics And Ibs

Gut dysbiosis is a bacterial imbalance in your digestive tract. Simply put, gut dysbiosis means that the good bacteria arent able to keep the bad bacteria in check.

Research shows that IBS symptoms correlate with gut dysbiosis , particularly small intestinal bacterial overgrowth . Several studies suggest a significant proportion of IBS patients have small intestine bacterial overgrowth or other types of bacterial imbalance .

In clinical trials, people given probiotic supplements showed significant improvement in IBS symptoms and quality of life compared to placebo groups. Five separate meta-analyses have shown that probiotics are an effective treatment of IBS, with very few side effects .

Symptom improvement included:

As probiotic supplements help change your digestive health, your IBS symptoms improve.

For example, as inflammation decreases, diarrhea and constipation may improve. As your gut microflora becomes more balanced, bloating and abdominal pain may subside.

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What Ibs Looks Like

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, not a specific disease. Symptoms range in severity. IBS is characterized by a broad cluster of digestive and non-digestive symptoms. Digestive symptoms include abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, bloating, acid reflux, and flatulence. Common non-digestive symptoms include fatigue, depression and anxiety, migraine headaches, and fibromyalgia.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms .

Studies Evaluating The Effect Of Multi

Eight studies evaluated the effect of multi-strain probiotics in IBS patients . The multi-strain probiotics administered in the eight studies were all different from each other, but some strains and strain combinations were more prevalent than others. Seven of the studies administered multi-strain probiotics that were sold as nutritional supplements with a commercial name, branding, and copyright , whereas Mezzasalma et al. administered two different supplements produced for research purposes only .

Among the eight studies evaluating the effect of a multi-strain probiotic supplement, two studies did not report any beneficial effects Ludidi et al. conducted a study in 40 patients hypersensitive to rectal distention . The probiotic supplement contained six different bacterial strains and it was administered as a powder mixed in cold water, taken once daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was change in visceral perception. The percentage of patients with visceral hypersensitivity decreased in both the probiotic and the placebo group however, the response did not differ between the groups .

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Q: What Are Probiotics

A: Probiotics are foods that contain bacterial strains that are known to be beneficial to the establishment and maintenance of a healthy digestive system. These bacteria go to work in the stomach and intestines establishing a healthy, well-balanced environment that enables your body to digest food more effectively so that it can gain optimal nutritional benefits from everything you eat. Some probiotic supplements also contain what are called prebiotics. These are a different type of microorganism that moves into the digestive tract, cleaning out harmful or counterproductive bacterial strains and laying a firm foundation for the probiotics to do their work.

Saccharomyces Boulardii And Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Saccharomyces is a type of non-pathogenic yeast.

The two main species used as probiotics are Saccharomyces boulardii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae .

Research indicates that Saccharomyces boulardii is an effective treatment for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and travellers diarrhea. However, the evidence for its use in IBS or IBD treatment is still in its infancy and is not recommended over the strains mentioned above .

I only found one human clinical trial investigating Saccharomyces cerevisiae on IBS patients.

In this study 86 patients took Saccharomyces cerevisiae for 8 weeks while the other 93 patients took a placebo pill. Results showed that 63% of the probiotic group reported an improvement in abdominal pain vs 47% in the placebo group in the last 4 weeks of treatment. Not exactly an overwhelming result .

There were no other differences between the groups, indicating that Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not very effective.

Summary: Kijimea is a popular probiotic supplement that is easily available on Amazon. Only one human trial has found it to be effective compared to placebo pills. Saccharomyces boulardii appears effective for treating certain types of diarrhea, but not so much for IBS. Saccharomyces cerevisiae does not seem very useful for IBS.

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Which Probiotics Are For Ibs

When choosing a probiotic it is best to opt for one which has great research behind it. You want something that has been scientifically tested – and rightly so! The best type of research to look for is a clinical trial because it shows how the probiotic performs in real people with real health conditions, compared to a placebo.

So, when choosing the best probiotic for IBS it is a good idea to look for one which has been shown in clinical trials to be beneficial for this condition. There are 5 categories of IBS that we will explore in this article:

Continue reading to find out which are the best IBS probiotic strains for each IBS subtype.

Reasons Why Men Have Poor Digestive Health

There are lots of reasons why certain men might have very poor digestive health.

We would actually go as far as to say that most men in the developed world have an imbalanced, unhealthy gut microbiota.

As a result, a significant portion of men are experiencing the effects of an imbalanced gut microbiome without realising it low mood, impaired cognitive function, limited stamina, poor recovery, and low sleep quality to name a few.

Why do so many men need probiotics? Why do they have such poor digestive health?

Here are some of the main reasons why men struggle with gut health:

• High alcohol intake
• Low quality sleep
• Addiction to processed foods and refined sugar

These factors would all cause an imbalance in your gut microbiota, leading to a rapid growth in unhealthy gut bacteria strains. These factors are also much more common in men than women, which is why so many probiotics are designed for and marketed explicitly at men.

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How Important Is Gut Health

Your gut bacteria are absolutely vital for many different bodily functions. Without plenty of healthy gut bacteria, you would not be able to properly digest food, you wouldnt be producing neurotransmitters like you should be, and your immune system would stop functioning normally.

Basically, without a healthy gut microbiome, your body would start to fall apart and your health would rapidly deteriorate.

Numerous clinical trials have shown that an imbalanced gut microbiome negatively impacts multiple different measures of human performance.

Having an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria in the gut, or not having enough healthy bacteria in the digestive system, has been found to negatively affect:

• Stamina

As you can see, the benefits of improving gut health are numerous and varied.

Its no wonder that probiotics for men are so popular right now!

Dr Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic Supplement

According to the manufacturer, you do not need to store this supplement in a refrigerator before use.

Besides, the capsules are acid resistant, and this means that your stomach acid will not be able to kill the capsules before they can start working.

The probiotic is only recommended for use by adult men. You have to take two capsules per day. These capsules should be taken with food and should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Ingredients

The supplement is manufactured using four different strains, to make up four point four billion CFU.

Of the four strains, the most noteworthy one is lactobacillus acidophilus. It is a strain that has undergone extensive research and is common in many probiotic supplements.

It is a strain that can be helpful to men who have IBS and who may be experiencing symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain.

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Other Probiotics I Have Reviewed

I have taken a look at some other probiotics on the market but they didnt quite make it into the top three products above.

You can check out the other brands here:

Many super greens also contain probiotics too but they may not be as effective as a dedicated supplement check out why in my super greens and probiotics section.

The Importance Of Probiotics

Probiotics are living bacteria that help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are also present in dairy products and fermented foods like yogurt. They also come as supplements that you take orally.

Theres a lot of evidence that shows how probiotics can improve digestion and promote better absorption of nutrients from food. Theyre not just beneficial for digestive health, but theyre also associated with improved immunity, mood, and pain relief.

Certain probiotics may also help prevent or treat irritable bowel syndrome , skin disorders like eczema, and vaginal yeast infections. They can even protect against urinary tract infections and colds!

The best probiotic for men promotes weight loss and helps with muscle growth. Look for a product with Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 listed on the label. This particular strain increased lean body mass and decreased fat mass in men who exercised regularly for twelve weeks.

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What To Look For In A Good Quality Supplement

There are plenty of probiotics on the market that claim to be the best, but not all supplements are as effective as they seem. To find a good quality supplement, look for these qualities:

The supplement should contain a high number of live cultures. Live cultures work to replenish your gut with good bacteria and help maintain a healthy balance between harmful and good bacteria.

It should be shelf-stable for up to two years without refrigeration. You should also be able to take it with or without water easily.

The price should be reasonable, meaning it shouldnt cost more than $40 per bottle. For practicality, look for something you can take daily without breaking the bank.

What Should You Look For In A Probiotic Supplement

Your doctor will recommend a probiotic shown to help with your specific complaints, says Dr. Poppers. For example, one bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, is better for those with diarrhea, compared with other strains, Gilbert says.

Some doctors also encourage the use of probiotics if their patient is on antibiotics. Taking probiotics before, during, and after taking antibiotics could help prevent common side effects like diarrhea, Poppers says. He recommends taking probiotics containing the saccharomyces bacteria strain prior to starting antibiotics, and to continue for at least a few days after your course of treatment is done.

If you have ulcerative colitis,a chronic disease causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestines and rectum, a doctor may also prescribe probiotics.

While people with ulcerative colitis can take anti-inflammatory medication to manage discomfort, Poppers says there is some research to suggest that the supplement VSL#3, a combination of eight different Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus bacteria strains, could help in addition to traditional treatment.

“IBS is very complex. What may work for your neighbor may not work for you,” he explains. “A lot of trial and error is necessary, and thats OK.”

At the end of the day, it’s best to talk with your doctor to determine if taking a probiotic is right for you.

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Can Probiotics Help With A Gi Disorder Like Ibs

Studies have suggested that taking certain probiotics daily can improve intestinal function and reduce symptoms like bloating and general abdominal discomfort.

However, not all probiotics are the same. The strain which was found to have the most beneficial effect was bifidobacteria. When looking for a probiotic for IBS, try to find one that contains a variety of bifidobacteria.

Are There Any Side Effects To Taking Probiotics

Current research indicates that probiotics are largely safe to consume, with limited potential side effects.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before using probiotics.

Tests have shown that probiotics can contain hidden allergens, which could cause a reaction in those with a food intolerance.

Probiotics are adding bacteria to the gut. This can, potentially, cause a worsening of IBS symptoms, or induce a flare-up. Gas and bloating are both potential side effects for those first using probiotics. These symptoms may ease as the gut gets used to the probiotic.

Probiotics in the U.S. are classed as dietary supplements, rather than medication. That means the manufacturing and marketing of them is less closely regulated. Always buy probiotics from trusted manufacturers, and be sure to research the brand before using.

Largely, probiotics are safe to use, even if they arent always effective. However, if youre on other medication, suffer from allergies, or use a low FODMAP diet to handle IBS symptoms, speak to a medical professional before trying probiotics.

Also Check: What Should A Good Probiotic Contain

How To Pick The Right Probiotic:

Too many probiotic brands exist, and too many strains to pick from according to your IBS subtype, and GERD.

To simplify this, use a strategy consisting of:

• Going multi-strain: choose probiotics with multistrain. This is related to a better response in clinical trials .
• Trial and error: Pick one probiotic, give it a trial for 4 weeks, and monitor the response.
• If it improves your symptoms, continue to take it.
• If it is not effective or resulted in worsening of your IBS or GERD symptoms, switch to another multi-strain probiotic with a different formulation.

Make Life Easier To Digest

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