Pre And Probiotics For Ibs

Do Probiotics Help Ibs

Were often asked questions about probiotics and IBS, such as Can you treat IBS with probiotics?, Should IBS sufferers take probiotics?, and simply Are probiotics good for IBS?! The answer is that probiotics have been shown in many clinical trials to support the symptoms of IBS, and most people find them helpful. Even the they are fine to take alongside most prescription and over the counter medications for IBS, and are a safe, natural option to try. However, if you think you have IBS, you should always have your symptoms diagnosed by a doctor first.

Different probiotic strains can be beneficial for different symptoms of IBS. Clinical studies show the best probiotic supplements for IBS contain strains such as:

Which Probiotics Help With Ibs Symptoms

The gut microbiota is a complex system consisting of approximately 300-500 bacterial species. They all have different roles in the body and all require different conditions to thrive. As such, not all probiotics will have the same effect on the IBS symptoms.

There are two main probiotic treatment groups for IBS, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, which help to restore balance in the gut, says Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click . They are an important part of the detoxification process, improving overall gut health and can be taken in vitamin form or, preferably, from natural sources like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and kimchi.

We still dont know much about which particular strains work best, but the research so far is bringing promising results. According to a meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology , strains like Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus may produce the best results. Researchers are hopeful about Bacillus coagulans as it tends to be the most effective at reducing abdomen pain and bloating. Similarly, another recently published meta-analysis confirmed the beneficial effect of strains like Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus plantarum.

Given that there are different types of IBS, different types of probiotic strains may be most applicable.

Do Probiotics Help With Ibs

Irritable bowel syndrome is more common than you might think: an estimated 18% of Canadians have a functional digestive disorder, higher than the estimated global prevalence of 11%1. The ultimate brain-gut condition, IBS presents in many different ways some researchers believe it may actually be a spectrum of conditions with multiple root causes2. Diet and lifestyle, particularly stress, contribute to symptoms as does bacterial dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in the normal gut flora2. In fact, it is well known that IBS can result from an acute gut infection such as food poisoning, strongly supporting the involvement of gut bacteria in the development of the condition2. Because gut bacteria are a suspected root cause, IBS is a prime candidate for using probiotics as part of a therapeutic nutrition program. It is important to select a probiotic that is clinically verified for use in IBS such as Bio-K+ IBS Control, which is Health Canada approved for IBS, and seen in the Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products Available in Canada.

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Probiotics And Prebiotics Can They Help Ibs

Probiotics are live cultures of strains of bacteria, similar to those that normally inhabit the colon. They are often available in supermarkets or health food stores as live yogurts

Prebiotics are preparations of complex sugars that the beneficial species of good bacteria feed on.

Symbiotics combine prebiotics and probiotics together, providing a culture of viable bacteria on an appropriate natural food they can ferment.

Faecal transplants are suspensions of healthy bacteria from another person, injected directly into your gut to replenish your own bacteria.

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The Problem With Many Pro

In todays video- I want to share with you some of the Best Strains of Probiotics for SIBO but also, WHEN you want to introduce them and that can be a sticking point for many of you out there.

As we discussed in the last video, some people who start off taking probiotics have uncomfortable reactions- they have more pain, more bloating, more constipation, more diarrhea, etc Im going to share with you what you should try to overcome this.

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Modulation Of Gut Microbiota

The influence and importance of the gut microbiota in the health of the host became increasingly clear as imbalances or aberrations of microbiota, also known as dysbiosis, have been demonstrated to play an important role in FGIDs and allergies like infectious and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, food allergy, atopic eczema, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and IBS .

The mechanisms of probiotics involved in the modulation of gut microbiota rely on the ability of the probiotic strains or combinations of probiotic strains to inhibit, displace, or interfere in the process of adhesion of pathogenic strains . However, this is only one of the mechanisms since other mechanisms like bacteriocins are discussed later in the text. Strain, species, and genus variability play an important role in determining the level of adhesion and adhesion competing properties of the probiotics. Several studies showed the ability of specific probiotic strains to displace and competitively inhibit the adhesion of pathogenic strains like Clostridium difficile, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacteroides vulgatus . The attachment inhibition of pathogenic bacteria by probiotic strains was observed to be realized via steric hindrance at the level of pathogens enteric receptors, competitive exclusion of nutrients and mucosal adhesion sites, and by promoting intestinal mucins alterations .

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.

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Alterations In The Gut Barrier Function

The gut barrier is a defensive mechanism with the function of organism protection from the environment and epithelial integrity maintaining, constantly communicating with the gut microflora and the luminal matters. Several defense methods are contributing to this mechanism, from which the most important are the epithelial tight junctions, mucous layer, and production of antimicrobial peptides . Disruption of this function leads to penetration of submucosa by bacteria and antigens, resulting in different intestinal disorders or diseases . The effects of probiotics on the gut barrier have been extensively studied, with positive results regarding the increase in mucin expression and secretion by goblet cells, augmentation of -defensin expression, and secretion into the mucus by epithelial cells, and enhancement of the tight junction stability .

How To Choose The Best Probiotic For Ibd In Cats

Several Strains of Bacteria.Bifidobacterium animalisEnterococcus faeciumBacillus coagulansLactobacillus acidophilusNumber of Colony Forming Units .Inclusion of Prebiotics.digestive enzymesFree from Low-Quality Ingredients. Probiotic Supplement Form and Flavor.Reputable and trustworthy brand.

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Can Probiotics Help Ibs

Probiotics are known to help restore a healthy gut microflora and lining, necessary to assist in the efficient digestion of foods, regular healthy bowel movements, support immunity and have been reported to improve IBS symptoms in some people, says Kim Plaza, a nutritionist and technical advisor at Bio-Kult .

The latest research confirms that probiotics can be useful in managing the symptoms of IBS. However, how effective they can be may depend on several factors. According to a systematic review published in the journal Nutrients , 63.6% of analyzed studies reported that supplementation with probiotics in IBS patients significantly improved symptoms compared with placebo, whereas the remaining 36.4% did not report any significant changes. Researchers noted that the best results were obtained in trials that used multiple bacteria strains and lasted for eight weeks or more.

Best Probiotics For Ibs Constipation

Probiotics can be consumed in the form of dietary supplements which may include a single probiotic strain or multiple probiotic strains.

Increasing your intake of probiotics can help with certain conditions such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, lactose intolerance, gum disease, sepsis, eczema, upper respiratory infections, inflammatory bowel disease , and irritable bowel syndrome .

As mentioned earlier, IBS-C is one of the sub-types for IBS. People suffering from IBS-C mainly experience recurring constipation which is often accompanied by:

• Gas or bloating
• Hard, painful, or uncomfortable bowel movements
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movement

IBS-C is different from chronic functional constipation because people with IBS-C often undergo cramping and abdominal pain. On the other hand, those who have chronic constipation usually do not experience pain.

Generally, most of these symptoms are reduced or abolished with regular consumption of probiotics. For best results, it is recommended that probiotic products must have at least 1 billion colony-forming units .

For now, let us discuss the best probiotics for IBS constipation, and here they are in no particular order:

Backed with over 20 years of research, this popular probiotic supplement is a favorite of gastroenterologists which they recommend twice as much as any other brand. It also has high consumer ratings for effectiveness.

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What Is The Best Probiotic For Cats With Ibd

• Inulin chicory naturally contains inulin that is converted into short-chain fatty acids. They nourish cells, help with digestive health and provide various other health benefits.
• Solarplast® also known as spinach leaf extract, provides a host of benefits for healthy aging, optimizing the bodys processes through cellular restoration and repair.
• DE111® DE111® is a clinically studied strain of Bacillus subtilis that delivers digest and immune health benefits and helps maintain healthy gut flora.
• Bacillus coagulans helps support proper digestion and bowel health by modulating the mucosal bacteria. It protects the intestinal lining from infections and inflammations .
• Bifidobacterium animalis lactis supports healthy digestion. It also helps cats recover from illness and prolonged uses of antibiotics and other medications. This bacterium has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
• Bifidobacterium longum helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract and helps keep the gut microbiome in balance.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus assists intestinal health and immune function. It has the ability to soothe the GI tract, increase the absorption of nutrients, and support vitamin B synthesis. It can also provide relief for skin issues.
• Lactobacillus plantarum a very resistant strain that supports normal digestive health and improves the function of the gastrointestinal system. This bacterium enhances liver health and is efficient in managing diarrhea.

Prebiotics For General Health

Ongoing research has shown that prebiotics may provide health benefits to the general population. These benefits include improved calcium absorption, decreases in allergy risk, improved immune system defense, and other positive effects on metabolism.

Research is ongoing to understand the full effects of these foods on gut health, metabolism, and certain diseases. But not all nutrition experts are able to confirm that consuming functional foods or prebiotics will necessarily boost specific health outcomes.

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What Is A Probiotic

There are trillions of microscopic organisms in your gut , especially the last part of the gut, the large intestine . They are important for your health. They are sometimes called ‘healthy’ or ‘good’ bacteria. They rely on what we eat and drink to grow and to increase in number. Probiotics are medicines, food that has been fermented or food supplements that contain these bacteria. The best known are called lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. However, there are others, including a yeast and other bacteria. They are being added to some foods, such as yoghurts, and are also available as capsules, tablets and sachets, and even sprays.

Probiotics are live bacteria but are not usually harmful. They aren’t killed by being stored and they can survive the journey through the stomach without being killed by stomach acid.

LABs are used for preserving food by fermenting it, such as in yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi.

Probiotics And Weight Loss

If you are overweight or obese this can be for many different reasons but overall it is due to having taken in more energy, in the form of food and drink, than you have used up by being active. However, researchers have identified a link between the microbes in a person’s gut and the likelihood that they are overweight or obese. What is not clear though is whether the different gut microbes are the cause of the weight gain or just the result of the diet that itself caused the weight gain. So, will probiotics help you to lose weight? For the moment, the answer is no, probably not.

You can read more about how to lose weight in the separate leaflet called Weight Loss .

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Effect Of Prebiotics And Diet On Colonic Microbiota

Several studies have demonstrated that changes in the diet can alter colonic fermentation patterns. Thus, diets low in nonstarch polysaccharides have been shown to reduce 24-h excretion of hydrogen and also to reduce hydrogen production in response to test doses of lactulose. Likewise, chronic ingestion of lactulose 20g b.d. for 6weeks reduces the diarrhoea induced by high loads of lactulose, an effect, which is associated with a 10-fold increase in counts of faecal Bifidobacteria spp. The laxative effect of lactulose is caused not only by its osmotic effect causing increased fluid load to the colon, but also by the stimulating effect it has on colonic bacteria, acidifying the right colon and increasing levels of the bacterial enzyme responsible for metabolising lactulose, namely -galactosidase. A recent systematic study showed some substrate specificity, thus 10gm/day by mouth for just 6days of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides and type III resistant starch all increased faecal Bifidobacteria spp. counts, while the same dose of lactulose, long-chain inulin, and isomalto-oligosaccharides failed to do so suggesting that, at least for lactulose, the effect takes several weeks to appear. A separate study giving oligofructose, 12g daily together with antibiotics, stimulated the growth of all anaerobic bacteria and specifically prevented the fall in Bifidobacteria spp. caused by the antibiotics.

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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Should Probiotics Be Taken On A Low Fodmap Diet

The low FODMAP diet is one of the proven methods for treating IBS.

It involves first eliminating most FODMAPs from the diet for a 3-8 week period so that you are virtually symptom-free. Then you begin to systematically reintroduce them in order to identify the culprits, followed by a modified diet long term.

For this to work, its important that other possible triggers of digestive stress are minimized. That includes caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, and fiber supplements among other things. Removing these ensures that if symptoms do occur, you will be able to trace it back to an exact FODMAP group.

While probiotics can be highly beneficial, some people experience a worsening of symptoms. Given this risk, its typically not recommended to start a new probiotic supplement during any phase of the low FODMAP diet.

The exception is if you already use a probiotic supplement before starting a low FODMAP diet. In this case you you can continue to do so throughout.

Summary: Some people may experience even worse digestive symptoms when starting a new probiotic supplement. This will compromise the results of a low FODMAP diet, so its not recommended to do them at the same time.

How Probiotics For Ibs Can Fight Digestive Problems

Probiotics can effectively treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome unless you also suffer from small intestine bacterial overgrowth . If you have SIBO, probiotics may worsen your digestive discomfort.

If you test negative for SIBO, probiotics are an excellent treatment option for IBS. Probiotics repopulate the colonies of beneficial bacteria in your lower digestive system and lead to a healthier microbiome.

Which probiotics should I take for IBS?Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the best probiotic strains to take for IBS. Look for a probiotic brand made in the United States if possible, as the regulations are more stringent.

Read on to find out how probiotics can help treat IBS, what health benefits probiotics possess, and when not to take probiotics.

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