Probiotics May Relieve Symptoms Of Ibs
The American College of Gastroenterology conducted a meta-analysis of more than 30 studies, which found that probiotics may improve overall symptoms, as well as bloating and flatulence, in people with IBS. However, the overall quality of evidence of studies included in the meta-analysis was low, and specific recommendations regarding use of probiotics for IBS remained unclear.
The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 has been reported to adhere particularly well to intestinal cells, and therefore may have an advantage in altering the intestinal microbiota and increasing the intestinal barrier.
In a clinical trial published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, once-daily Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 significantly improved overall IBS symptoms, as well as individual IBS symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and fecal urgency.
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.
Can Probiotics Improve Ibs Symptoms
A comprehensive 2016 review concluded that its unclear how effective probiotics are for treating IBS. It cited small study sizes and lack of consistent data .
However, a number of studies have shown that specific probiotics may have the potential to target specific symptoms. Probiotics from the Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces families have shown particular promise (
15 ).
A German study of a two-strain probiotic liquid known as Pro-Symbioflor also had promising results. In this study, 297 patients were treated for eight weeks and experienced a 50% decrease in general symptoms, including abdominal pain .
Meanwhile, Symprove is a four-strain probiotic that was tested in 186 patients in the UK. It was found to reduce overall symptom severity after 12 weeks of treatment .
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 capsules have also been shown to marginally reduce pain, bloating and problems with bowel habits in all subtypes of IBS .
While some of these results are promising, there is some inconsistency between studies. In addition, most strains only have one study demonstrating their effectiveness. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm the results.
Summary Preliminary research has found 10 probiotic strains that may help improve overall symptoms of IBS. However, results have been inconsistent, and most strains have only one small study behind them. Further research is required.
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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.
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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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Gut Motility And Probiotics
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common digestive condition that impacts millions of people daily. Much of these issues stem from problems with gut motility. That’s when the muscles of the GI tract control our digestion. Issues with gut motility can cause several digestive problems similar to IBS symptoms. Let’s discuss gut motility and it’s importance in digestive health.
Primary Outcomes: Effect Of Different Probiotic Species On Global Symptom Scores
A total of 13 RCTs comparing the effect of probiotics on the global symptom scores of patients with IBS were included. The network plot is shown in Figure 2B. Both the global and local inconsistency tests revealed a significant inconsistency between direct and indirect comparisons , which indicated that the inconsistency model should be used. The result of NMA revealed a significant improvement in the global symptom scores in patients who received B. coagulans and Bifidobacterium infantis compared with those who received PLA. Based on the SUCRA analysis and league table , B. coagulans, C. butyricum, and Bifidobacterium longum ranked as the top three interventions in improving the global symptom scores of patients with IBS, while L. plantarum ranked last.
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Study Selection And Characteristics
As is shown in Figure 1, we identified a total of 676 articles in our initial search of databases and review of the lists of references. A total of 253 papers were included after accounting for the presence of duplicate papers. Furthermore, we reviewed the titles and abstracts of these papers carefully, and 162 of them were excluded because they were not relevant to our research topic. The full texts of the remaining 91 papers were further analyzed, and 48 articles were excluded . Ultimately, 43 RCTs were included in the present study.
Flow diagram of assessment of studies.
Among the included studies, 29 RCTs were related to 15 probiotic species, including the following species: L. plantarum , L. acidophilus , B. coagulans , S. boulardii , S. cerevisiae , and L. casei . One RCT , related to two different strains of L. acidophilus, was also identified as a RCT exploring the efficacy of a probiotic specie on IBS. Unfortunately, there was only one article with respect to B. lactis, L. GG, L. salivarius, B. longum, C. butyricum, and L. reuteri.
Do Probiotics Help With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common digestive disorders, yet we dont know much about how to treat it. With no definitive cure in sight, many of those who have tried it wonder if using probiotics to manage IBS is a good idea.
In fact, there is evidence of that probiotics strains of bacteria and yeasts that can provide health benefits when eaten live can improve our lives gut health. Preliminary results from research studies in irritable bowel syndrome are also promising. In fact, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence He now recommends that probiotics be used for at least four weeks to control symptoms.
However, just popping a supplement may not be enough to solve the problem. How effective probiotics are for IBS may depend on multiple factors, including the dose, type and amount of supplements used, as well as the length of treatment. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation may not benefit everyone with IBS in the same way. In some cases, it may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
In this article, we discuss how probiotics can help those with IBS, what strains appear to be most beneficial, and what to look for in a probiotic supplement. However, before you decide to manage IBS with probiotics, be sure to consult your doctor first.
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Probiotic Strains That Have Been Proven To Alleviate Ibs Symptoms
The two main probiotic groups for IBS are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium:
- Bifidobacterium – includes strains such as Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75, which has been shown to significantly improve IBS symptoms of tummy cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea.
- Lactobacillus – includes strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, which has been found to reduce tummy cramps.
Best Probiotics For Ibs According To A Nutritionist
When looking for probiotics for your IBS symptoms, it is important to find supplements which are supported by credible research. You need probiotic strains which have been scientifically tested and rightly so! The supporting research should be in the form of clinical trials rather than just laboratory studies, because these show how the probiotic performs in real people with real health conditions, compared to a placebo.
The best probiotics for IBS will contain probiotic strains which have been shown in clinical trials to offer benefits for the symptoms of IBS, such as occasional constipation or diarrhoea, and bloating. There are 5 types 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.
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How Do They Work
Its thought the addition of the right types and numbers of bacteria to the gut can improve gut health .
However, the precise mechanism of action of probiotics is still unknown.
Looking specifically at IBS, the theory is that certain strains can promote an anti-inflammatory response, improve visceral hypersensitivity, gut dysmotility, intestinal permeability , and even remedy dysfunction of the gut-brain axis .
Assuming this is true, we would then expect that probiotics would greatly improve IBS symptoms.
Summary: Bacteria that we consume for health benefits are called probiotics. There are many different strains that may help with IBS although the mechanism of action is poorly understood.
An Effective Solution For The Complexities Of Ibs
In my opinion, probiotics are an important piece of an integrative approach to irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome is a complex condition that is challenging to treat however, Ive seen that symptom management and reduction is absolutely possible in my practice. An effective strategy is one that uses individualized nutritional approaches alongside stress management and supporting the gut microbiota with a probiotic. However, it is not enough to simply take any probiotic it is important to select a probiotic that is clinically verified for use in irritable bowel syndrome, such as Bio-K+ IBS Control.
References
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Have You Tried Probiotics For Ibs
So far the many studies that have been conducted show promise for understanding and curing IBS. A few alternative treatments are available, traditional medical treatment being deficient. Peppermint oil is believed to reduce bowel spasm. However, the fame of probiotics is growing due to its many positive effects on the digestive system. While using probiotics to promote a healthy intestinal tract one is bound to reduce some IBS symptoms. More and more people with IBS are choosing to supplement their diet with probiotics because of their noteworthy positive effects on health and on the immune system. But not all probiotic strains of bacteria are beneficial to IBS patients the most beneficial probiotics are Lactobacillus rhamnosus which reduces the potency and frequency of abdominal pain in kids Lactobacillus plantarum which alleviates bloating and abdominal pain and Lactobacillus brevis which lessens the frequency of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Yogurt is a weak source of probiotics and it doesnt hold all the necessary strains of needed bacteria. Enteric pill form is the most effective.
Probiotics Even Inactive Ones May Relieve Ibs Symptoms
- By Anthony Lembo, MD, Contributor
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gut-brain disorder that can cause a variety of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of the two. IBS can reduce quality of life, often results in missed school or work, and can have a substantial economic impact.
Physicians diagnose IBS by identifying symptoms laid out in the Rome Criteria, a set of diagnostic measures developed by a group of more than 100 international experts. Limited diagnostic testing is also done, to help exclude other conditions that could present with similar symptoms.
Although the precise cause of IBS remains unknown, recent research suggests that an imbalance in intestinal microbiota and a dysfunctional intestinal barrier may be involved in the development of IBS in some people. Because of this, methods to restore the microbiota have been explored as treatment for this condition.
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Inclusion And Exclusion Criteria
Studies were considered eligible if they met the following criteria: the studies were randomized controlled trials that compared probiotics with placebo the diagnosis of IBS was made according to the Rome III criteria the treatment duration was > 7 days and dichotomous data on the overall syndrome response to the therapy or continuous score data on the effect on individual IBS symptoms or quality of life could be extracted or obtained from the authors. The exclusion criteria were as follows: studies with only an abstract studies in which probiotics were mixed with other drugs studies in which data were still unavailable after contacting the authors and studies in which the control group received probiotics.
Data Extraction And Risk Of Bias
Two authors independently extracted the following information from each study: author, year of publication, country, sample size, age of patients, subtypes of IBS, comparison, and treatment details .
Two authors evaluated the risk of bias for each included RCT with the help of measures displayed in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviewers , which includes seven indicators: 1) random sequence generation , 2) allocation concealment , 3) blinding of patients and personnel , 4) blinding of outcome assessment , 5) incomplete outcome data , 6) selective reporting , and 7) other bias. Each indicator contained three levels: low risk, unclear risk, or high risk of bias.
If there were any inconsistencies or disagreements in the process of data extraction and quality assessment, the two authors discussed these issues or an independent expert in this field was consulted to reach a consensus.
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Efficacy Of Probiotics For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review And Network Meta
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- 2China Center for Evidence Based Medical and Clinical Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- 3Institute of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal condition. Studies regarding the treatment of IBS with probiotics have not yielded consistent results, and the best probiotics has not yet been confirmed. Therefore, we performed a network meta-analysis to assess the relative rank order of different probiotics for IBS.
Method: We searched for RCTs on the efficacy of probiotics for IBS until August 25, 2021. The primary outcome was the symptom relief rate, as well as global symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, and straining scores. The NMA was conducted using Stata 15.0. We also used meta-regression to explore whether the treatment length and dose influenced the efficacy.
The findings of this NMA suggested that B.coagulans had prominent efficacy in treating IBS patients, and incorporating B.coagulans into a probiotic combination, or genetically engineering it to amplify its biological function may be a future research target to treat IBS patients. With few direct comparisons available between individual therapies today, this NMA may have utility in forming treatment guideline for IBS with probiotics.
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.
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Supplements For Ibs: What Works
Do fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, and other products ease irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is among the most common intestinal maladies and one of the most difficult to treat. No single remedy works for everybody, and there are few drugs created exclusively for IBS symptoms, which include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
“I look at it this way: I don’t have a lot of great things in conventional medicine to offer, so what I do have is in the realm of natural therapy,” says Tieraona Low Dog, MD, a clinician and professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
But that doesn’t mean that all natural remedies touted as IBS fixes work, and in some cases, research results have been mixed. What really works? Here’s what experts say.
