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.
Saccharomyces boulardii is one of the best probiotics for IBS-D symptoms. This unique probiotic is in fact a yeast, the only yeast 'friendly' enough to be called a probiotic. S. boulardii has over 50 years of research supporting its use, and is recommended in many hospitals worldwide for diarrhoea.
The probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v has been investigated in numerous clinical trials and found to improve common digestive symptoms such as gas and bloating. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v may also be suitable if you suffer from medically diagnosed IBS.
Probiotics are safe and effective in IBS patients, especially those used for a shorter duration such as for less than eight weeks; a higher dosage of a single probiotic strain seem to show greater benefits.
I frequently recommend a well-studied Lactobacillus-containing probiotic — such as Culturelle, DanActive, or BioGaia — to patients who have experienced this in the past. I also found this strategy to be effective for my own children.
For example, a review in Nutrients notes that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may notice the most benefit when taking probiotics for 8 weeks or more.
For some conditions, like diarrhea or IBS, taking a dose twice a day may be recommended, but it is dependent on the specific probiotic supplement. You may want to talk to your healthcare professional before starting a probiotic supplement to discuss how often you should take it.
Prebiotics increase Bifidobacteria in IBS. They also help maintain gut homeostasis through pH and immune regulation. Prebiotics made from galacto-oligosaccharides, partially hydrolysed guar gum or pectin are more likely to be tolerated if you have IBS.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Research suggests Lactobacillus acidophilus helps balance gut flora and reduce symptoms associated with IBS. Bifidobacterium Lactis: Bifidobacteria Lactis may help to strengthen and seal your gut lining, which could benefit people with leaky guts.
Choose digestive enzymes if you have specific food intolerances or one of the conditions associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Choose probiotics if you have IBS, SIBO, or other types of gut imbalance.
Depending on where you look, Yakult provides a range of health benefits. From boosting the immune system, to easing IBS symptoms. The research appears to weigh in favour of the asserted benefits, certainly more so than some other alternative treatments.
Probiotics can effectively treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) unless you also suffer from small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If you have SIBO, probiotics may worsen your digestive discomfort. If you test negative for SIBO, probiotics are an excellent treatment option for IBS.
If you are taking a high quality, multispecies and multistrain supplement, you can expect to notice initial improvements and health benefits of probiotics in your digestion as early as the first 1-2 weeks after starting your probiotic. Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days.
Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Even though dairy products are the major culprits of discomfort for some IBS sufferers, yogurt proves to be an exception. The live cultures in the yogurt break down the lactose, so it's less likely to cause gassy symptoms.
Research shows the best time to take a probiotic is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or before going to sleep at night. Probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
“Research has found probiotic supplements to be most effective when taken 20 to 30 minutes before a meal,” says Nelson. “Taking them before breakfast may be the preferred option, because your digestive system has been at rest for an extended period of time and the probiotic has less resistance reaching the intestines.”
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful. Large amounts of fiber can hinder the absorption of medications, so take your medications one to two hours before the fiber supplement.
But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.
Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating report that drinking kombucha helps ease their symptoms. While kombucha may not be a cure for IBS, it can help support a healthy gut and potentially reduce symptoms in some people.