Probiotics for IBS-D Treatment and Constipation – Best Supplements to Take

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder of the digestive tract for which supplementation with probiotics may be helpful.

Currently, probiotics for IBS discomfort and symptoms are being studied closely at research facilities around the world.

The human gastrointestinal tract contains hundreds of billions of microorganisms. These tiny, microscopic cells are collectively referred to as the microflora of the gut.

The composition of the microflora is made up of both beneficial and pathogenic bacterial agents, all of which are constantly competing for dominance and space in which to colonize.

IBS symptoms may be reduced by supplementing your diet with the right probiotic products to rebalance the microflora.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

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How Probiotics Can Help IBS

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include irregular bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain.

Although the exact cause for IBS isn’t completely understood, it is speculated that the flora within the gut are a major contributor.

This speculation arises because studies show differences in IBS symptoms when the gut flora is altered. IBS is estimated to affect approximately 15% of the human population.

Supplementing with the right probiotics may help adjust the balance of the gut flora in ways which alleviate or decrease symptoms significantly. This is thought to be due to three processes:

Gut permeability: When the intestinal walls become too permeable, pathogenic bacteria and toxins may leak out. This is sometimes referred to as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Some probiotics are thought to strengthen permeability and thus inhibit harmful substances from migrating to the bloodstream or other parts of the body.

Reducing Pathogenic Bacteria: In the large intestine (colon), overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria can give rise to both diarrhea and constipation. Supplementing with adequate amounts of the right probiotics allows the beneficial bacteria to out-compete the harmful ones, thus restoring the balance to regain good stool consistency.

Suppression and inhibition of colonization of harmful bacteria allow beneficial microbes to dominate the colonic region.

Boosting the Immune System: Over 70% of our immune system resides within our gut, making it even more important to ascertain that the balance of the microflora is kept in a healthy state.

When the balance tips in favor of pathogenic microbes, immune response may be altered. Sometimes, inflammatory disorders of the intestinal lumen may trigger immune events resulting in autoimmune disorders.

Proven Effects of Probiotics for IBS

Probiotics which have been shown, in clinical trials, to be beneficial for individuals suffering with IBS are as follows:

Bifidobacterium Infantis: As infants, this bacterium commonly makes up a majority of our gut microflora. As we grow older, it decreases, until finally B. infantis composes less than 5% of our total flora.

In one 8-week trial, the group supplementing with this probiotic experienced a decrease not just in bloating and abdominal discomfort, but also indications of an immune-modulating effect were observed.

Another 4-week trial of 362 women, all of whom had been diagnosed with IBS, showed not only a decrease in bloating, discomfort and distension, but also a decrease in flatulence and straining. It should be noted that only the women receiving higher doses of B. infantis experienced the beneficial results.

There was a group involved in the study taking a lower dose of the probiotic who did not report the same results. This stresses the need for appropriate dosage in order for the probiotic bacteria to colonize adequately and properly.

Lactobacillus Plantarum: One strain of this species demonstrated efficacy in four different clinical trials. Test subjects who were taking this probiotic daily for a period of four weeks showed significant improvement in stool frequency, abdominal pain and bloating.

Jarrow Formula’s Ideal Bowel Support 299v contains 10 billion colony forming units (CFU) which, when taken daily, is considered a viable amount to achieve the intended results.

Bifidobacterium bifidum: A clinical trial involving 120 IBS patients took place over a 4-week time period. The control group receiving B. bifidum had significantly lower global symptom scores at the end of the trial versus the placebo group.

In fact, the group taking supplements scored 57% better at symptom reduction, versus 21% in the placebo group.

Review

The exact mechanism of action which probiotic bacteria may have in reducing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome remains unknown.

It is thought the results seen in clinical studies are due to the subtle and area-specific changes in the gut flora in the colon and small intestine. It seems evident that the manipulation of the microflora of both the colon and small intestine plays some role in the relief of IBS symptoms and discomfort.

Probiotics for IBS are readily available at most health food stores and online.

They are considered generally safe for most people to take, though individuals with weakened systems or chronic illness should not take probiotics without first talking to their personal physician. Probiotics for IBS are the subject of much research right now.

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