Guide to Best Probiotics for IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that is suffered by millions of individuals around the world. In fact, in the United States it is currently estimated that somewhere between 10 to 15 percent of the population suffers from this issue.
IBS is characterized by issues that come about due to problems with the functionality of the bowel system. Those who suffer from IBS often experience symptoms such as having stomach pain (this is attributed to constipation and diarrhea), bloating, fatigue, muscle aches or pains, and urinary issues.
IBS is not a life threatening situation; however, many sufferers of the disorder struggle with the daily discomfort that is associated with the syndrome. For most, the worst part is that these symptoms are a lifelong problem that can not be eradicated, but rather just treated. Because of this, many people have long sought out effective methods of treatment that could target these bowel issues and relieve them of the pain that they encounter daily.
In recent years, sufferers of IBS and researchers alike have discovered that probiotics are a great way to minimize these troubles. Probiotics are helpful bacteria that aid in boosting your overall health when introduced to your body. They balance the bacteria that exists within the microbiome of your gut which helps to bring stability to your internal system, and thus can be a contributor to reducing problems caused by IBS.
How do probiotics help IBS?
Probiotics work to bring stability to the collection of bacteria that lives within your gut. This live bacteria aims to keep the lining of the gut healthy and helps to balance pH levels while simultaneously keeping proper order between the microbes. The probiotics can be used to aid in treating multiple of the symptoms that are most commonly associated with IBS including:
Diarrhea
IBS-D (IBS that specifically involves symptoms of diarrhea) brings about problems such as abdominal pain, urgent needs to defecate, and loose stools. The best probiotics for IBS-D include those that contain strains of Saccharomyces Boulardii which is often found in yeast. The strain has anti-inflammatory capabilities which can be a major tool in getting rid of the pains associated with this form of IBS.
Constipation
On the flip side of diarrhea, many sufferers of IBS often have to deal with consistent constipation that can make it difficult to pass stools and causes internal pain like cramping. This form of IBS is often referred to as IBS-C. It has been shown that probiotics that can support the health of your gut microbiome are also able to reduce the effects of constipation that is related to IBS.
While studies as a whole have been somewhat inconsistent, recent research that analyzed the effects of multi-strain probiotics that contained L. plantarum, L rhamnosus, and L. lactis along with one that contained L. acidophilus and L. reuteri found that symptoms from IBS-C such as bloating, abdominal cramps, and flatulence were all reduced.
How do I find a good probiotic?
Different strains of probiotics and different probiotic products or supplements will be able to target different issues in the body. Because of this, you want to make sure that you are specifically locating the best probiotics for IBS. Even while knowing this it can be somewhat of a complicated process to narrow down your list of options and identify the probiotic that will work best for you. Fortunately, there are several things that you can look out for in order to make this process easier and get started with a great product.
As touched on earlier, one aspect of the probiotic that you should be paying attention to is the type of strains and number of strains that are present within the product. You want to seek out probiotics that have several, differing probiotic strains that can work with one another to make the greatest impact within your gut microbiome. To figure out which strains may be best for you as an individual, it may be a good idea to reach out to a dietician or nutritionist who can make an informed recommendation.
Aside from the strains, you also want to make sure that the brand you purchase the supplement from is reputable. Also, they should use high quality ingredients and processes when it comes to the production of their products. Looking out for these facets of the probiotic can ensure that you are taking part in something that is both safe and effective.