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For some that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), they might say that they feel like they are prisoners to this disease. IBS can be downright debilitating. Sufferers do not know when or where their symptoms may strike, so many avoid social situations or travel. It is estimated that almost one-quarter of Americans suffer from this disease.
IBS is a gastrointestinal condition in which the bowel of the patient is not working as it should. Symptoms associated with IBS include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Difficult bowel movements
Probiotics – What Are They?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in our intestines and throughout our bodies. The purpose of these microorganisms is to balance the intestinal flora by reducing the bad bacteria.
An Effective Remedy in Alleviating Symptoms
Those suffering from IBS may finally get the relief they are looking for. In recent years, probiotics, specifically those containing Bifidobacterium infantis, L. Bacillus, or multistrain probiotics have been shown to reduce IBS symptoms.
As mentioned above, the purpose of probiotics is to balance the intestinal flora. When a patient suffering from IBS has a more of a balance in their intestinal tract, a reduction in IBS symptoms is usually the result.
Additionally, there is some speculation that an overgrowth on pathogenic intestinal bacteria are at the root of IBS. However, there is currently no research proving this is the case.
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Research Studies Involving Probiotics
According to the article, “How Effective Are Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome?” published at ScienceDaily.com, there were several studies that highlighted probiotics in the use of symptom improvement and “normalizing bowel movement frequency” for patients with IBS presented at the American College of Gastroenterology’s 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting. The studies were promising for children with IBS, patients suffering with IBS-related diarrhea, and using probiotics for IBS as a whole.
Where to Find Probiotics
There are many probiotics out on the market, and so one may work better over another. According to Dr. Lawrence Schiller in the article “Supplements for IBS: What Works?,” last reviewed on October 27, 2009, “most studies of probiotics and IBS don’t differentiate between bacterial strains and doses. Dr. Shiller suggests taking probiotics in combination with other products containing bifida bacteria.
Probiotics may be found in the following:
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Powder form
- Over-the-counter supplements
A patient suffering from IBS can purchase various forms of probiotics at most pharmacies, national retail chains, local retailers, grocery stores, and natural health food stores.
Sources:
WebMD Website. “Supplements for IBS: What Works?” http://www.webmd.com/ibs/features/suppl … what-works
Johns Hopkins Website. “Probiotics and Hypnosis: Two Promising Complementary Therapies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com … 049-1.html
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Everyday Health Website. “Probiotics for IBS,” http://www.everydayhealth.com/ibs/probi … r-ibs.aspx
ScienceDaily Website. “How Effective Are Probiotics In Irritable Bowel Syndrome?,” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 … 092656.htm
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I love my probiotic! We take the Vidazorb chewables and they are awesome and convenient since they don’t need refrigerated!
A very thorough and well documented article.
I wanted to say thanks for that, and the link to the Johns Hopkins study. I’d written once about hypnosis, but never thought of the complementary angle.
Regards,
Shawn
This is very detailed and informative! According to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology, 3 out of 4 people with IBS had their symptoms ease right away after starting a low-FODMAP diet and felt the most relief after a week or more on the plan.