IBS and Probiotics

There is some evidence that certain probiotics may help improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Probiotics are generally defined as living microorganisms that, in adequate amounts, provide health benefits. There is some evidence that certain probiotics may help improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Probiotics are generally defined as living

These are usually bacteria. These bacteria are different from the bacteria that are known to cause illness.

Probiotics can regulate bowel function including motility, sensation, and immune function. They come in many different forms, such as liquid or pills, and can be single or in combination. Some yeasts may have probiotic effects and the effects of dead bacteria are being studied. Most of the studies that have examined the benefit in IBS are small and of low quality. In some people, changing the kind of gut bacteria with probiotics may make symptoms of IBS better.

The probiotic that, to date, has been studied in high quality studies and has been shown to improve the symptoms in IBS is Bifidobacterium infantis. Recent reviews of all of the probiotic studies have concluded that Bifidobacteria appear to have a beneficial effect in IBS. The symptoms that have shown more consistent improvement with probiotics are gas and bloating. While you are taking a probiotic, you should observe your symptoms and perhaps keep a log of your progress. This will help you to notice, over the course of several weeks, if the probiotic you are taking is right for you.