The Best Probiotics For IBS

By Olivia Cross


If you have been diagnosed with IBS then you may be wondering what your options are to reduce the symptoms. Your doctor cannot offer you a cure because there is no cure. Taking probiotics for IBS has resulted in diminished symptoms for a lot of people so you should investigate which one would be best for you.

IBS refers to a collection of symptoms which include, diarrhea, stomach cramps, intestinal bloating, excessive gas, constipation and headaches. The effects can be debilitating and cause sufferers to miss work and have a diminished quality of life. It is estimated that in the United States around twenty percent of the population is suffering from this problem.

You are not alone, about twenty percent of Americans now have this diagnosis. This means that increasing funds are directed to research and in the last few years there have been a couple of reasons for hope. Allergies have been found to damage the gut and lead to IBS so you could try a food allergy test. It is also possible to check for allergies by cutting out different food groups one at a time and seeing what the results are.

The digestive system works with the help of bacteria. They live in our intestines and help break down the food we consume. It is important for this community of bacteria to be in balance and include what have come to be called good bacteria and bad bacteria. If they are out of balance then problems start to occur with the processing of food.

If you decide to try probiotics then you may need to experiment with different strains of bacteria. Fortunately these are natural products and so do not have side effects and it is safe to try different ones. Make sure to take a reputable brand as not all probiotics are created equally.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by symptoms. IBS-D is when diarrhea is the main symptom. The first probiotic to try in this case should be Saccharomyces Boulardii. This is also prescribed for people suffering from diarrhea as a result of other illnesses and has been found to be extremely effective in reducing symptoms.

If constipation is the main problem then a combination of fiber and Bifidobacterium Lactis is a good bet. It is important to treat constipation as it is not good for long term health. If you find that your problem swings between diarhhea and constipation then try both of these probiotcs. If that does not work then try a general daily probiotic.

The best way to find the most effective probiotic is to start with these but if they do not work then try others. Science is only just beginning to understand how gut flora affects health and so the evidence is still sometimes confusing. However, they do not have known side effects so experimenting with different types and strengths is not going to make anyone more sick. There is nothing to lose and much to gain.




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