According to the National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine, as many as one in five Americans have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome is a problem that affects the large intestine and causes pain and a poor quality of life. The center reports that people with irritable bowel syndrome use diet, medication, and stress management to control symptoms. One form of treatment that is used commonly is the use of probiotics. They are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
MedlinePlus states that irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the large intestine and causes abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Patients often suffer constipation and diarrhea. The National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that most cases begin in people between the ages of 20 and 30 and it is more common in women. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known and there is no known test for the condition. Probiotics have been used as a form of dietary treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
Probiotics
The National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine state that probiotics are live microorganisms that are ingested and used in the intestines. These bacteria are considered beneficial bacteria because they help the body breakdown food. Probiotics are found in food and they can also be ingested through supplements. Some foods that have probiotics in them include yogurt, milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. The NIH states that most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in people's intestines and they generally come in two groups--Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Researchers are currently studying whether probiotics play a significant role in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and other gut diseases.
Significance
Probiotics are used to replenish the bacteria in the intestines that may be killed off by antibiotics or poor diet. The NIH states that friendly bacteria are vital for proper development of the immune system, which protects against microorganisms that could cause disease and they also help digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. The National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that there is evidence that probiotics can ease diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and infections.
Considerations
Research is needed to see how probiotics improve irritable bowel syndrome, and according to the NIH, more research is needed on their safety in people with compromised immune systems. Probiotics have minor side effects in some people like gas and bloating, but they are generally well tolerated among people who use them as supplements .
Expert Insight
Nutrition is one key to living a healthy lifestyle. Probiotics are found in many foods and they can help increase the amounts of friendly and healthy bacteria in the intestines, which may have an effect on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. While more research is needed, it is clear that probiotics improve the function of the intestines, according to the NIH, and they are beneficial in an overall healthy diet.
