Probiotics and prebiotics are terms for two different kinds of substances that are used to increase the levels of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Increasing these bacteria helps treat a variety of digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Probiotic supplements without prebiotics appear to be effective for treating IBS, but more research needs to be done to identify which strains of probiotics are effective, as well as their side effects.
Identification
IBS is a digestive disorder that causes pain, cramping and changes in bowel movements, PubMed Health explains. It should not be confused with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, an inflammatory condition that damages the intestines. There are many possible causes of IBS, including intestinal sensitivity or problems with the muscles in the intestines, but scientists do not understand what exactly triggers it. Although this condition rarely causes significant medical problems, it can result in great discomfort.
Prebiotics Vs. Probiotics
Your intestines naturally contain bacteria that maintain the health of your digestive tract. Prebiotics are fibers that "healthy" bacteria eat and are found in many fruits and vegetables, such as artichokes, bananas, berries, chicory, onions, whole grains and legumes. Probiotics describe foods or other substances that contain bacteria similar to those found in the digestive tract. Both prebiotics and probiotics increase and support the levels of the beneficial bacteria in the intestine.
Probiotics For Irritable Bowel
The "American Journal of Gastroenterology" in 2009 analyzed several studies that examined the effects of probiotic preparations without prebiotics on IBS patients. The study found that some types of probiotics, including Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, was able to relieve many of the symptoms of IBS, including bloating, pain and problems with bowel movements. These bacteria may improve the ability of the intestines to break down food and excrete waste products, serving as a treatment for IBS.
Limitations
Although probiotic supplements with Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 may be useful for treating IBS, studies that examined other probiotic formulations were considered ill-designed for significant conclusions. Many studies that have looked at probiotic therapy for IBS have not examined side effects of probiotic use or have other methodological flaws. More research needs to be done to definitively identify probiotic strains that are effective for IBS, with or without prebiotics.
Member Comments