Probiotic Medication For Ibs

Probiotic medications contain various strains of probiotics, which are living organisms that help introduce healthy bacteria into the intestinal tract. For individuals who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, irregular bowel movements are a common difficulty. Probiotics help to regulate bowel movements by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract. Probiotics are available in food products, such as yogurt, or as dietary supplements.

Probiotics

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, probiotics are microorganisms, often bacteria, that emulate the good bacteria that is present in the body. Although there are many kinds of bacteria that are considered probiotics, the two common probiotic groups are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Different bacterial strains work differently in the various parts of the body and thus provide different types of health interventions. Probiotics are most often used to positively impact the digestive system by controlling movement in the intestines. Probiotics work by introducing healthy bacteria to help maintain a balance in the body. In the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria similar to those found in probiotics work to digest food and boost the functioning of the immune system.

Use of Probiotics in IBS

Probiotics may be used in the treatment of IBS symptoms. IBS sufferers often experience difficulty with the regulation of bowel movements, experiencing constipation, diarrhea or both. As reported by the American Gastroenterological Association, the probiotics Bifidobacterium infantis, Sacchromyces boulardii and Lactobacillus plantarum, along with combination probiotics, can help manage bowel movements in persons with IBS. They may provide additional benefits by minimizing bloating.

Types of Probiotic Medications

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that before purchasing a probiotic medication, individuals should determine the amount of probiotic in the product, call and ask the manufacturer if a question arises regarding the strain of probiotic, and use products from well-established companies, including Culturelle, Proctor & Gamble and VSL Pharmaceuticals. Probiotics can be eaten as part of a food product or consumed as a dietary supplement. Foods with probiotics include yogurt, cereal, granola and juice; however, it is often unclear the amount and type of probiotic present in each of these products. Probiotics as dietary supplements may come in various forms including liquids and capsules, and they may contain a variety of bacterial strains. Examples are Florastor, Align, Sustenex, and Digestive Advantage.

Efficacy of Probiotic Medications

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, a systematic review of the use of probiotics in IBS across 19 randomized, controlled studies determined that probiotics can provide symptoms relief for IBS. However, these studies did not determine a particular bacteria and strain that is most effective for treating IBS; a combination may be more beneficial, according to Dr. Paul Moayyedi, lead investigator of the study. A small study conducted by Dr. Gerald Friedman from Mount Sinai School of Medicine examined IBS patients with diarrhea and the use of a multi-strain probiotic. He determined that compared to persons taking placebo, patients with IBS taking probiotics saw significant decreases in the presence of diarrhea. In teens and children with IBS, Dr. Stefano Guandalini from the University of Chicago found that those who took probiotics for six weeks saw a decrease in IBS symptoms, including bloating, bowel dysfunction and abdominal pain, compared to those children and teens taking the placebo. While some studies show benefits of probiotics in managing the symptoms of IBS, research has still not indicated which are best suited to treat IBS, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. Additionally, while generally considered safe, probiotics should only be added to the diet after speaking with a physician.