Probiotics refer to foods or supplements with bacteria that may be helpful for a number of health complaints. Although more research is needed, the Mayo Clinic indicates there is encouraging evidence that probiotic supplements may help irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS. The Cleveland Clinic agrees that probiotic supplements may help symptoms of IBS.
Description
The live bacteria in probiotics are similar to the good bacteria in your digestive tract. These good bugs, also known as friendly bacteria, are vital to the functioning of your immune system, fending off disease-causing bad bacteria, and helping to digest food and absorb nutrients, according to National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, the Cleveland Clinic notes some research suggests excess bacteria in the gut may contribute to IBS symptoms, which can include pain or cramps in the abdomen, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Probiotics may help by crowding out bad bacteria in the gut and replacing it with good bacteria, according to naturopath Paul Anderson, N.D., a professor of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle.
Research
Scientific understanding of how probiotics may help treat health conditions is at an early stage, but research is moving ahead, the NCCAM notes. In one small Swedish study, employees given the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri missed less work due to gastrointestinal illnesses than employees who didn't take the probiotic, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another small study described by Science Daily found taking a multistrain probiotic for 28 days normalized bowel habits in IBS patients. A larger study consisting of a review of 19 randomized controlled trials of over 1,600 IBS patients concluded that probiotics are effective for IBS, but researchers couldn't say if one species is more effective than another.
Recommendations
Probiotic supplements come in capsules, tablets and powders. While an exact dosage for treating IBS symptoms hasn't been established, the Mayo Clinic indicates about 10 billion colony-forming units are probably needed to provide health benefits. Some yogurts contain probiotics, but the amounts probably don't reach therapeutic levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Supplements have higher levels of probiotics. The Mayo Clinic notes the strains lactobacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii seem to work best for diarrhea. Taking probiotics is considered safe for most adults, but more research is needed on the safety of probiotic supplements for young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. If you're considering taking probiotic supplements for IBS, the Mayo Clinic recommends checking with your doctor first.
Other Remedies
Diet, stress management and prescription medicines may also be helpful for IBS. The Cleveland Clinic notes fiber may help ease symptoms because fiber changes the way the intestines work and could help ease bloating, pain and other digestive problems. You can add fiber by eating fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, bran cereal and brown rice or by taking bulk-forming supplements. Because certain foods may trigger IBS symptoms, avoid chocolate, diary products, fatty foods, sweets, caffeine and alcohol. Keep a record of the foods you eat and your IBS symptoms to see if there's a connection. Do the same with your probiotic supplements to see if they help chase away IBS symptoms.
References
- Paul Anderson, N.D., Naturopath; Professor of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, Seattle
- Probiotics: Important for a Healthy Diet?
- Cleveland Clinic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- Science Daily: How Effective Are Probiotics In Irritable Bowel Syndrome?; Oct. 10, 2008
