The Best Probiotics & Dosage For Ibs

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system that results in difficulties with abdominal pain and spasms as well as difficulty regulating bowel movements. One suggested treatment is the use of probiotics, which are live bacteria that, when consumed, often emulate the good bacteria already present in the body. Research has found that probiotics may be useful in minimizing the symptoms of IBS and can be consumed regularly to help manage symptoms.

Probiotics

Probiotics are small, living, bacterial organisms that people can consume and obtain health benefits from them. The gastrointestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria, which help to digest food, produce vitamins and enhance immune system functioning. Probiotics work to prevent infection, prevent harmful bacteria from flourishing in the intestines and produce B vitamins, which enhance food metabolism, healthy skin and nervous system functioning. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, the two most common probiotic bacteria come from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus groups. Aside from group, probiotics are classified by their species and strain as well. They are useful in regulating intestinal movement and are considered helpful in treating some of the diseases of the digestive system, such as IBS and inflammatory bowel disease.

Types and Uses for IBS

One of the primary symptoms of IBS is difficulty with intestinal movement, leading sufferers to experience diarrhea and/or constipation. Probiotics may help regulate bowel movements in these individuals. They can also help to reduce bloating caused by gas. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, the most commonly used probiotics for those with IBS are Bifidobacterium infantis, Sacchromyces boulardii and Lactobacillus plantarum. However, other probiotics continue to be researched and considered for use with IBS. Probiotics can be consumed as a dietary supplement or an additive in food products such as yogurt. As a supplement, probiotics can be taken as liquids or capsules. Some examples are Align, Florastor, and Digestive Advantage. As a food, several brands of yogurt indicate on their label the presence of live active cultures, along with products such as juice and cereal.

Safety and Efficacy of Probiotics

As reported by the American College of Gastroenterology, when the use of probiotics for IBS symptoms was analyzed across 19 randomized, controlled trials, it was found that they can provide IBS symptom relief. The principal investigator of the study, Dr. Paul Moayyedi of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, indicated, however, that combination probiotics may be more useful and did not specify a particular strain of bacteria that best benefits IBS. The study of the use of multi-strain probiotics with sufferers of IBS diarrhea conducted by Dr. Gerald Friedman from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City discovered that in comparison to placebo, persons who took the probiotics experienced a decrease in diarrhea symptoms. While probiotics are generally considered safe, a doctor should always be consulted before adding probiotics to an individual's diet. Individuals with suppressed immune systems, older persons and children should be cautious in their use. Additionally, certain medications may interact with the probiotic, so a doctor's advice is critical. Common side effects include gas and bloating; however, more significant side effects are possible.

Dosage

Typically, no specific dosage for probiotics is given; it often depends upon the group, species and strain of the bacteria and individual reactions. According to Harvard Health Watch, taking one to two probiotic capsules several times a week can help regulate the digestive system in people overall. They suggest that when experiencing diarrhea, taking a daily supplement for a few weeks can be beneficial. Various probiotic products provide instructions on proper dosage. For example, Align contains 1 billion live bacteria, which are referred to as colony-forming units, or CFUs. It is recommended that individuals take one capsule per day. Additionally, the Life Extension Foundation recommends that individuals with IBS take at least 300 mg of probiotics with meals. It is crucial that individuals consult with their doctor to determine the proper dosage of probiotics, based upon their symptoms, the strain and other medical complications.