Irritable bowel syndrome is a frustrating, embarrassing and difficult condition. One of the rare possibilities for help comes in the form of Lactobacillus acidophilus, or a probiotic. That means it is a "good" bacteria that lives in the intestine. According to New York University Langone Medical Center, probiotics have been studied for this condition with some success. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements or adding any foods to your diet. You want to make sure it makes sense with the rest of your medical history.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Explained
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition where you have either alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea, or one of the two predominate. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, between 10 percent to 20 percent of the population have IBS. Symptoms are cramping in the abdomen, gas, bloating, bowel movements with meals, pain relief with bowel movements, feeling of incomplete emptying of bowel, mucus in stools, diarrhea and constipation. Doctors are not sure what causes this syndrome, and treatment focuses on attempting to control symptoms.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
One possible treatment for IBS is Lactobacillus acidophillus. These are bacteria that reside in the intestines and promote good colon health. Taking a supplement of good bacteria is thought to restore a healthy balance in the intestine and help solve the problem of diarrhea and constipation brought about by IBS. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should take a probiotic supplement of Lactobacillus acidophillus and Bifidobacterium to treat IBS. The dosage should be 5 to 10 billion colony forming units, or CFUs, per day. You can also get this bacteria from your diet by eating yogurt, miso and tempeh.
Other Treatments for Irritable Bowel
There are some other drug therapies that may be effective for the treatment of IBS. Medicines that relax the intestine, such as bentyl, may help with abdominal cramping. Loperamide, an antidiarrheal medication, can help stop you from having so many loose stools. Taking a fiber supplement can also help with either the constipation or the diarrhea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, up to 60 percent of people with IBS have psychological problems, so antidepressants such as Prozac may help, as well. Two medications, lubiprostone and alosetron, are only used when all other methods have failed because they can have serious side effects.
Diet for Irritable Bowel
Diet has often been thought to affect the course of IBS, and there are some steps you can take to modify your diet to find relief. You may have a food allergy. Some common foods to avoid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, would be dairy, wheat, corn, citrus, peanuts, soy, eggs, fish and tomatoes. If restricting these does not help, you can still try to avoid refined flours and high fat foods. Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco can also contribute to your symptoms. Non-nutritive sweeteners like you would find in diet soda can cause diarrhea. Try to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, but avoid gas causing foods such as beans and cabbage.
