Constipation is a painful condition that may seem to come from nowhere. Often, though, it is caused by poor diet, not drinking enough water, prescription mediation or not enough exercise, according to health writer Chrystle Fiedler in her book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies." You can work on making lifestyle changes that get at what may be causing your constipation, but some research indicates that it may also be helpful to take probiotics to help relieve this condition. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
Identification
Only three to four bowel movements per week is a sign of constipation, according to registered dietitian Tracy Olgeaty Gensler in her book, "Probiotic and Prebiotic Recipes for Health." These movements are characterized by a stool that is hard and dry and difficult to pass. Dietary changes are normally necessary in order to alleviate constipation, including increasing fruits, vegetables and fiber. There is also some research that indicates probiotics may be helpful in relieving constipation.
Function
Probiotics may help with constipation if no other reasons for it are identified, according to Dr. Kelly Dowhower Karpa in her book, "Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health." This may be due to the alteration of gut flora that probiotics can provide, which changes both the environment of the intestines and the make-up of the stool. Beneficial bacteria may also help with peristalsis, the action of the intestines that moves waste out of the body.
Research
According to "Probiotic and Prebiotic Recipes for Health," there are dozens of promising studies that seem to indicate the effectiveness of probiotics in alleviating constipation. Some research shows that the probiotic strain L. casei rhamnosus may help to relieve chronic constipation in children, and the strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 helps with both inflammatory bowel syndrome and constipation. In a study published in the "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism" in 2002, researchers found that the probiotic combination of L. rhamnosus and P. freudenreichii provided some relief for participants with constipation.
Considerations
If you are suffering from constipation, see your doctor to determine the most likely cause. Long-term constipation can cause other health problems, including hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding and fecal impaction. Taking probiotics may help relieve constipation in the short term, but other dietary changes are often necessary. If you are currently taking medication, be sure to talk to your doctor before including probiotics in your daily regimen.
References
- "Probiotic and Prebiotic Recipes for Health"; Tracy Olgeaty Gensler, RD; 2008
- "Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health"; Kelly Dowhower Karpa, PhD, RPh; 2003
- "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism"; Effect of Probiotics on Constipation, Fecal Azoreductase Activity and Fecal Mucin Content in the Elderly; Arthur C. Ouwehand, et al.; Jan 2002
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies"; Chrystle Fiedler; 2009
