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Imagine waking up each morning with a nagging abdominal pain that refuses to subside. Or perhaps your bowel movements are as unpredictable as the weather, ranging from explosive diarrhoea to painful constipation. This is the unfortunate reality for millions of people living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But do not worry; here’s a glimmering hope of relief through probiotics!
Living with IBS can feel like you’re carrying a heavy burden—the constant pain, discomfort, and urgency—all these can be a little too much to handle. If you’re looking for a way to lighten the load, those friendly bacteria living in your gut might just be your answer.
But how can probiotics cure IBS? This blog is your go-to guide for finding the answer. Come, let’s break this distressing cycle and reclaim your better health!
What is IBS?
Experiencing a slight stomach discomfort for one or two days is normal, but what if it becomes persistent? You shouldn’t disregard it as a mere indigestion or stress-induced pain; it could be something more serious and complex like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder that affects your digestive system, especially your large intestine. It is not just an ordinary tummy issue; it consists of a mix of symptoms that persist over time. What perplexes scientists is that IBS does not leave visible marks or damage to the digestive tract, unlike other gastrointestinal diseases. This makes IBS particularly interesting—and challenging—to study and manage.
But what leads to IBS? Though the exact causes are unknown, factors such as disrupted gut microbiota, stress, anxiety, and genetics can contribute to this condition. So, if you experience persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, gas, bloating, fatigue, anxiety, headaches, or trouble sleeping, know that you might be suffering from IBS. These symptoms do not just manifest physically but can also drain you emotionally.
IBS differs from person to person; while one individual may experience diarrhoea, another may struggle with constipation. So, based on these symptoms, IBS can be classified into the following four types:
- IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D): This condition is characterised by frequent, loose stools.
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C): It is characterised by infrequent, dry, hard stools.
- Mixed IBS (IBS-M): People with IBS-M experience a mix of both diarrhoea and constipation.
- IBS with unspecified bowel habits (IBS-U): People face symptoms that do not fit any of the above categories, ranging from sharp pain, cramps, gas, bloating, and sometimes mucus in stools.
If you live with IBS, you know better than anyone else how it affects your work and everyday activities. Recognising IBS for what it truly is—a multifaceted, chronic disorder—is the first step towards better management and support.
Now that you know what you’re dealing with, let’s introduce you to your gut’s new best buddy—probiotics!
Probiotics: Your gut’s best friend
Probiotics have been in the limelight for some time now, but what are they and how can probiotics cure IBS? Let’s take a deep dive into your gut to understand more about these friendly microbes!
You might be aware of trillions of microorganisms living in your gut. This diverse community of bacteria makes up the gut microbiome, and it plays a critical role in sustaining your overall health by improving digestion and influencing the immune system. Among this community is a group of beneficial bacteria called probiotics that help balance the gut microbiome and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
A dysbiosis, or unbalanced gut microbiome, can lead to various ailments including IBS, IBD, and other metabolic or immune-related disorders, making a well-balanced gut microbiome vital for health. Probiotics restore this balance by improving the microbial composition and supporting immune health.
So, how do you introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut? You can choose either of the following sources:
- Fermented foods: Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha are rich in probiotics. Consuming these foods daily will help nourish your gut microbiome.
- Supplements: If you do not consume these foods regularly, probiotic supplements offer a convenient alternative. These supplements often contain specific strains targeted to address certain health conditions, such as digestive health or immune support.
Probiotics are all good and nice, but do they hold promise in curing IBS? Let’s find out!
Can probiotics cure IBS?
Even though probiotics are an effective solution for managing IBS, they can't offer a complete cure. Instead, they focus on easing the symptoms of the condition. We’ve already seen that an imbalance in the gut flora, also known as dysbiosis, often causes IBS symptoms to worsen.
There is growing evidence that individuals with IBS have a different makeup of gut bacteria compared to those without the disorder. Here’s where probiotics come in. Let’s see how they support your gut health and address the following symptoms of IBS:
- Bloating and gas: Probiotics can help break down undigested food particles, reducing gas production and bloating. They can also help improve the absorption of nutrients, further alleviating these symptoms.
- Abdominal pain: Probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the gut, which is a common cause of abdominal pain in IBS. They can also help repair the gut lining, reducing sensitivity to irritants.
- Diarrhoea: Certain probiotic strains can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria. This helps regulate bowel movements and ease diarrhoea.
- Constipation: Probiotics can soften stool and increase stool frequency by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help to nourish the cells of the colon and promote healthy bowel movements.
Thus, probiotics can make a huge difference in the lives of those suffering from IBS. The Good Bug is committed to supporting you in this journey. Our IBS Rescue probiotic targets and soothes these symptoms. Listen to our expert talking about the top 3 ways probiotics fix your IBS.
If you're curious about which specific probiotic strains might suit you best, you’re in for a treat in the next section.
Specific probiotic strains for addressing IBS symptoms
You've probably heard about the potential benefits of probiotics for gut health. When it comes to managing IBS, the specific strains of probiotics you choose can make a significant difference. Though there’s no single 'magic' probiotic strain that treats the condition, different strains may be effective for addressing particular IBS symptoms:
- Abdominal pain: Strains like Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been found to reduce abdominal pain by modulating gut inflammation and improving gut barrier function.
- Bloating and gas: If you’re troubled by frequent gas and bloating, multi-strain supplements containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis might be beneficial, as they help improve digestion and reduce gas production.
- Diarrhoea: Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus coagulans are particularly effective for IBS-D patients. These strains regulate bowel movements and help reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhoea.
- Constipation: Consider including supplements containing strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri, as they help soften stool and enhance bowel movement frequency.
Selecting the right probiotic strain based on your specific symptoms can significantly impact the management of IBS. For the best results, consult a healthcare provider to personalise probiotic choices according to your needs.
Are you wondering if you should dive into the world of probiotics for your IBS? Let’s weigh in on the decision next!
Should you take probiotics for IBS?
Though probiotics do not completely cure IBS, you can take advantage of their power to manage its symptoms and find relief from abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits. Also, complementing your probiotic intake with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle can prevent your condition from worsening. Here’s how you can ensure you’re on the right track to managing IBS:
- Combine probiotics with dietary changes such as a low FODMAP diet and incorporate healthy habits.
- Indulge in stress management practices like mindfulness or yoga to alleviate symptoms, as stress is a common trigger for IBS.
- Experiment with different strains and keep track of your symptoms through a journal.
- Adjust your probiotic intake based on individual responses rather than following someone else’s dosage regimen.
- Choose high-quality supplements that clearly label the strains and colony-forming units (CFUs).
- Consult your healthcare provider to better understand how probiotics might fit into your individualised treatment plan.
So, can probiotics cure IBS? The short answer is no—probiotics are not a cure for IBS. However, they can play a pivotal role in managing its symptoms. Your gut is unique, and factors like specific probiotic strains, your gut flora, and overall lifestyle have a significant role in determining their effectiveness. Understand their potential benefits and limitations before introducing probiotics into your daily regime.
Are you interested in exploring probiotics further? Start with The Good Bug, as we offer a range of clinically researched probiotics specifically targeted at supporting your gut health. Visit The Good Bug's website to explore our offerings and take a step towards managing your IBS effectively!
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2886445/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9116469/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-for-ibs
https://www.everydayhealth.com/ibs/probiotics-for-ibs-real-medicine-or-good-myth.aspx
