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Who hasn’t experienced that dreaded day when a sudden bout of diarrhoea takes over? The discomfort, the urgency, and the constant trips to the bathroom can be quite disruptive. Whether it's a one-off case of food poisoning or a recurring issue due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finding relief becomes a top priority.
If you’re tired of reaching for over-the-counter medications, why not look for a simpler solution in your gut? Those friendly bacteria residing there might hold the key to soothing your tummy troubles. But aren’t they known for maintaining gut health, so how can probiotics stop diarrhoea? Prepare yourself to bid farewell to those uncomfortable days as you discover the power of probiotics in managing diarrhoea!
Understanding diarrhoea
It’s super fun to try out new dishes and indulge in street flavours when you visit a new place. But what if the food you eat doesn’t sit well with your stomach? Well, if you’re lucky, you can vomit it out, otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with loose motions that can last for days. So, before understanding how probiotics can help with diarrhoea, let’s learn more about the condition and explore its symptoms and causes.
Diarrhoea is a condition characterised by the passage of loose, watery stools at least thrice a day, which is more frequent than usual for an individual. It can range from mild to severe, and you can experience the following symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Constant urge to use the bathroom
- Loss of bowel control
- Bloody stools (in severe cases)
When you’re dealing with diarrhoea, your body loses more fluids than it takes in, so there’s a high chance for you to experience dehydration. This can lead to dry skin, irritability, diminished urination, fast heart rates, or a lack of responsiveness, which can be particularly dangerous for children and older adults.
But what causes diarrhoea? Is food the only culprit? Understanding the causes will help you address the condition effectively and answer the question: ‘Can probiotics stop diarrhoea?’ So, let’s have a look at the main culprits:
- Bacterial infections: These are often contracted from contaminated food or water. Common bacteria responsible include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
- Viral infections: Viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus are significant causes of diarrhoea, especially in children.
- Food poisoning: Consuming improperly prepared or stored foods can result in food poisoning, which frequently causes diarrhoea.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a functional disorder affecting the colon, and for many affected individuals, it results in recurring bouts of diarrhoea due to digestive system irregularities rather than infectious agents.
- Medications: It is common for medications to cause diarrhoea. Antibiotics, for example, can alter the balance of gut bacteria, leading to loose stools. Other medications, including cancer treatments, antacids containing magnesium, and certain laxatives, can also contribute to the condition.
In addition, factors such as food allergies or specific digestive disorders may result in chronic or persistent diarrhoea. Learn how food poisoning and stomach infections can ruin your gut and how probiotics can be your ally by watching the video below.
Now that you’ve learned about diarrhoea, let’s see if probiotics can be your trusted partners for combating it!
Can probiotics stop diarrhoea?
If you’ve gone through those uncomfortable episodes of diarrhoea, you might know how difficult it can get. On top of frequent bathroom visits, you have to deal with a general feeling of malaise, where you don't feel like eating or doing anything. Does this condition interrupt your daily life so that you wish to find lasting relief? Though beneficial bacteria in your gut play a significant role, how can probiotics stop diarrhoea? Let's explore the science behind it.
You’re now familiar with the causes of diarrhoea—food poisoning, medications, etc.—but little do you know that they can alter your gut microbiome, which eventually leads to an upset stomach. Here’s where probiotics come to your support. They help restore balance in the gut microbiome by nurturing good bacteria and outcompeting harmful bacteria.
A diverse gut microbiome is essential in creating a buffer against harmful bacteria. When the gut harbours a diverse range of beneficial microbes, it becomes less susceptible to disturbances that can cause diarrhoea. So, the better your gut health, the better you can keep digestive issues at bay.
Even though probiotics can help with diarrhoea, choosing specific strains would prove more beneficial. Let’s break down the most effective probiotic strains for different types of diarrhoea!
Probiotics for different types of diarrhoea
You might think that only food poisoning can lead to diarrhoea, but several other culprits are lurking around. From antibiotic-induced gut disturbances to traveller's diarrhoea, these conditions can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Can probiotics stop diarrhoea in all these cases? Let's explore how specific probiotic strains can target different types of diarrhoea.
Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
Suppose you're battling a nasty infection, and your doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics. While these medications are effective at fighting off harmful bacteria, sometimes they can target a few beneficial ones and disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiota. This disruption can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, characterised by frequent loose stools and abdominal discomfort.
Fortunately, probiotics can help mitigate these side effects. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii are powerful probiotics that can prevent and alleviate symptoms of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. By colonising the gut, they can outcompete harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Traveller's diarrhoea
Travelling can be an exciting adventure—a new place, unique culture, delightful cuisines—but your thrill often vanishes when you return and spend hours in the bathroom, right? Most of you might’ve experienced a case of traveller's diarrhoea after a trip abroad. The unfamiliar food, water, and hygiene practices can expose you to harmful microbes, which can trigger traveller's diarrhoea.
How can probiotics help with traveller’s diarrhoea? Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis are two probiotic strains that can be your travel companions, helping to prevent and treat sensitive gut while travelling. By bolstering your gut microbiota, these probiotics can reduce your susceptibility to foodborne illnesses and help you enjoy your travels without worry.
IBD-related diarrhoea
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause chronic diarrhoea and other debilitating symptoms. While probiotics aren't a cure-all for IBD, they can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have shown promise in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of IBD-related diarrhoea. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting a probiotic supplement for IBD, as individual needs may vary.
Even though probiotics can help with diarrhoea, you must not consider using them without expert guidance. Consulting a healthcare professional before introducing probiotics is essential to ensure they are suitable for your specific health needs and conditions.
Diarrhoea can be a disruptive and uncomfortable experience. However, with the right approach, you can alleviate symptoms and prevent future occurrences. Rest assured, probiotics can stop diarrhoea and make you feel better in no time!
Beyond just addressing diarrhoea, regular probiotic consumption supports your gut, boosts your immune system, and improves your mood. So, get your daily dose of probiotics from The Good Bug. Visit our website for more tips and resources to promote your well-being!
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26447963/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8706888/
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/probiotics-diarrhea
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-for-diarrhea
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/probiotics-for-diarrhea
https://www.cochrane.org/CD003048/INFECTN_do-probiotics-help-treat-acute-infectious-diarrhoea
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/professionals/latest-research/gut-health/probiotics-for-diarrhea
https://www.vinmec.com/eng/article/use-of-probiotics-in-patients-with-diarrhea-en
