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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common health condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are living microorganisms that are present in the gut and have some potential benefits. Probiotic supplements may help improve symptoms in some people with IBS.
Studies show that IBS affects up to
In a
This article examines the science behind probiotics and presents some options for people with IBS.
Quick links
Probiotics could be a helpful addition to treatment for some individuals with IBS. However, it is unclear how probiotics can treat this condition.
For instance, a
The authors of a
However, there is also evidence that taking low doses of single-strain probiotics for shorter periods is most effective.
Another
A
It is important to note that more research is needed to determine the most effective dose, length of treatment, and strains of probiotics for IBS.
The evidence is still accumulating, and more research is necessary to provide clear answers. However, probiotics appear to be helpful for IBS symptoms, such as:
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- diarrhea
- bacterial imbalance
Probiotics are live bacteria
The strain and type of a probiotic can determine the health benefits that it can offer.
In addition to the strain and type of a probiotic, a person may want to know whether a product:
- has earned the trust of healthcare professionals, such as dietitians
- has a sufficient number of colony-forming units (CFUs), which indicates the number of viable bacteria per dose
- contains strains that are likely to benefit the person’s specific symptoms
The minimum recommended effective daily dose is between
Probiotics are vulnerable to temperature change and storage time, and therefore, many may no longer be viable by the time a person purchases a product.
The
People with allergies or food sensitivities should check probiotic labels for ingredients that could cause an undesirable reaction.
The following products are probiotic supplements. None are clinically proven to benefit individuals with IBS. People may wish to research alternative brands and products to find ones that suit their needs and preferences best.
A healthcare professional can offer advice on whether a probiotic is suitable for someone with IBS and which options are best.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics
These probiotics include 16 strains, substrains, prebiotics, and over 50 billion CFUs.
The product is vegan and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMO), soy, gluten, or artificial ingredients. Also, it comes with a 90-day money back guarantee.
However, it is frequently out of stock.
This product costs $49.95 for a 1-month supply, $43.99 per bottle for a 3-month supply, and $37.99 per bottle for a 6-month supply.
1MD Nutrition Complete Probiotics
This supplement includes 11 strains, substrains, prebiotics, and over 50 billion CFUs.
All ingredients are natural and vegan, and the product is free from dairy, gluten, soy, preservatives, and GMOs. Moreover, the manufacturer offers a 90-day money back guarantee.
However, the supplement does not list the CFU count, and it comes with a limited 30-day return policy.
The cost of these probiotics is $40.99 for a 1-month supply, and $35.99 per bottle for a 3-month supply.
60 Billion Probiotics by Physician’s Choice
This supplement includes 10 probiotic strains and 60 billion CFUs.
It has high consumer ratings for effectiveness, but it does not include any clinically studied substrains.
A 1-month supply of this supplement costs $23.95.
Align Probiotic 24/7 Digestive Support
This supplement includes one probiotic strain and prebiotics. It has 5 billion CFUs and contains no gluten.
The product has high consumer ratings for effectiveness, and doctors recommend it. The company also offers a money back guarantee.
However, it has a low number of probiotic strains.
The supplement costs around $27.99 for 28 capsules, although prices vary among retailers.
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
This supplement includes one probiotic strain and 10 billion live cultures.
It also has high ratings from consumers, although it does not list CFUs in its formula.
The product costs around $18.49 for a 1-month supply.
Enjoy 20% off with code “guthealth”.
There are other options available for treating IBS.
For example, people reluctant to try probiotic supplements could try eating probiotic-rich foods, such as:
Individuals with IBS might also
People with IBS usually receive treatment from gastroenterologists. These specialists can develop a
Some treatment plans include antibiotics, muscle relaxers, or antidepressants.
Moreover, some research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy may help treat people with IBS.
Anyone experiencing IBS symptoms should consult a healthcare professional before taking probiotics, changing their dietary habits, or starting any other treatment for IBS.
Probiotics are live bacteria similar to those present in the gut. Introducing these bacteria into the gut can balance the ratio of good and bad bacteria to improve digestion and minimize abdominal upset and discomfort.
Clinical research suggests that probiotics may help manage more severe IBS symptoms. However, more research is necessary to determine the right type, dose, and duration of probiotic treatment for people with IBS.