{"id":2926,"date":"2022-04-19T08:39:40","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T08:39:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theguthealthclinic.com\/?p=2926"},"modified":"2024-10-11T11:55:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T10:55:30","slug":"probiotics-for-ibs-irritable-bowel-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theguthealthdoctor.com\/probiotics-for-ibs-irritable-bowel-syndrome","title":{"rendered":"Probiotics for IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Probiotics has become a bit of a buzzword as of late – they\u2019re advertised and sold everywhere with claims to improve various conditions or for general gut health. But what are they, and should you use them in IBS?\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What are probiotics?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Probiotics are live microorganisms, which include bacteria and yeast. They have a positive effect within the large intestine to improve your health or reduce gut symptoms. This means that if you are adding them into your diet (through tablets, sachets or fermented foods), they must survive your entire gut: passing your acidic stomach and the length of your (incredibly long!) small intestine in order to reach your large intestine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are a number of enteric-coated tablets and sachets which we know can reach the large intestine, although some have far more evidence and research behind them than others. A quick google search will show you a dizzying array of combinations and formulas!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How do they work?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are a number of mechanisms that occur, many of them poorly understood. What we do know is that probiotics can increase the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA\u2019s) which are the beneficial byproducts (also known as postbiotics!) which are responsible for the positive response within the gut. Note that postbiotic supplements have not been shown to be beneficial so save you money on these.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Probiotics can alter gut motility (hence helping with constipation or loose stools) and there is some really exciting research into psychobiotics, which have been shown to positively influence the gut:brain axis and mood (although not as a standalone treatment!)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are probiotics helpful in IBS?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Whilst there are no official guidelines for recommending specific strains for IBS management, there is good evidence that probiotics can be beneficial for some people with IBS, and the British Society of Gastroenterology suggests they may be tried as first-line treatment (1<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

HOWEVER it\u2019s important to note that we all have very different guts and the probiotics which may benefit one person may not benefit another. In our clinic we can recommend probiotics based on your specific symptoms or IBS subtype, as well as considering your current diet and lifestyle.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re keen to take a probiotic for your IBS you may benefit from choosing a multistrain brand which includes specific strains to suit your symptoms:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n