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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Do probiotics help with irritable bowel syndrome?

    Related Topics
    Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    I was recommended inner plus but would like to know if it has any beneficial effects on IBS?
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    Lyn Christian

    Nutritionist

    As a Naturopath and Nutritionist I am passionate about the promotion of health using functional foods to correct nutrient imbalances.All health conditions need to be … View Profile

    Whilst the causes of IBS may be  multifactorial, scientific trials are providing evidence that that the balance of gut microflora plays a key role in managing the condition. It is thought that IBS may be caused when the “bad” bacteria in the intestine starts to dominate, producing excessive gas and resulting in inflammation.
    Results published in the Journal of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics refer to clinical trials of specific Probiotic strains which have positive effects on IBS symptoms. An evidence-based blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL21 & CUL60 strains), Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL20 strain) and B. lactis (CUL34 strain) had given IBS sufferers significantly greater improvement in the Symptom Severity Score of IBS and in scores for Quality of Life, Days with Pain, and Satisfaction with Bowel Habit which was observed over an eight week period compared with placebo.
    Clinical trials have also found the 299v strain of Lactobacillus plantarum, as in Inner Health Plus, to have remarkably quick effective ability resolving IBD pain and symptoms.

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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    As Lyn has stated above, probiotics can help in the mangement of IBS in particular probiotics such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. However, introduction of these probiotics is needed for at least 4 weeks to see any changes (if any). Symptoms of IBS definately depends on the individual and everyone may respond differently.

    In the meantime, avoiding foods that could trigger symptoms of IBS such as constipation, diarrhoea, gas, cramping and bloating may be helpful. Potential irritants include caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, high fat foods, fizzy drinks, and artificial sweeteners. You may like to try a low FODMAP diet and see if that can help.

    For more “expert” advice on IBS and how to manage it, speak to your local Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). You can find one near you by logging onto www.daa.asn.au

    You may find the following link helpful: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/NICEBDAIrritableBowelSyndromeDietaryInformationResourcev2.pdf 

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    Arlene Normand

    Dietitian

    Arlene is a registered practising dietitian, with a private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and has built a strong business over the last … View Profile

    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is among the most common intestinal maladies and one of the most difficult to treat. No single remedy works for everybody, and there are few drugs created exclusively for IBS symptoms, which include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, and/or constipation.
     
    Unfortunately, the research on the effectiveness of probiotics for IBS has a long way to go before any firm conclusions can be made. Studies to date have used a variety of strains and formulas, so it is difficult to make comparisons. Small sample size and a difficulty in ruling out the effects of placebo are other limitations in the quality of the current body of literature on the subject.
     
    That said, although results have been mixed, most studies have shown a positive effect of probiotics on the variety of symptoms that make up IBS. More importantly, studies have not shown any negative effect on IBS symptoms from taking probiotics.
     
    The Bottom Line
    With the hope of a positive benefit, and minimal risk of side effects, probiotics may well be worth trying for your IBS. Stress and anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms. Behavioral therapy can help you cope with these feelings and hopefully reduce some IBS symptoms.

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    Lyn Christian

    Nutritionist

    As a Naturopath and Nutritionist I am passionate about the promotion of health using functional foods to correct nutrient imbalances.All health conditions need to be … View Profile

    Hi Lane
    Thank you for sharing your personal experience with Probiotics. If you would like to try a local brand-The Bioceuticals UltraBiotic 45 is similar to the Dr. Mercola and can be bought at good Health food stores.Remember that even though some probiotics stae that they don't require refrigeration, if you read the small print it will state “refigeration recommended” .

    Bioceuticals UltraBiotic 45
    Each capsule contains:Lactobacillus rhamnosus15.55 billion CFU*Lactobacillus casei9.45 billion CFULactobacillus acidophilus7.4 billion CFULactobacillus plantarum3.15 billion CFULactobacillus fermentum1.35 billion CFUBifidobacterium lactis4.05 billion CFUBifidobacterium breve1.35 billion CFUBifidobacterium bifidum450 million CFUStreptococcus thermophilus2.25 billion CFU 

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  • lane

    HealthShare Member

    Hi Lyn, Thankyou for the recommendation. I will make sure I keep them in the fridge when possible & I'll look out for that probiotic.

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    Ein Wieligmans

    HealthShare Member

    Hi i have same problem like you do . My stomach is bloathed like i cant empty my bowels , cramping & feel so insecurity .
    are you sure Dr mercola Probiotics helps?
    i cant feel anything just because my belly is stomach as always … 
    Please tell me any other medicine/ vitamin expect Dr mercola ? 
    Hearing from u soon

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