What Are The Best Probiotics To Take To Work If I Have An Irritable Stomach?

Suffering from IBS can be unpredictable and frustrating when it happens during working hours. To help manage these uncomfortable feelings and symptoms, probiotics are often suggested to balance out the good bacteria in your gut – but which ones should you take? Fortunately, there is a range of options available that could provide relief for those with an irritable stomach.

Sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) could also find relief through making dietary and lifestyle changes. Keeping a record of food intake as well as any symptoms experienced is an effective way to identify foods that may trigger flare-ups, while natural supplements such as probiotics can also be beneficial in reducing the severity of IBS episodes.

IBS is a hot topic, but it can be confusing to figure out which probiotics are right for you and what type of IBS you have. The Rome criteria categorize different types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome so that patients may find the one most applicable to their symptoms. It is important for our elderly citizens to incorporate probiotics in their diet. I outline some tips and simple recipes in this blog post but I would recommend consulting with your doctor before making any medical decision.

IBS-A – Alternating constipation & diarrhea

Many people with IBS-A (alternating constipation and diarrhea) often find themselves in a difficult situation when it comes to relief. Fortunately, there is now scientific evidence that taking a high-quality daily probiotic supplement can help improve gut health as well as regulate bowel movements, relieve bloating, and reduce abdominal cramps – such as the combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® & Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, which are found in Optibac Probiotics Every Day EXTRA.

Living with IBS can be difficult, but relief may come in the form of probiotics. Two strains – Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07® – have been clinically shown to help improve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Other types of probiotic supplements are also available that could potentially provide beneficial support for those dealing with this condition.

Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2, a probiotic strain found in Optibac Probiotics Adult Gummies, is popular with people who find taking gummy supplements easier. Studies have shown that when taken for eight weeks by adults and children suffering from IBS symptoms it can lead to reduced abdominal pain and increased normal bowel movements – providing relief compared to the placebo group! My co-worker swears by this supplement and it’s certainly worth trying if you’re looking for a convenient way to manage your IBS.

My cousin Amy had been struggling with IBS-A for some time, having to take leave from work due to the pain and discomfort. Thankfully she was able to find relief through a product containing Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (Bifantis). Evidence has shown that taking this supplement over an 8-week period can lead to reduced symptoms such as lessened pain, bloating, constipation, and overall improved well-being. Now she was able to go back to work and live her life as normal. More information can be found on this article, which outlines the clear benefits of Bifidobacterium infantis.

After trying out a special strain of the Lactobacillus plantarum species (L.plantarum Lp299v®), my husband’s IBS-A symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and constipation were dramatically reduced after only four weeks in a clinical trial with 60 other sufferers. Seeing him back to health was incredibly gratifying! 

IBS-U – Unspecified & varying symptoms

Mr. Corbett, our old head teacher, is among the few who suffer from IBS-U (Undefined or Unclassified), a less common form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome that presents with varying and unspecified symptoms such as loose stools and harder stools at different times. It has been linked to diet changes, an imbalance in gut bacteria levels, and the existence of a connection between one’s gut health and mental well-being. This condition can be challenging for those living with it – just ask Mr.Corbett!

It was a challenge for him having to go to work each day and manage his symptoms, but he never gave up! He credits diet modification, probiotics, exercise, and stress reduction as big factors in helping him to mitigate the severity of his symptoms. With the help of a healthcare team and lifestyle changes, Mr. Corbett is now managing his IBS-U much better than before.

If you are suffering from IBS just like Mr.Corbett, it is highly recommended to start taking probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07. After a month of supplementing with these strains, symptoms may begin to improve or become more focused on one symptom in particular. Additionally, keeping an IBS diary can be beneficial for identifying any potential triggers that could worsen your condition.

IBS-D – Diarrhea predominant

Suffering from persistent diarrhea? If so, you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Diarrhea predominant (IBS-D). To help alleviate your symptoms, consider taking Saccharomyces boulardii – one of the highest recommended probiotics for those with IBS-D.

Saccharomyces boulardii, the unique probiotic yeast is one of a kind and has been tested for over 50 years with its efficacy being supported by hospitals across the world – making it an ideal candidate to combat diarrhoea-related issues. Optibac Probiotics have proudly incorporated this strain into their product range so you can enjoy all the benefits that come along with it!

A 2021 review of 42 clinical trials have confirmed that Saccharomyces boulardii is one of the most effective probiotic strains for treating IBS-D, as well as other forms of diarrhea such as those associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), antibiotic-induced diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea. The review found S. boulardii to be beneficial in reducing abdominal pain and frequency of bowel movements among patients suffering from these conditions, making it an ideal choice for healthcare practitioners looking to provide relief through probiotics therapy.

S. boulardii is a beneficial yeast that does not stick around for long in the gut, so it’s wise to take probiotics with friendly bacteria as well for optimal results. My co-worker who also suffers from IBS-D says that OptiBac Probiotics with Saccharomyces boulardii has been a saving grace for her. She takes it religiously every day and has found relief after nearly 2 years of struggling with the condition.

IBS-C – Constipation predominant

Suffering from irregularity and constipation? IBS-C may be the culprit. When it comes to probiotics, two of the most researched strains for this condition are Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® and HN019 – both known to reside in your large intestine where stool is formed. Get back on track with these helpful bacteria!

Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® has been scientifically proven to be a top performer when it comes to digestive health. Studies suggest that this powerful probiotic strain can help reduce constipation symptoms, promote regularity, and improve overall gut health – making it the go-to choice for those looking for superior gastrointestinal support!

Sufferers of IBS-C may be able to find a natural, effective solution for their symptoms by taking probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. Research has demonstrated that this strain can improve intestinal transit time and other common signs associated with the condition without requiring additional prebiotics.

Post-infectious IBS

My friend Andrew is one of the few people who have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) after experiencing an upset stomach. Research has identified several risk factors for developing post-infectious IBS, including a prolonged illness, smoking habits, gender and depression levels as well as any recent traumatic events. He was a smoker and he believed he was exposed to a serious infection due to smoking, which triggered his IBS.

My friend Andrew found himself struggling with an infectious illness but was able to take control of his symptoms by supplementing his health regimen with Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic yeast and other general probiotics. He also made lifestyle modifications such as eating a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and avoiding trigger foods that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort – all key strategies for managing IBS.

It is clear that there are many different ways to manage IBS depending on the type of condition and its severity. While no one solution works for everyone, supplementing with probiotics, making lifestyle changes, and avoiding trigger foods can be beneficial in managing symptoms effectively. If you or someone you know suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it may be worth exploring these strategies as part of an overall health regimen – after all, we only get one body! With the right approach and a bit of patience, living with IBS can become much more manageable.