Probiotic supplements have gained popularity as a way to improve digestion and overall health.
Some people swear by them, taking them daily.
“How probiotics work isn’t entirely understood,” said Jenell Bushong, a Marshfield Clinic gastroenterology nurse practitioner. However, there is evidence they improve symptoms of gastrointestinal illnesses and help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria even if you aren’t sick.
Healthy people don’t need to take probiotic supplements daily, but doing so probably is safe since they have few reported side effects.
What do probiotics do?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria found naturally in the body, in yogurt and dietary supplements.
They have three main digestive health benefits:
- Add billions of good bacteria to the gut to restore balance between good and bad bacteria. This helps the digestive system work like it should.
- Strengthen the digestive tract’s lining, which prevents bacteria from sticking to the gut.
- Provide a barrier to shield the body from bad bacteria.
Probiotics for medical conditions
Research-based evidence shows probiotics help prevent pouchitis. Pouchitis is swelling of a pouch that is surgically created when the large intestine and rectum are removed. It usually affects people who have ulcerative colitis.
More research is needed to prove probiotics help other digestive problems.
“Despite this, probiotics are widely recommended because they are well-tolerated and pose little risk,” Bushong said.
They are recommended to improve symptoms of gastrointestinal illnesses including:
- Infectious diarrhea
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
They also prevent diarrhea sometimes caused by antibiotics, which kill both bad bacteria and good bacteria that help with digestion.
Daily probiotics are safe
The decision to take a daily probiotic is up to you. Consider this: They may improve your digestive health even if you don’t have problems and there are few reported side effects.
“In general, they’re thought to be safe,” Bushong said.
Exercise, hydration, balanced diet and quitting smoking also will improve digestive health.
What is the best probiotic out there for a 59 yr old female who suffers from intermittent IBS?
Hi, Kathleen. We can't provide individualized medical advice on this forum. However, one of our team members (John) talked to Jenell about probiotics in general, and she said overall "We prefer refrigerated probiotics. They have more active 'live cultures.'"
I would suggest talking to your doctor or a gastroenterologist about your specific concerns to address your age and intermittent IBS. Online appointments can be requested here: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/appointments
Thanks for reading. -Kirstie
I was encouraged by a nurse to drink kefir. I drink some once a day. Does anyone know what is a recommended amount? Also, I've had trouble with diarrhea recently, and am wondering whether it could be caused by the flax seed in some cereals. Anyone out there have a similar issue? Finally – this might help someone: I know I have to avoid canola oil since it does indeed cause diarrhea for me. I have to read labels a lot, because it is everywhere – soups, baked goods, brand-name cereals.
Lot's of good discussion here. I forwarded your comments to Jenell. She adds, "We prefer refrigerated probiotics and they have more active “live cultures.”".
UP4 Probiotics are the best and are made in Wausau, Wisconsin! You can buy them at Target, at health food stores, or online!
http://up4probiotics.com
I am wondering which probiotic would be good to take, I'm 57.
If one already has irritable bowel with diarrhea, has tried some probiotics that made the symptoms worse, is there a probiotic that might work to improve bowel function without gut pain? Currently I am using Alosetron which mostly works, but it seems to be helping less and less especially with gut pain.
I started taking probiotics daily to help with my acid reflex and stomach issues. Wow did a wonderful job it did for me! It also helped me with my stomach bloating and keeping my stools more regular. Last winter was the first winter I didn't get any colds or my annual respiratory infection and wondering why???
Is there a recommended brand for a 36 year old female who has a stressful job?
Check out Probiotics American
There is a very reliable brand called Florijen distributed by a company in Madison, WI. The company name is American Lifeline.
which probiotics should I buy—brand etc.?
wondering which probiotics are the best?
Hi, Karen. There seems to be a lot of recommendations from our readers in the above comments.
We can't provide individualized medical advice on this forum. However, one of our team members (John) talked to Jenell about probiotics in general, and she said overall "We prefer refrigerated probiotics. They have more active 'live cultures.'" -Kirstie