Do you have or know someone who has Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)? Have you wondered if probiotics could help?
What are the benefits of probiotics?
Probiotics is the name that has been given to “friendly” bacteria that live in your intestines. Studies have shown that people with IBD often have unbalanced “flora” (bacteria) in their gut. Having healthy bacteria in your gut may help with immune modulation and reduce inflammation. Both of these are concerns for those suffering with IBD, such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). While studies have been mixed as to how beneficial probiotics are for IBD, there seems to be a little more evidence that it may help UC. However, more studies are being done and need to be done on the subject. According to one well-regarded theory, the cause of IBD results from an unbalanced microbiome in the gut. This theory implies that the use of probiotics may help rebalance the gut flora in a positive way, causing it to shift from creating inflammation to anti-inflammatory.
Which probiotics help with IBD?
I am going to list a couple probiotics that are both available in the United States and have been researched.
VSL-3
This is a mixture of probiotics, including: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium brevis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Streptococcus salivarius.
In studies, this preparation of probiotics induced faster remission for UC patients when combined with medical therapy, than medical therapy alone. It also reduce the risk of relapse. The only drawback to this preparation seems to be that it is more costly that other probiotics.
Saccharomyces boulardii
This is a plant-derived yeast that has multiple anti-inflammatory effects. In studies, it helped protect the gut mucosa from inflammation. It has been shown to be beneficial for both CD and UC. A study found that 68% of those took 250 mg, 3 times a day achieved remission within 4 weeks. It also helps patients with CD reduce the frequency of diarrhea and the frequency of relapse.
VSL-3
This is a mixture of probiotics, including: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium brevis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Streptococcus salivarius.
In studies, this preparation of probiotics induced faster remission for UC patients when combined with medical therapy, than medical therapy alone. It also reduce the risk of relapse. The only drawback to this preparation seems to be that it is more costly that other probiotics.
Saccharomyces boulardii
This is a plant-derived yeast that has multiple anti-inflammatory effects. In studies, it helped protect the gut mucosa from inflammation. It has been shown to be beneficial for both CD and UC. A study found that 68% of those took 250 mg, 3 times a day achieved remission within 4 weeks. It also helps patients with CD reduce the frequency of diarrhea and the frequency of relapse.
How can I take it?
You can get probiotics through food sources such as yogurt, kefir, etc. Or the capsule form. Capsules can be more effective at supplying more probiotics.
What should I look for?
Check the strain used in the product, especially if you are looking for specific health benefits, such as helping manage IBD. Also, check the amount of the bacteria in a serving. You can also check out the website of the probiotic manufacturer. They will often have information on the quality of their product as well is research supporting its health benefits.
Have you tried probiotics? They are generally considered to be safe as long as your immune system is not severly compromised. They are beneficial for most people, not just those with IBD. Share your probiotic story with me!
If you are interested in getting some health coaching to learn how to integrate more complementary therapies into your health management plan, contact me today for a FREE Discovery Session!
If you are interested in getting some health coaching to learn how to integrate more complementary therapies into your health management plan, contact me today for a FREE Discovery Session!
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