Harnessing Nature’s Power: How Probiotics Can Help Heal Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Other Gastrointestinal Disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can be debilitating and impact a person’s quality of life in significant ways. Traditional treatment methods range from medications to invasive surgical procedures, but there may be a more natural way to help manage these diseases through probiotics.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are found in certain foods, supplements, and within our bodies. While we often associate bacteria with illness, not all bacteria are harmful. In fact, some bacteria are beneficial to our health, and these bacteria are what probiotics contain.
Probiotic bacteria are similar to the bacteria that naturally reside within our digestive tracts. Some of the most common strains of probiotics include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
How Do Probiotics Help With IBD and Other GI Disorders?
Probiotics work by enhancing the balance of good and bad bacteria within the gut. When there is an imbalance of bacteria, it’s referred to as dysbiosis, and it can lead to inflammation and other issues within the gut.
Studies show that probiotics can help reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with IBD and other GI disorders.
IBD includes two main conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both of these conditions involve inflammation of the digestive tract, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
Research has found that probiotics can help reduce inflammation in people with IBD. For example, the strain Bifidobacterium longum was found to help decrease inflammation in individuals with ulcerative colitis.
Probiotics may also be beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, some studies suggest that an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines may be a contributing factor.
Probiotics can help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, which may alleviate some symptoms of IBS. A study found that the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium infantis helped improve symptoms in individuals with IBS.
Which Probiotics Should You Take?
There are many different strains of probiotics, and not all of them are created equal. When choosing a probiotic supplement, it’s important to consider the strain and dosage.
Many probiotic supplements contain a combination of different strains, which may be more beneficial than taking a supplement with just one strain. Additionally, the dosage of the probiotic supplement is important. While some supplements may contain billions of CFUs (colony-forming units), this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more effective.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting a probiotic supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications. Your doctor can help you determine which strains and dosages may be most beneficial for your specific condition.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feed the good bacteria in the gut. While probiotics contain live bacteria, prebiotics act as food for those bacteria.
Consuming a diet rich in prebiotic fibers, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Additionally, some probiotic supplements contain prebiotics to enhance their effectiveness. These supplements are referred to as synbiotics.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics are a natural way to support digestive health and may be beneficial for individuals with IBD, IBS, and other GI disorders. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality supplement that contains beneficial strains of bacteria and to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
Additionally, consuming a diet rich in prebiotic fibers can help support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
If you’re struggling with gut-related health concerns, probiotics may be worth exploring as part of your treatment plan
