The Best Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Author:
Katie Adams
Updated:
Aug 8, 2022 9:20 PM EDT

Do You Have IBS?

For many years "irritable bowel syndrome" has been a catch-all diagnosis for intestinal symptoms that seemed to have no medical explanation. As more and more people become afflicted, IBS is coming to be recognized more as a product of lifestyle and diet factors. Things that contribute to IBS include:

Eating a diet full of processed and genetically modified foods
Consuming formula instead of breast milk as an infant
A predominance of high fructose corn syrup in convenience foods
The use of antibiotics to treat infection

These factors (and others) can damage the lining of the intestines while creating a significant imbalance in intestinal bacteria. When the wrong bacteria dominate, IBS symptoms appear. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:

Flatulence
Bloating
Abdominal pain/cramping
Irregular bowel movements—alternating diarrhea and constipation, multiple bowel movements per day, broad variation in stool formation, mucus in the stools, and/or the feeling that a bowel movement is incomplete.
Nausea
Other symptoms

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are a dietary supplement containing live microorganisms (bacteria) that are beneficial to the gut and the digestive process. They can be taken in pill form, but some probiotics can be found in fermented foods as well.

There is evidence that probiotics are beneficial to the body for many health conditions, not just for intestinal problems; this is because probiotics strengthen the immune system and fight off problem-causing bacteria.

Not all probiotics are beneficial for IBS patients.

Which Probiotics Can Help IBS?

Bifidobacterium has, by far, shown the most promising results in treating IBS. According to MedScape and PubMed, studies done on all of the below strains offer promising conclusions:

Bifidobacterium bifidum: 47% of people in a trial of this bacteria reported an improvement in IBS symptoms.
Bifidobacterium infantis (B. Infantis, Bifantis): Reduces inflammation in the gut and is shown to improve symptoms such as abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating/distention, and bowel movement difficulty.
Bifidobacterium lactis: Shown to lower stress-related IBS symptoms, including gut sensitivity and permeability.

Other probiotic strains that benefit IBS patients:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: Shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of abdominal pain in children with IBS.
Lactobacillus plantarum: Provides effective symptom relief from abdominal pain and bloating.
Lactobacillus brevis: May reduce the frequency of abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Bacillus coagulans: Significantly improved abdominal pain and bloating in patients with IBS.

Probiotic Products to Consider for IBS

Enzymatic Therapy Pearls IC: This product contains 4 strains of Bifidobacterium and 2 strains of acidophilus.
Nature's Way Primadophilus Bifidus: This product contains 2 strains of bifidobacterium and 2 strains of acidophilus.
Align: This product contains only Bifidobacterium infantis, so it may be a good place to start if you've never taken probiotics before.

Ease your way into taking these, as they can cause an increase in gas and bloating until your body adjusts. But it's worth the trouble! If the package says to take two a day, start with one a day. If you are supposed to take one a day, take one every other day to start. Once symptoms subside, increase to the full dosage.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.