Melbourne Holistic Health Group

Published in Articles - Digestive Health on 31 October 2011 by Melbourne Holistic Health Group

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that live in the digestive tract. They are live organisms that are believed to cause no harm and result in health benefits for the host in whom they live. There are several different strains that live in our digestive tracts.

Altered gut bacteria and alteration in the gut immune system (in which the bacteria play an important role) may contribute to the development or severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is thought that the imbalance in gut bacteria is associated with a mild inflammatory state, poor assimilation of nutrients and the formation of gas in the large bowel which causes flatulence. Most reviews of the scientific research show that probiotics are beneficial for IBS symptoms, abdominal pain and digestive wind (flatulence). More recently the research shows that specific strains of friendly bacteria can improve symptoms more effectively. Treatments using specific strains of probiotics have been shown to improve the symptoms of IBS and quality of life; to improve the likelihood of satisfactory bowel habits; and to reduce the amount of abdominal pain.
Speak to your naturopath about which probiotics may be beneficial for the management of IBS. Quality and strength of available products also vary. Often practitioner prescribed formulas are superior. 

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