Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common chronic intestinal disorder manifested by an array of symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and gas and bloating.  In the past we have used a combination of drugs to treat the symptoms, at times with limited success.  Probiotics are a new modality that may prove to be beneficial in the treatment of these symptoms. Probiotics are a common dietary supplement containing good bacteria that normally live in the gastrointestinal tract.

 Intestinal Flora
You may be surprised to find that your gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is colonized with numerous strains of bacteria.  Over one trillion microorganisms and 500 species live inside your body. This process starts at birth.  The “good bacteria” that we acquire as we grow helps us maintain a healthy GI tract.  The bacteria perform important functions such as digesting foods, producing vitamins, developing our immune response, regulating gut development and preventing attachment of pathogenic or “bad bacteria” to the intestinal lining.  Bad and good bacteria form a delicate balance.  This balance is affected by changes in the GI tract that are brought on by infections, stress, surgery and antibiotic therapy.  When the scale is tipped in favor of an overgrowth of “bad bacteria”, intestinal symptoms may develop. 

Probiotics
Probiotics were first discovered by Pastuer in the 1800s and have been used for general health purposes for many years.  Many Europeans eat foods containing probiotics such as fermented milk and yogurts.  In more recent years, researchers have found probiotics beneficial in treating infectious diarrhea, IBS, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea, antibiotic associated diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea.

Probiotics have been studied in the treatment of post-infectious IBS.  Studies have indicated a link between infectious gastroenteritis and development of IBS.  In this group of patients, there appears to be chronic inflammation in the lining of the GI tract.  Probiotics have been used to help restore a normal immune response and rebuild the barrier that good bacteria naturally provide.

Probiotics are found in health food stores and pharmacies.  They can be purchased without a prescription.  Probiotics are dietary supplements and are not regulated like medications.  The manufacturer is responsible for making sure they are safe. They have limited side effects but may cause abdominal discomfort or bloating. Not all strains of bacteria are useful, so consult your health care provider to discuss using probiotics.