Using probiotics to ease IBS symptoms

Suffering from IBS? Post your history, experience, comments and/or suggestions
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Shifrah
Posts: 363
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:28 pm

Post by Shifrah » Sat Jun 06, 2009 4:24 pm

I used this for a recent dentist appointment and it seemed to work well:

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I actually took a couple of Imodium AD along with it for good measure just to make sure that there was the least possibility of a sudden urge.

There are a lot of other ones on the market, such as "Align" which is also a probiotic althought it's pretty pricey

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I find that these would be great to use before something like a long drive, or where you might be confined for a period of time. These can also be taken on a daily basis if you have more severe symptoms, mine usually happen based on the occasional dietary indiscretion and confinement though, so I could probably plan it out a little more.

Another issue for me that goes hand and hand with this is overactive bladder, since I eat a lot of water rich fresh plant foods it can happen when I'm not anxious or confined but also any kind of anxiety would trigger it.

The answer to this is not to drink anything and have very little to eat before knowing I'll be confined. This may backfire with dehydration but I can still "sip" water or take a few grapes with me so that I won't be completely dehydrated.

I think the idea here is to get control over anxiety and the sudden urges to find a restroom that go with it.

Once those urges due to anxiety are no longer there with "a little help from our friends" we can gradually reduce or eliminate the use of these aids and supplements.
Shif.

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.

Guest

Post by Guest » Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:37 am

Actually, I've been taking these Jamieson brand probiotic sticks (they are filled with a plum flavoured powder). I have to say, I've noticed a difference! When I am confronted with something stressful, I get a horrible sharp pain in my lower abdomen. It passes fairly soon, but it's very severe. I also tend to get diarrhea when I'm stressed. But I have to say I haven't noticed many symptoms of this lately. Ok, the truth is that the program is working well for me and my anxiety is also reduced, but I do think that the probiotics are part of the improvement in my bowel problems. Oh, and they also really reduce gas.

I'm also eating a cup of probiotic yogurt almost every day, so I guess I'm getting a double dose.

I know they do work for more than just anxiety. I have a little cat who was terribly injured and starved in his first few weeks, and he's had lifelong bowel problems too. I've put him on food with probiotics and I've noticed a big improvement. I'm pretty sure with him it's not just placebo effect because it's not like he knows :)

I'm also taking a LOT of chewable vitamin C, and a single vitamin D pill a day. I think it's helping out. I've been housebound for years so my vitamin D is probably VERY low. I read about the problems this can cause, so I figured I'd better start supplementing. I'm feeling very good so far.

B12 strips are the other vitamin I've added to my diet.

Guest

Post by Guest » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:15 pm

Hello Everyone:

I am 53 years old and I have had the worst case Of IBS one could ever imagine, I was to the point I was afraid to leave the house. Never knowing when a "D" attack would happen.

I am now "normal"!!!! WOW!! Does it feel GREAT!
In the past I had tried everything with little to no help. Over 5 months ago I started taking a probiotic called ALIGN... Oh My God That was a wonder drug for me. Not one single D attack in 5 months. I go out to dinner now..I would have never have done that in the past knowing that I would probably not make the ride back home. I personally recommend ALIGN to anyone with IBS!!!! The only thing , it's a little pricey. About $30.00 for a month supply. Hey I would buy it at any price. It does take a couple weeks to really start working 100%.

I sure hope this helps some of you?
my email is concertroadie@yahoo.com Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have, I would like to help you, I know how it is(was).

Good luck and god bless,
Jim

Guest

Post by Guest » Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:51 am

While probiotics may help for some individuals with their IBS symptoms, it cannot be expected to help everyone. Using probiotics as a broad-spectrum treatment is simply ineffective. While unwanted microbial growth in the intestines can lead to some of these symptoms, there is also a chance that IBS symptoms may arise from infection by bacteria, yeast, or paramecia, or as a result of food allergies. In these cases, other treatments are needed to correct the problem. Each case of IBS is unique to the individual, and a "broad spectrum" treatment cannot be expected to work on everyone who is suffering from IBS symptoms. I would highly recommend reading through some of the research at the non-profit Innate Health Foundation (www.innatehealthfoundation.org), as well as check out www.IBStreatmentcenter.com for some valuable information.

Guest

Post by Guest » Thu Dec 03, 2009 3:04 pm

I believe probiotics have their place. As Shifrah mentioned, they are good to use for certain situations. I will use them every now and then, and going through this program program has helped just as much, if not more.

Guest

Post by Guest » Fri Dec 04, 2009 2:28 pm

Hi Leigh that powder sounds pretty good, I'm going to look for it next time I'm at the health food store.

Jimmy that is great about the Align working. I wanted to try it so badly but the price did turn me off. There are so many beneficial bacteria out there - so I'm glad that there are several options available!

kathryn sorry you feel that way about probiotics, and you are certainly entitled to your opinion. I don't use them every day myself, but it's obvious just from the feeback here that THEY WORK for many people. And when someone needs to use something for controlling debilitating diarrhea, probiotics work great. So for us, they are not "simply ineffective".

Tic Tac I agree with you, I haven't had an 'episode' in such a long time since going through the program, I know the mind-body connection is so strong, with me at least, and being more relaxed in my usual high-stress situations is wonderful. I recently had to go to a dentist for some work that lasted over an hour and didn't have any issues at all.

braveironwill
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 7:59 am

Re: Using probiotics to ease IBS symptoms

Post by braveironwill » Tue Sep 27, 2011 8:34 am

I'm very sensitive and my body can't tolerate a lot of things. I do a lot of research. I think certain things work for certain people its a matter of finding what works for you. I tried Align and I didn't notice any difference. I have tried quite a few things and the ONLY one I have found that works for me is by Rainbow Light. [http://www.rainbowlight.com/Categories. ... d5b50285a7] It's not very expensive. I have to take 1 with EACH meal I eat or I have a hard time with my IBS. One thing I tell people is to look at in looking for a product is the ingredients. Its 100% natural, and is great for persons with allergies to gluten, eggs, dairy, etc. There is a LOT I can't eat and things I won't eat which helps me. I also take Reliv- www.reliv.com - I take the Classic and Fibrestor. This I have found is really helpful especially with the immune system. I haven't been sick with a cold or flu in 3 years! Another thing I'm really excited about is LifeWave - www.lifewave.com which has helped me as well especially with my anxiety and sleeping and I use that in conjunction with StressCenter program. I couldn't eat without the probiotics no thanks to a quack holistic doctor. That's another entry. I've been dealing with IBS for 20 years now to where I'm agoraphobic. I just started StressCenter a month ago now and its helping me along with the above. Remember, not all probiotics are the same. Hope it helps.

ariel2477
Posts: 27
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 2:36 pm

Re: Using probiotics to ease IBS symptoms

Post by ariel2477 » Sun Apr 29, 2012 1:23 am

i was told also by a herbalist to take probiodics she suggested the brand called PB 8 that is P as in petunia and B as in butter and the number 8 as it looks like the might not be clear in the typing it also can or can not be refrigerated.
which is good so i can take it where ever i go.. she suggested taking 1 if i had a light meal and increase depending on the kind of meal a heavy meal she suggested 3 tablets.. it definitely does help.

coachchris
Posts: 757
Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2012 2:34 pm

Re: Using probiotics to ease IBS symptoms

Post by coachchris » Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:15 pm

"You have “gut feelings” because the GI tract is loaded with neuron cells that release the same neurotransmitters found in your brain: serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and nor-epinephrine. Greater than 70% of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut, not in the brain!

Anything irritating or harmful in the GI tract will send a message through its nervous system contributing to you feeling irritated, angry, anxious, or depressed. On the other hand, substances that are nourishing, calming, soothing and healing to the gut will help you feel calm, relaxed and happy. The GI tract also responds to external stressors and our own emotional states. When you have a “gut feeling,” pay attention!

In addition to neurotransmitters, 80% percent of our immune system cells line the gastrointestinal tract, creating a protective, impermeable barrier. Damage by unhealthy bacteria, viruses, parasites, alcohol, caffeine, excess sugar, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, as well as many food substances (of which we are unaware), will activate the stress and immune response mechanisms in the body."

See more at http://christensencenter.com/GutFeelings.html

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