Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects up to 20% of the world’s population. It’s an uncomfortable and inconvenient condition that greatly affects your quality of life. There’s no cure for IBS just yet, but if you’re after something to alleviate your systems and help you get back on track then specific probiotics for IBS may be exactly what you’re looking for.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are groups of beneficial bacteria, yeast and microorganisms that live in your small and large intestines. You might think that bacteria would be a bad thing (and you definitely have nasty bacteria in your body) but so long as there’s a good balance between the good and evil bacteria, your gut will be healthy. Within your gut you can have over 400 species of probiotics and more than 300 trillion good and bad bacteria floating around together.
Some of the bodily functions probiotics assist with include:
- Helping to manage symptoms of various conditions/infections like IBS, infectious diarrhea and eczema
- Producing vitamins A, K and B1
- Responsible for 70% of the body’s immune response
- Defence against bad bacteria
- Controlling hormones in women
- Maintaining urinary and vaginal health
Probiotics can be found and consumed naturally in foods like pickles, kimchi, yoghurt and many fermented drinks. These may not be stocked in your pantry usually so you can also get your probiotic hit through supplements.
Whilst you may not have probiotic-rich foods in your kitchen, you most definitely have prebiotic foods. Bananas, garlic, onions, oats, asparagus and more all contain indigestible fibres called prebiotics that are used as fuel for your probiotics. So if you’re wanting to give your probiotics the best chance at boosting your gut health and reducing IBS symptoms, get some prebiotics into your diet.
How do probiotics help with IBS?
First we need to understand IBS. If you’re reading this article it’s likely you already understand what this condition entails, but for those who don’t, here are the symptoms to look out for:
- Bloating
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Either constipation or diarrhea (can experience both)
- Nausea
- Mucus in stools
- Bowels not feeling empty after going to the toilet
One in five people will experience IBS at some point in their lives, with women being affected 2-3 times more than men according to this research article. Despite these numbers, the exact cause of this common condition remains unknown. Triggers can include stress, food allergies, low fibre diets with lots of sugar or even spicy food, some medications and infections such as gastroenteritis.
Here are some awesome ways that probiotics can help ease the symptoms of IBS:
- Creating a barrier of mucus in the intestines to lower sensitivity and prevent then from becoming irritated as easily.
- Naturally boosting immune function, acting as an anti-inflammatory agent in the the gut to discourage IBS symptoms.
- Decrease the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Clostridium that are commonly found in high numbers in people who suffer from IBS.
- Balancing gut flora which reduces bloating, gas and therefore cramping.
Be sure to consult your doctor before starting use of probiotics for your IBS, they will be able to give you recommendations on products for your specific needs and double check that it won’t exacerbate any pre-existing medical conditions.
Tips and tricks for purchasing probiotics
- Get the right amount of colony forming units (CFU’s) for your body. Start out low around 10 billion CFU’s and once your body is used to it, get a product with as many CFU’s as possible.
- Get the right probiotic strains for your IBS, generally Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria will fight off IBS-causing bacteria as mentioned in this medical article.
- Make sure there’s a coating on your capsules to protect them from being killed by your stomach acid.
- Purchase the product with the furthest expiry date and make sure it’s been refrigerated at the chemist (if necessary).
- Read the label carefully and make sure there are no triggers for your IBS in the product. Bonus tip: Look for a product with extra vitamins and no fillers.
- Get a product with prebiotics included
- Aim for one tablet daily as the recommended dose to keep it nice and easy.
Will I notice changes immediately?
When trying new products, it’s always healthy to keep in mind that you probably haven’t found a miracle cure. But that’s not to say you won’t notice awesome results in a short period of time. Issues like bloating, cramping and gas can even be alleviated within the first couple hours of taking your probiotics. Generally though, you should expect to see more major changes around the two week mark.
Factors like a poor diet, not getting enough exercise, medications that make your body more acidic, getting the wrong strains or a low quality probiotic supplement could all hinder your results.
PRO TIP: You should expect to notice changes around the two week mark.
What’s the best time of day to be taking probiotics?
Another factor that will determine how well your probiotic supplement works, is when you take it. Generally, to see best results, taking it directly before or with a meal as shown in this medical study.
Taking your probiotic with your meal means that the food can act as a barrier between the friendly bacteria and your stomach acid, ensuring you get the most CFU’s delivered into your gut. This is going to be your best option.
Should I take my probiotic at breakfast, lunch or dinner?
This depends entirely on you. As a general rule, taking your probiotic in the morning will give you positive effects throughout the whole day. But depending on when your IBS symptoms are at their most prevalent, take your probiotic with the meal that comes just before your symptoms generally appear.
How often do I need to be taking my probiotics?
Daily is best. Get a probiotic supplement that’s a once a day dose so you stay on track easier. The probiotics you ingest will actually pass through and out of your system with your daily bodily functions, so keep it consistent to get the best results.
PRO TIP:It’s best to take your probiotic in the morning with breakfast. For best results aim to take it consistently at the same time each day.
10 best probiotics for IBS in 2018
So now for the part you’ve been waiting for. Our top 10 probiotic picks for 2018 to help you kick IBS to the kerb!
#1 – Editor’s Choice
BioSchwartz Advanced Strength Probiotic
Guaranteed potency until they expire
With a lot of probiotic products, it’s best to choose the bottle that’s furthest away from it’s expiry date as they lose their potency over time. However, BioSchwartz guarantees your strains will be ready and at their full potential no matter how long they’ve been in the bottle as long as you use them before their expiry. And they don’t need to be refrigerated, which is a great bonus!
Big focus on immune and digestion
This is a two-pronged approach. Boosting your immune system to fight off symptoms of IBS whilst targeting digestive issues like gas, bloating and cramps, your bowels will thank you for taking this probiotic.
Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
PRO’S- Third party tested
- Refrigeration not required
- 40 billion CFU’s per serving
- Guaranteed potency until expiry date
- Contains prebiotic fibre
CON’S
CON’S- Twice daily dose
- Not overly transparent about strains (looks to be about 5)
#2 Prime Market – Time Release Probiotic
Targeted for gas and bloating
Prime Market has developed a product that they claim has been approved by doctors, to target embarrassing gas and excessive bloating. Sufferers of IBS can rejoice knowing their symptoms will be reduced or they can get 100% of their money back!
Added goodies for immune health
You’ve also got 500mg of Vitamin C and Echinacea Purpurea powder added into every serving. Both of these will boost your immune system and a strong immune response equals less IBS.
Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- Vitamin C and Echinacea for immune support
- Gluten, soy and dairy free
- 100% money back guarantee
- All natural
- Vegetarian
CON’S
- Only 10 billion CFU’s
- Not transparent about how many strains are in the product
- Twice daily dose
#3 Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Probiotics
Time release capsules for sensitive guts
Hyperbiotics claim this product will be released gradually every hour so that your stomach and intestines have the time to adjust. This is a major plus for IBS sufferers as it’s been shown that when probiotics are released into the system all at once, flare-ups and irritation can be caused.
Natural prebiotics to fuel your friendly bacteria
This product contains a naturally-derived prebiotic to make sure your probiotics have food to grow and thrive inside your gut.
Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- 15 strains of probiotics
- Timed release to avoid upsetting digestive system
- Assists with weight loss and increased energy
- Vegetarian, lactose and gluten free
- Smaller capsules called “pearls”
CON’S
- Only 5 billion CFU’s
- 3 pearls a day recommended for intense support
#4 Dr. Tobias Probiotics for Women and Men
Spore-forming probiotic strains
This product includes a couple spore-forming strains of probiotics that are extremely resistant to your stomach acid. A huge amount of customer reviews claim that after switching to this product they are seeing results they never had with other products. So if your probiotic isn’t getting you where you need to be, this might be the one for you.
Once daily dose
With 30 billion CFU’s per capsule, this once daily dose is going to give you the big hit of good bacteria that you need. It’s convenient and easy to remember, keeping you consistent with your probiotics.
Price: (30 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- 30 billion CFU’s
- Vegetarian, time-delay release capsules
- Affordable
- Once daily dose
CON’S
- Can cause excessive gas in some users
#5 Alice Foods – Bifidus Best Advanced Probiotic
Cures tummy troubles
Got gas? Well, customers writing reviews on this product are commonly reporting less gas and less stomach problems. So bloating and discomfort after eating will be a thing of the past.
You’ve got nothing to lose
This product comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so if you don’t love it, send it back for a refund. You know it’s going to be good if a company is offering you a risk-free guarantee like this.
Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- Targeted at digestive and immune systems
- Around 5 billion CFU’s per capsule
- 7 different strains
CON’S
- 1-3 times daily serving
#6 Digestive Advantage Intensive Bowel Support
Targeted for IBS sufferers
Digestive Advantage probiotic products are all targeted at different health concerns, this product is specifically for IBS sufferers. It may only have 1 billion cells per service but it’s Bacillus coagulans which assist mainly with many forms of diarrhea, be sure to pick this one up if your main IBS worry is runny bowel movements.
Price: (96 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- Targeted for IBS sufferers
- Bacillus coagulan strain of probiotic to help with diarrhea
- Once daily dose
CON’S
- Only 100 billion cells
- Only 1 strain
#7 Vitamin Bounty – Pro 50
Great all-rounder
If you’re looking for a great all-rounder, this is the perfect product. With 50 billion CFU’s per serving and 13 strains targeted at helping with digestive health, these probiotics will be safely delivered into your system with patented capsule technology.
Get a hit of greens
Vitamin Bounty has chosen to add a dose of Fermented Greens into each capsule that are designed to mix perfectly with the 13 selected strains of probiotics to ease your IBS symptoms. This is exactly the kind of added nutrients and vitamins you need when giving your body the best chance at fighting bad bacteria.
Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- 50 billion CFU’s
- 13 strains
- No need to refrigerate
- Added fermented greens
- Patented technology time-delay release capsules
CON’S
- Be sure to double check if any of the Fermented Greens could exacerbate your IBS
#8 Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic
Simple product targeted at digestion
Many customer reviews state that this probiotic has given them relief from IBS symptoms, general digestive problems and kept their bowel movements regular. This product only contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus which is a probiotic strain specifically for digestion and restoring healthy gut flora.
Watch the expiry
Some Amazon users have purchased two bottles of this product as a pack but have received them only to realise they would not be able to use all the capsules before they expired. Double check with your provider before ordering to avoid this issue.
Price: (100 tablets) on Amazon
PRO’S
- Once daily serving, does not need to be taken with a meal
- Simple product to target digestion
- No artificial flavours or colours
- Super affordable
CON’S
- Only 100 million organisms
- Only 1 strain
#9 Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic Capsules
Treat four symptoms with one capsule
Phillip’s claims to provide defense against four of the main symptoms of IBS; gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. So no matter what your symptoms are, they’ve got you covered.
Be patient and stick with it
Most reviews on this product recommend waiting 2 weeks until you see results, at this point your symptoms should be dramatically reduced.
Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- Once daily dose
- 3 targeted strains
- Deals with main 4 symptoms of IBS
CON’S
- Only 1.5 billion cells of probiotics
- Results seen after 2 week mark
#10 Renew Life – Ultimate Flora Probiotic Extra Care
Huge amount of strains and CFU’s
This may not be targeted specifically at IBS but it’s packed with 50 billion CFU’s and a 12 different strains of probiotics, so you’re going to get great results either way. With such a huge range, every facet of health that probiotics can affect, you’re going to see improvements in.
Great, reliable brand
Renew Life have many awesome and well-trusted probiotic products on the market and the reviews speak for themselves. With over 1,700 reviews and a 4.5 star overall rating, you are almost 100% guaranteed to get what you need from this product, and more!
Price: (30 capsules) on Amazon
PRO’S
- 50 billion CFU’s
- 12 strains
- Once daily dose
- Dairy and gluten free
CON’S
- Not specifically targeted for IBS
