Constipation is a common ailment that several people suffer from, it could cause a lot of havoc in one’s life and could hamper the quality of life for patients suffering from this condition.
For patients suffering from this disease, they are always on a lookout easy and natural remedies that could help them combat this disease. However, they are several different options in this spectrum, hence to make it easier, we present probiotics.
Probiotics for constipation is a long-lasting solution. However, what are probiotics? These are bacteria that occur naturally in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). They are naturally part of the digestive and have several important functions such as to neutralize and to eradicate the bad bacteria that cause infection and illness.
It is estimated that there are around 100 trillion of these bacteria inside the gut of your body forming the gut ‘flora’ of the body. Like flowers to honeybee’s, this microbiome is to our gut. We cannot exist without them.
[Also Read: Treat Constipation with Natural Remedies]
How to Use Probiotics for Constipation?
There are several probiotic(1) supplements that are available right now. They are also available in several formulations and types such as tinctures, powder, supplements, and liquids.
There are also natural ways of gaining on these little critters by eating greek yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut. These are a few examples of the natural sources of probiotics. It is to be noted that you should check the label before buying and make sure that it says that it contains strains of bacteria as that is what you are looking for.
Also, if you are planning to use supplements, it is a personal preference to choose between the myriad of options available. However, the dosage of this is to be figured after you consult with your doctor/physician as it is variable for everyone and depends on several factors. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you consult your physician before adhering to this regimen.
[Also Read: Best Diet for Constipation]
Why Probiotics for Constipation?
Probiotics for constipation(2) is extremely effective, however, most people don’t understand as to why because probiotics already exist in our body, why would one need these supplements? This microbiome is abundant, however, it is also fragile that is a minor change in pH of the gut could cause them to die, also medication is known to this microbiome.
One of the answers as to why need probiotics are that our modern diet isn’t particularly good at maintaining the crucial balance of helping in the promotion of growth of these bacteria. It is a fact that most of us are always dehydrated. Additionally, our diets are laced with high amounts of sugar which can ‘feed’ the bad bacteria thereby causing a shift in the balance.
One of the major reasons to use probiotics is that it is laced with high fiber content and thereby helps in promoting easier movement of the stools in the body. Additionally, they are also known to help the body from dehydrating, which is one of the major causes of constipation. They help the stools stay hydrated and wet which therefore causes the smoother passage of stools.
There have been several types of clinical studies and research that was conducted on this and researchers at King’s College in London secured the medical literature from 14 studies, all of these were clinical trials randomly assigned to patients suffering from constipation. They were administered either probiotics or placebo.
It was observed from the findings of the trials, the researchers found that on average, probiotics slowed the gut transit time by 12.4 hours and increased the number of weekly bowel movements by 1.3 and additionally, it also helped in softening the stools.
There are several medical pieces of evidence and studies that suggest that probiotics for constipation are a very effective option.
[Also Read: Magnesium for Constipation]
Side Effects of Probiotics
Although not many side effects are noticed while using probiotics for constipation. However, it is not uncommon for some people to experience bloating and flatulence. It is also to be noted that people taking yeast-based probiotics may have increased thirst in their body.
However, it is to be noted that these side effects are a consequence of the wrong dosage. Hence it is imperative that one understands the right dosage for their body and adhere to it.
Constipation can be a hamper to your life and cause havoc in your life. However, it is to be noted that using probiotics alongside changes in your diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices help in the maintenance of the gut.
FAQs
1. Which Probiotics Are Best for Constipation?
To get relief from constipation, you can choose from a variety of probiotics, namely Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
2. How Long Does It Take Probiotics to Work for Constipation?
As in the case with a high-probiotic supplement, it normally takes 30 to 60 minutes to have an effect on constipation.
3. Do Probiotics Help with Constipation and Bloating?
Yes, indeed. Researchers have proved that probiotics for constipation and bloating is an effective supplement as it reduces gas production from our body.
