Will probiotics help with diarrhea?

man in bathroom with toilet paper

Diarrhea is a common digestive problem that affects millions of people every year. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, medications, or stress. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can provide a wide range of health benefits, are often recommended as a natural remedy for diarrhea. But do probiotics actually help to treat diarrhea? Let's take a closer look.

What are probiotics?

probiotics letters

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide a wide range of health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are commonly found in fermented foods and drinks, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements. Probiotics work by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, stress, and poor diet.

Can probiotics help treat diarrhea?

woman talking with doctor

There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics may be helpful in treating diarrhea, particularly when it is caused by bacterial infections or antibiotic use. A review of several studies published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that probiotics were effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea in both adults and children.

Additionally, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that probiotics were effective in reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea and other digestive problems. However, taking probiotics along with antibiotics can help to restore this balance and reduce the risk of diarrhea.

Which probiotics are best for diarrhea?

woman looking for probiotics

Not all probiotics are created equal, and different strains may be more effective in treating diarrhea than others. Some of the most commonly studied strains for diarrhea include:

  1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: This strain has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhea in both children and adults.
  2. Saccharomyces boulardii: This strain has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and in treating diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection.
  3. Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12: This strain has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhea in children.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of probiotics in treating diarrhea may depend on the specific cause of the diarrhea. For example, probiotics may not be effective in treating diarrhea caused by food intolerances or stress.

How to take probiotics for diarrhea?

If you're considering taking probiotics for diarrhea, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help you choose the right strain and dosage based on your individual needs.

Probiotics can be found in fermented foods and drinks, such as yogurt and kefir, as well as in dietary supplements. It's important to choose a high-quality probiotic supplement from a reputable brand. Look for a supplement that contains at least one billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per dose and includes the specific strain(s) of bacteria that have been shown to be effective in treating diarrhea.

In conclusion, probiotics may be effective in treating diarrhea, particularly when it is caused by bacterial infections or antibiotic use. Some of the most commonly studied strains for diarrhea include Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12. Therefore, it's crucial to purchase high-quality probiotics from reputable sources only. This is the brand we recommend Vita Miracle, which contains 30 billion CFU'S and 18 Strains of Probiotic. Click one of the buttons below to see more details.

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