Last Updated on October 18, 2024
Nobody wants to deal with constipation. It is uncomfortable, inconvenient and for many, it can be embarrassing to deal with. Many people may wonder, do probiotics help with constipation?
Constipation can happen to anyone. Some people are more prone to it than others and certain medications may also cause it to happen. No matter what is causing constipation to occur, you will want to find something that can alleviate it.
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What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics consist of live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for your body, especially for your digestive system. Though many people associate bacteria with being a bad thing, there are also good bacteria. Probiotics are considered good bacteria, as they help keep your gut in good health.
Some foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, have probiotics in them. Probiotics can also be given as supplements to help boost your gut health. Many doctors will prescribe them to their patients who may have digestive issues.
After taking antibiotics, you may lose good bacteria and probiotics can help replace them. They help bring balance between the good and bad bacteria to help keep your body working in proper order.
Types of Probiotics
Many types of bacteria are classified as probiotics. The different types of all have distinct benefits, but most of them are split into two categories. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two main groups of probiotics.
Lactobacillus is considered to be the most common type of probiotics. It is found in yogurt as well as other fermented foods. The different types of probiotics are commonly used to treat diarrhea and help people who are lactose intolerant.
Bifidobacterium is found in some dairy products. It is used to help alleviate the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as well as other conditions.
Do Probiotics Help with Constipation?
At one point or another, most people deal with constipation. For some, it is a rare occurrence, but for others, it is something that happens on a regular basis. No matter how often it happens, constipation is something that you want to treat.
Constipation can happen to anyone, no matter what your age is. Regularly exercising and eating a healthy diet can help get rid of constipation, but sometimes it is not enough.
There is prescription and over the counter medications used to treat constipation, however, they are not suitable for everyone. Whether it is because of side effects or other reasons, it can be hard to find a treatment that works well for treating constipation. Luckily, there are some other options besides prescriptions and traditional over the counter medications that can help relieve constipation.
Some people use alternatives to traditional medicine to treat constipation. There are even those who use essential oils to treat constipation. Probiotics have even been shown to help relieve constipation in certain instances.
Best Probiotic for Constipation
Probiotics can play an important role in treating constipation. According to a study done by Harvard Medical School, probiotics have been shown to increase the number of weekly bowel movements, as well as help soften stool. They are considered to be a safe and effective addition to your diet to aid in bowel regularity.
For constipation relief, it is recommended to use the following strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Saccharomyces boulardii. However, it is believed that Bifidobacterium to be the most effective of all the strains to help relieve constipation.
The great thing about probiotics is that they are considered safe with relatively no side effects. You can try taking different kinds to see which one works best for you. There are several different types of probiotic supplements available on the market.
Probiotics can treat constipation that is caused by pregnancy, IBS, and medications, as well as other issues. It can help get your digestive system back on track and improve bowel movements. It can be a great alternative to traditional medications used to relieve constipation.
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How to Take Probiotics for Constipation
Before taking probiotics for constipation, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to see what the best option is for you. They may be able to recommend a specific probiotic to help aid in the relief of your constipation.
Probiotics for treating constipation are normally taken in the form of a supplement. Probiotic supplements can be bought in most supermarkets and online. The supplements can come in pills, liquids, powders, and chewable.
Some people may experience side effects after taking probiotics. These side effects may include gas, bloating, upset stomach, and diarrhea. The symptoms will often only last the first couple of days of taking probiotic supplements.
As an alternative to taking probiotic supplements, you may eat foods or drink beverages that are rich in probiotics. These foods include yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, sourdough bread, cheese, and miso. Beverages that are packed full of probiotics include buttermilk, kombucha, apple cider vinegar, and yogurt smoothies.
If you aren’t wanting to take supplements, you can improve your probiotic intake by eating foods and drinking beverages full of probiotics. They can easily be incorporated into your diet to help with your constipation. It is important to remember to also eat foods full of fiber to help aid with digestion.
It is also important to remember that probiotics may take time to work and you might not see results right away. They may not also work for every person as well. Be sure to give them time to see if they are right for you.
Benefits of Probiotics
There are many benefits to adding probiotics to your diet. Not only can it help with constipation, but there are many other health benefits they provide. They help keep your digestive system on track and help with other health issues.
By taking supplements or eating certain foods and drinking certain beverages, you can use probiotics to relieve constipation. It is safe and can be effective at treating constipation. Constipation can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient, so taking probiotics can be an effective solution to treating this common problem.
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