What's the BEST probiotic/prebiotic for IBS-C?

[MDipp]

Has anyone taking probiotics/prebiotics for IBS-C that can suggest for me?

[winfong]

Whatever brand you go for, make sure it has the following: actobacilus gasseri, bifidobacterium longum, bifidobacterium bifidum

[Hidden]

VSL#3 is what a GP in the UK told me gastroenterologists are recommending but he could not prescribe it as not proven yet. Nothing else is though so this my be the best one on the market now.

[grumpyold]

I'm in the UK and I get Alflorex for my ibs-c. After decades of constipation, I began taking Alflorex 6 months ago and now I'm almost back to "normal". Don't know if it's available in the US though.

[janetmtt]

Anything with bif lactis in - and Life Extension do one called Daily Bowel REgularity

[MDipp in reply to janetmtt]

Have you taken this before and did it work?

[janetmtt in reply to MDipp]

yes it really works. Had to cut dose. Partner took last year as on pain killer and had bad constipation. Gave it to him and sorted him out and he said to not give it to him. Check out reviews. Good at mood lifting too

[Molly1965]

Hi I agree with grumpyold Alflorex have definitely helped me. Been on them around 8 months & have improved around 80%. Good luck.

[xjrs]

I use Alflorex. I think the equivalent in the US is called Align. They both contain Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 which has been scientifically studied for IBS.

I would use the probiotic first for 3 months, then start introducing prebiotics. This is because you want to get the probiotic to start bringing your gut microbes back into balance so the good bugs start dominating rather than the bad ones. If you start prebiotics too early, you'll be feeding the bad bugs and encouraging them to grow which you don't want.

When it comes to prebiotics you can look up prebiotic foods on the internet. You are better off doing it that way, than supplements. However, if you are still struggling you can try Optifibre, which is both a prebiotic and a bulking agent. You need to work up the dose to your tolerance level (too much can give you gas).

[MDipp]

Did this work for you? I clicked on the site, which one do you take?

[Icanchangethislater]

Both Align and Aflorex contain bifidobacterium longum/infantis 35624 which has been shown effective for IBS in studies. Don’t expect instant results as it takes about a month to see positive results. You should also make sure you’re drinking a lot of water and getting daily exercise, even just walking. Are you taking a fiber supplement?