IBS and probiotics

[Pinkishlover]

Has anybody here with IBS tried probiotics? If so , what probiotic and did it help? Also, has anybody tried any type of nutritional supplement drink such as OWYN? Or other brands that have not caused flares?

Thank you for any input and advice.

[BabblingBrooks]

I started becoming prone to constipation around menopause and probiotics definitely helped.

Now after several Covid infections and the after effects of that I’m dabbling with different brands to correct IBS going the opposite way.

[xjrs]

Alforex probiotic worked best for me out of all the ones I've tried over the years.

[Superzob]

Like xjrs I’ve also found Alflorex helpful, if only because I had IBS-D and Alflorex reduced my motility and made me constipated; however, it can have the reverse effect on some people. I think it’s important to remember that IBS is a dysfunction, so it’s almost impossible to predict the outcome of any treatment. There is a lot of trial and error in this, and a complete cure is unlikely but, by trying a variety of options, you should find some way of controlling the symptoms and managing better.

[Pinkishlover in reply to Superzob]

Thank you.....what about nutrition drinks/shakes like OWYN? Or other ones that don't give you discomfort or flare ups?

[Luisa22]

I have never used nutrition drinks or shakes, but can just offer a small tip (based on my experience of processed foods and nutritional supplements)

Read the label!

If you're not too great with lactose or definitely lactose intolerant, beware as many of those will have whey powder, or other lactose-based ingredients.

Check for artificial sweeteners as some of those can have a bad effect on IBS, Especially IBS D (I am thinking sorbitol and xylitol, etc)

Or other ingredients that might not work. I find that an additive called polyglycerol polyricinoleate, aka "PGPR" or "E476" (often added to many chocolates) causes me problems, yet have no problem eating chocolates that don't contain it.

It's possible shakes like that could contain it. I investigated comments on the Cadbury website, and found there were umpteen comments about people with bad gut reactions to this additive. Even those who didn't say they had IBS.

Find out if there are any other additives in those drinks that you know don't suit you. Don't just see the "healthy-sounding" packaging. (they will say anything sounding great to sell the product.)

[Pinkishlover in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you...... good info to consider.

[ELLE7771843]

You could possibly try yakult or kefir .admittedly the kefir made mine worse and was told to stop it as I've had much conflicting advice over the years but you need to find what works for you .yakult did help a bit .however not with pain for me and I struggle everyday .I have not yet found anything that actually works .what works one day does not the next .I hope you find something that helps you .it can be a debilitating condition to live with .

[Pinkishlover in reply to ELLE7771843]

Thank you.....I appreciate you and your insight. Have a great day 😀

[ELLE7771843 in reply to Pinkishlover]

Awww bless you thankyou that was sweet .it's my first time on any forum .you have a great day to .haven't worked out how to send an emoji yet ,bit slow with computers lol

[Pinkishlover in reply to ELLE7771843]

That's ok .. it's just good to have a community here if people that understand.......I check in here often .

[ELLE7771843 in reply to Pinkishlover]

Yes it is and I'm so happy I found it cause my life lately has been quite miserable trying to live with severe ibs and divirticulitis. Some information is contrary so nice to chat to people with lived experience .