The gut is populated by thousands of microorganisms. It is essential to maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract to support digestive health. This is where probiotics can come into play.
When bad bacteria take over, some individuals can experience digestive side effects. Repopulating the gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria can help to minimize digestive side effects.*
Common Causes Of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can have a number of causes, including antibiotics, colitis, infectious diarrhea, and diarrhea brought on by traveling.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are designed to target and kill off bacteria and germs inside of your body that causes you to become ill. Unfortunately, antibiotics can also kill the good bacteria that reside in your digestive system.
Good bacteria help to regulate your digestion and keep your gut healthy, which is why a change to the bacterial environment can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea.
Taking probiotics for gut health before, during, and for several days after your antibiotic schedule can reduce the risk of developing diarrhea. Specific probiotics will help to strengthen your digestive system and naturally increase the balance of good bacteria in your gut.
If you choose to take a probiotic supplement during the course of antibiotic treatment, they should be taken 2-3 hours after taking antibiotics to ensure your body doesn't attack the new probiotics you are introducing to your digestive tract.
You should always consult with your healthcare provider before introducing a new supplement.
Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body. This leads to the colon becoming inflamed.
Some research also states that a viral or bacterial infection can trigger the immune system to cause this inflammation as well. That being said, there are a number of factors that can cause ulcerative colitis.
Colitis can cause digestive discomfort, and it is common to experience symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.
The best probiotics for ulcerative colitis have proven to be a mixture of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus species.
Infectious Diarrhea
Diarrhea may also result from infections. These infections are caused by various bacteria, parasites, or viruses. For this reason, many people choose to invest in probiotics after suffering food poisoning as they help to rebalance the gut.
Without treatment, infectious diarrhea may cause severe dehydration and even death. Due to the risks associated with this digestive upset, it is important to stay hydrated and consult a qualified healthcare provider immediately.
By taking probiotics, you may shorten the duration of diarrhea.
Diarrhea Caused By Traveling
Since traveling exposes you to foreign bacteria and microorganisms, traveler’s diarrhea is extremely common. Diarrhea is often accompanied by stomach cramps, bloating, and general discomfort in the stomach.
If you struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you may also find that certain exotic foods can cause cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and excessive gas.
Probiotics that contain Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and/or Bifidobacterium bifidum can help to reduce the risk of developing traveler’s diarrhea by strengthening the digestive tract and increasing the volume of good bacteria in the gut. Those who suffer from IBS can also look for a probiotic for IBS gas.
Probiotics For Treating Diarrhea
How Do Probiotics Help To Treat Diarrhea?
There is a strong link between probiotics and digestion. Probiotics are the good bacteria found throughout the body. These microorganisms are most commonly found in the small and large intestines. The first line of defense against the symptoms of diarrhea is a healthy gut filled with helpful bacteria.
Healthy intestinal flora is beneficial in preventing hazardous pathogens from spreading throughout the body. One reason is that many probiotic strains contain antibacterial properties that can prevent infections such as Salmonella and E. coli from growing.
A healthy gut mucosa is also aided by a balanced microbiome. The composition of your gut microbiome may also influence the effectiveness of your immune system.
This microbiome not only helps to fine-tune the immune system, but also communicates with the brain to govern how quickly food travels through your digestive tract.
The good bacteria that live in your gut also interact with certain chemicals in your body to control gut transit time (GTT). A slower GTT will result in constipation, and a GTT that is too fast will cause symptoms of diarrhea.
To regulate your digestive system, you can ensure that your gut is inhabited with good bacteria. You can do this by taking probiotic supplements and/or consuming probiotic foods as an everyday preventative measure.
If the window of opportunity for prevention has passed and diarrhea has already set in, probiotics may be able to relieve symptoms.
Types Of Probiotic Strains That Help With Diarrhea
While there are hundreds of different varieties of probiotics on the market, there are a few probiotic supplements that are able to better combat diarrhea. Typically, probiotics that are lactic acid bacteria have shown the most promise with preventing diarrhea and symptoms.
Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus rhamonosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus casei have shown to help with the treatment of diarrhea.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the most regularly supplemented probiotic strains. Research indicates that LGG are among some of the most efficient probiotics for treating diarrhea in both adults and children.
Bifidobacterium lactis is a probiotic strain that contains immune-boosting and gut-protective properties. It is generally safe for children and may help their diarrhea be less severe and frequent.
Lactobacillus casei has been researched for its anti-diarrheal properties. It may help to lessen the effects of antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea in both adults and children.
Keep in mind, it is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking a new supplement, but especially before giving supplements to children.
Best Probiotic For Diarrhea
Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Advanced Strength: Probiotic For Advanced Gut Health
Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Advanced Strength probiotic capsules are great for holistic digestive health. With 15 billion colony-forming units (CFUs), 15 targeted probiotic strains, and kiwifruit, you are guaranteed relief from digestive upset and discomfort.
This triple-strength probiotic supplement supports regulated intestinal transit time and can help to regulate bowel movements without overstimulation. This means that they can help lower your risk of developing bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.
PRO-15 Advanced Strength provides tailored treatment for occasional digestive difficulties using kiwifruit powder.
Kiwifruit powder is a super fruit that promotes digestive health while aiding probiotic colonization and containing natural traces of prebiotics, polyphenols, and actinidin.
On top of improving regularity and reducing the risk of diarrhea, the PRO-15 Advanced Strength probiotics can also help you to absorb more nutrients from your food and manage your weight through improved digestion. You can also see a boost in your overall immune system, mental clarity and brain functioning, and energy levels.
This supplement is generally safe and is free from gluten, yeast, and dairy. It is also vegetarian-friendly and contains no sugar, nuts, soy, artificial colors, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Those at high risk of probiotic side effects include:
- Individuals with an impaired immune system and/or severe illness
- Premature babies or critically ill individuals
Did you find our blog helpful? Consider checking out these articles:
- Can You Take Too Many Probiotics
- Probiotics With Antibiotics
- Probiotics Side Effects
- Difference Between Prebiotic And Probiotic
- Probiotic Foods
- Prebiotic Foods
- Best Probiotics For Weight Loss
- Gut Check: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Gut Health
- Protect Your Gut Health While Taking Antibiotics
- How Your Gut Bacteria Change With the Seasons
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
**This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable.