IBS Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the lower intestines which can give rise to abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation or both.
It has been suggested that abdominal colonic fermentation as a result of altered bacteria flora in the colon is the cause of IBS symptoms.
Adding probiotics, a beneficial bacteria usually found in the intestines and in specific foods, can relieve the symptoms of IBS.
M.Simren, M.D., of Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden led the clinical trial which considerd the impact of probiotic bacteria on the symptoms of IBS.
74 patients with IBS were divided into two groups. Over an eight week period, the control group added 400 ml of acidified milk with no added bacteria to their daily diet .
For eight weeks, the test group added 400 ml of milk fermented with probiotic and yogurt bacteria to their daily diet. The yogurt bacteria included Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Biffidobacterium.
The severity of IBS symptoms lowered during the eight week treatment period for both groups.
The test group noted a positive effect during the first week. The researchers could not detect significant differences between the two groups but support further assessment of the effects of probiotics in individuals.

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