Probiotics

Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria that help keep your tummy healthy. You can take them as pills or powders or eat them in foods like live culture yoghurts and drinks (such as kefir). Scientists think that people with IBS may have different bacteria in their gut, and probiotics might help some people feel better.

If you want to try probiotics, take them for at least four weeks to see if they help. Try one kind at a time and follow the instructions on the packet. For example, you could have one capsule or one yoghurt drink each day.

If your symptoms get better after a few weeks, you can keep taking it. If nothing changes, you could try a different kind. If it makes you feel worse, stop taking it.

Probiotics are usually safe to use, but they are not for people whose immune system is very weak.

Some people find probiotics helpful, but others do not notice much change. When you first start taking them, you might feel a bit more windy or notice small changes in your stool. This is normal and usually gets better as your tummy gets used to them.

Natural probiotics: live culture yoghurts, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi.

Probiotic capsules & tablets:

• Alflorex
• BioKult
• Floradapt Gut Support
• Ultraflora Balance