Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

The gut flora contains about 500 different species of bacteria. These bacterial not only ferment undigested food they produce things such as vitamins, amino acids and short chain fatty acids. Some times one bacteria produces products that another gut bacteria needs for its survival. In other instances gut bacteria can inhibit the growth of their competitors by producing antimicrobial substances. There is a complex symbiotic relationship between the bacteria in the gut flora and the gut flora and the individual's gut.

It has not been proven IBSers lack good flora. It has been shown in some small studies that the composition of bacteria in the gut flora of IBSers can differ from the composition normal individuals and that the composition may vary depending on the type of IBS. There may be an over and/or under abundance of various bacteria in the gut flora of an IBSers. It is not yet possible to be certain whether the changes in the intestinal flora seen in IBS patients are the cause of IBS, or are merely a result of the disturbed gut motility that IBS causes.

Taking a probiotic may change the composition of the flora in a variety of ways not just by increasing good bacteria but by decreasing bad bacteria. Also probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis found in Activia yogurt appears to directly affects gut motility in those with IBS-C by reducing methane gas in the bowel which is known to reduce colonic motility. Some probiotic bacteria may exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, whereas others may have more of an effect on motility or visceral sensation. Manipulating the gut flora is a complicated and still poorly understood process. Some times you have to continually take a probiotic to maintain the right composition. It is more complicated than just bring good flora bacteria numbers up.

If you took Align for a significant amount of time - say 8-12 weeks - and it did not help you then it is likely that the probiotic in Align is not right for you.

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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

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