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Are Probiotics Effective In Treating IBS?

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Posted on Thu, 11 May 2017
Question: I was just wondering if you have heard of probiotics helping IBS. I seem to suffer with slight anal seepage now after a bowel movement since diagnosed with IBS. Its only a tiny amount, i have to go back and wipe again about an hour after a bowel movement. Just once, it doesnt happen throughout the day, only after a bowel movement and once i wipe again thats it, no more seepage. Ive noticed that it can be slightly yellow. I assume mucas due to spasms caused by the IBS. Im just looking for ways to improve this. I dont think its a physical thing as it all happened at the same time of the diagnosis. I may also be taking too much Husk fibre. I have decided to stop taking that today to see if it helps but looking for other ways that might help improve this. are there supplements etc?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Probiotics are good for you.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
As per your qury regarding probiotics,
According to NCBI-
Gut flora is the complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans. The intestinal microflora is a complex ecosystem containing over 400 bacterial species. Anaerobes outnumber facultative anaerobes. The flora is sparse in the stomach and upper intestine, but luxuriant in the lower bowel.Many conditions like IBS destroys this microflora of gut and lead to various problems with digestive system including belching, bloating and increased gas and mucous formation.Probiotic mechanisms of action include enhancement of the epithelial barrier, increased adhesion to intestinal mucosa, and concomitant inhibition of pathogen adhesion production of anti-microorganism substances and modulation of the immune system.In LAY MANS language it contain a lot of bacteria's which forms a part of normal gut flora,Hence it substitutes the flora lost during a pathological condition and improve digestion.In the same way Prebiotics are undigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth of a limited number of bacteria in the colon, thus improving digestion.Again the work is same to stimulate the growth of the bacteria's in gut flora.Hence overall both of them help restoring the lost gut flora due to intestine resection and helps in digestion. They are definitely good for patients with irritable bowel syndrome in long runs.
Anal leakage is a colloquial term for fecal incontinence.Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing feces or mucous or rectal contents to leak unexpectedly from the rectum.Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation( both of them are included in irritable bowel syndrome).
I would suggest you to start doing Kegel exercises.These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum.Initially start doing them two times a day for 5 to 10 minutes gradually increase the time to 15 minutes thrice a day.However a digital rectal examination by a surgeon should be done to see the patency of rectal muscles and nerves.
Some general measures which will help you more are
- Increase XXXXXXX warm water intake
- Eat plentiful "fresh oranges" and "pear "
- Do some exercise everyday as per your capacity try to take a 20 minute walk.
- Don't worry too much.
-Take a diet which is low in Fat.
-Add lot of vegetables and fruits to your diet.
-Fruit juices should be taken along with fibers.
-Take small amount of food every 2 hours,Don't take large meals at one time, Eat small meals (rich in fiber),Avoid eating outside for few days ,Try to eat vegetable,Take a lot of yoghurt along with food.
-Take two tea spoon isphagula husk(husk fiber) with 200 to 300mL XXXXXXX warm water once while going to bed every day.Don't take excess husk as too much of anything is good for nothing.
- Avoid COLD milk and and AVOID junk food(NO burger , pizza-even if its veg.)
- Avoid beverages / alcohol/ soft drinks
- Do some exercise (push-ups / squats etc) early in the morning
- Avoid carbonated drinks
- Take 2-3 spoon edible virgin olive oil in the morning.

Last but very important is that remain motivated,Have a realistic approach,Life style modification is always successful; but it takes time.Frankly speaking its not going to work in a week or two but will definitely help you if followed for few months.
There are no supplement best policy is remain natural and follow your body.
Hope i answered your query in detail.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
Thank you very much for that really detailed answer. It has helped a lot. i will follow those guidelines and hope for the best.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thank you.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you and good luck.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Are Probiotics Effective In Treating IBS?

Brief Answer: Probiotics are good for you. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. As per your qury regarding probiotics, According to NCBI- Gut flora is the complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans. The intestinal microflora is a complex ecosystem containing over 400 bacterial species. Anaerobes outnumber facultative anaerobes. The flora is sparse in the stomach and upper intestine, but luxuriant in the lower bowel.Many conditions like IBS destroys this microflora of gut and lead to various problems with digestive system including belching, bloating and increased gas and mucous formation.Probiotic mechanisms of action include enhancement of the epithelial barrier, increased adhesion to intestinal mucosa, and concomitant inhibition of pathogen adhesion production of anti-microorganism substances and modulation of the immune system.In LAY MANS language it contain a lot of bacteria's which forms a part of normal gut flora,Hence it substitutes the flora lost during a pathological condition and improve digestion.In the same way Prebiotics are undigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth of a limited number of bacteria in the colon, thus improving digestion.Again the work is same to stimulate the growth of the bacteria's in gut flora.Hence overall both of them help restoring the lost gut flora due to intestine resection and helps in digestion. They are definitely good for patients with irritable bowel syndrome in long runs. Anal leakage is a colloquial term for fecal incontinence.Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing feces or mucous or rectal contents to leak unexpectedly from the rectum.Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation( both of them are included in irritable bowel syndrome). I would suggest you to start doing Kegel exercises.These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum.Initially start doing them two times a day for 5 to 10 minutes gradually increase the time to 15 minutes thrice a day.However a digital rectal examination by a surgeon should be done to see the patency of rectal muscles and nerves. Some general measures which will help you more are - Increase XXXXXXX warm water intake - Eat plentiful "fresh oranges" and "pear " - Do some exercise everyday as per your capacity try to take a 20 minute walk. - Don't worry too much. -Take a diet which is low in Fat. -Add lot of vegetables and fruits to your diet. -Fruit juices should be taken along with fibers. -Take small amount of food every 2 hours,Don't take large meals at one time, Eat small meals (rich in fiber),Avoid eating outside for few days ,Try to eat vegetable,Take a lot of yoghurt along with food. -Take two tea spoon isphagula husk(husk fiber) with 200 to 300mL XXXXXXX warm water once while going to bed every day.Don't take excess husk as too much of anything is good for nothing. - Avoid COLD milk and and AVOID junk food(NO burger , pizza-even if its veg.) - Avoid beverages / alcohol/ soft drinks - Do some exercise (push-ups / squats etc) early in the morning - Avoid carbonated drinks - Take 2-3 spoon edible virgin olive oil in the morning. Last but very important is that remain motivated,Have a realistic approach,Life style modification is always successful; but it takes time.Frankly speaking its not going to work in a week or two but will definitely help you if followed for few months. There are no supplement best policy is remain natural and follow your body. Hope i answered your query in detail. Thanks.