Can Probiotics Help with Constipation?

Dealing with constipation can be a painful and uncomfortable experience that affects many people at some point in their lives. Whether it's occasional or chronic, constipation can disrupt daily life and impact overall well-being. 

While traditional remedies like laxatives and stool softeners may provide temporary relief, an alternative approach gaining popularity is the use of probiotics. 

Throughout this article, we will explore the key question, "Can probiotics help with constipation?" So, keep reading. 

What is Constipation?

Constipation can vary from person to person, making it important to understand what it means for you. Symptoms may include reduced stool frequency, lumpy or hard stool consistency, difficulty passing stool, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, or abdominal pain and cramping. 

While everyone's natural bowel habits differ, consistency and regularity are key indicators of healthy digestion. Any changes in your unique rhythm may signify constipation.

What are the Causes of Constipation?

Several factors can contribute to constipation, including a poor diet low in fiber and plant-based foods, dehydration, certain medications, pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and underlying medical conditions. It's crucial to identify and address these potential causes to manage constipation effectively.

Can Probiotics Help with Constipation?

An intricate balance lies between the gut microbiota. Constipation can disrupt that. Adding probiotics to your diet can help you bring balance to the gut universe. Here are some ways that probiotics can alleviate the constipation symptoms. 

Restoring Balance in the Gut Microbiome

Constipation often occurs when the delicate balance of microorganisms in your gut, known as the gut microbiome, is disrupted. When harmful bacteria outnumber the beneficial ones, it can lead to sluggish bowel movements. But fear not, because probiotics act as the cavalry, swooping in to restore harmony in your gut.

Boosting Gut Motility with Probiotics

One of the primary ways probiotics combat constipation is by enhancing gut motility. You see, specific strains of probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, work their magic by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the fermentation of carbohydrates. 

These SCFAs stimulate the neural receptors in the smooth muscles of your gut, encouraging peristalsis—the coordinated contraction and relaxation of muscles that keep things moving along. By promoting peristalsis, probiotics help prevent stool from getting stuck and support regular bowel movements.

Strengthening the Gut Lining for Smoother Passages

But that's not all—probiotics also contribute to maintaining a healthy gut lining. They help strengthen the protective mucus layer in your colon, making it easier for stool to pass through. This enhanced mucus barrier prevents excessive water absorption and promotes softer stool consistency, which means less straining and discomfort when it's time to go.

Aiding Bile Acid Metabolism for a Smooth Flow

Did you know that probiotics can even influence the metabolism of bile acids? These acids play a crucial role in digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have the amazing ability to modify and transform bile acids, leading to increased gut motility. This superpower helps stimulate peristalsis and supports regular bowel movements, making it easier for you to bid adieu to constipation.

Different Types of Constipation and Probiotics

Where different factors contribute to constipation, probiotics have shown the potential to improve these conditions as well. 

Probiotics and IBS-related Constipation

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that affects around 6%-12% of people around the world. It is characterized by digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and excruciating abdominal pain. 

Studies have shown how effective probiotics are for IBS. It can improve bowel movements and bloating and alleviate other IBS symptoms.  

One study concluded that the inclusion of probiotics in the diet for two months can maintain bowel regularity and stool consistency. 

Pregnancy, Constipation & Probiotics

The occurrence of constipation is common among pregnant women. Hormonal changes, sedentary lifestyle, and medications are some factors contributing to irregular bowel regularity. 

Our good bacteria are here to save mommies from this unpleasant experience. One finding suggests that eating yogurt containing Lactobacillus bacteria and Bifidobacterium regularly for one month can reduce various symptoms related to constipation during pregnancy. 

Probiotics and Medication-Related Constipation

The increasing use of medications leads to constipation. Iron supplements, drugs related to anxiety and depression, opioids, and cancer treatments have been shown to affect bowel movements.

Cancer therapies are the major cause of the constipation in patients undergoing treatment. Probiotics significantly reduced constipation symptoms among 500 cancer patients in a study.

How Long Before Probiotics Work for Constipation

How long does it take for probiotics to work their magic on constipation? Well, the timeline can vary from person to person. While some people may experience relief within a few days, others may need to give it a little more time.

Generally, it's recommended to give probiotics a trial period of at least two to four weeks. During this time, the probiotic strains work their way into your gut, establishing their presence and influencing the balance of your gut microbiome. 

How to Choose the Best OTC Probiotics for Constipation

When choosing the best over-the-counter probiotics for constipation relief, make sure it carries strains that are backed with scientific evidence for their role in supporting regular bowel movements. When selecting the best over-the-counter probiotics for constipation, make sure it has the following strains:

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus

First up, we have Lactobacillus acidophilus, the smooth operator of the probiotic world. This strain has shown its prowess in promoting gut health and relieving constipation. By producing SCFAs and enhancing gut motility, Lactobacillus acidophilus helps keep things moving along smoothly. 

Bifidobacterium lactis

Next on our list is Bifidobacterium lactis, the motility maestro that knows how to get things flowing. This strain has been shown to enhance gut motility, preventing stool from getting stuck in the slow lane. With Bifidobacterium lactis on your side, you can bid farewell to the frustrations of constipation and enjoy the rhythm of regular bowel movements.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Meet Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the gut guardian that takes constipation relief to the next level. This strain has been extensively researched and proven to support gut health and improve stool consistency. With Lactobacillus rhamnosus by your side, you can trust that your gut is in safe hands, protecting you from the discomfort of constipation.

Bifidobacterium longum

Last but not least, we have Bifidobacterium longum, the regulator of regularity. This probiotic strain has been shown to have positive effects on gut motility and overall digestive health. By promoting peristalsis and maintaining a healthy gut environment, Bifidobacterium longum helps ensure smooth and consistent bowel movements, leaving constipation in its wake.

Fiber vs Probiotics: Which is Good for Constipation?

Fiber and probiotics can both relieve constipation. Let's take a closer look at each of them and understand how they can help.

Fiber

• Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet and plays a significant role in maintaining regular bowel movements.
• It adds bulk to the stool, making passing through the digestive tract easier.
• Fiber absorbs water, which helps soften the stool and prevents it from becoming too hard.
• Good sources of dietary fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
• Increasing your fiber intake gradually and drinking plenty of water is key to avoiding any potential discomfort or bloating.

Probiotics

• Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiome.
• Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to improve gut motility and alleviate constipation.
• They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can enhance digestion and regularity.
• Probiotics produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that stimulate peristalsis, the rhythmic contractions of the intestines that propel waste through the digestive system.
• By restoring balance to the gut microbiome, probiotics can address underlying imbalances that contribute to constipation.
• Probiotics can be obtained through fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, and probiotic supplements.

The Synergistic Approach

The combination of both fiber and probiotics can have a powerful effect on relieving constipation. Together, fiber and probiotics work synergistically to promote regularity, soften stool consistency, and improve gut motility.

Finding the Right Balance

It's important to find the right balance between fiber and probiotics based on your individual needs and preferences. Some individuals may benefit more from increasing their fiber intake, while others may find probiotics to be particularly helpful. Experimenting with different fiber-rich foods and probiotic strains can help you identify what works best for you.

Do Probiotics Make You Poop?

Yes, probiotics can help regulate your bowel movements and promote regularity. By colonizing the gut with beneficial bacteria, probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, which aids in digestion and the elimination of waste. 

They can improve stool consistency and make it easier to pass. While individual responses may vary, probiotics have the potential to positively impact your digestive health and contribute to more regular bowel movements.

Can Probiotics Cause Constipation?

No, probiotics do not typically cause constipation. In fact, they are often used to alleviate constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help restore balance in the gut microbiome and support digestive health. They work by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and improving gut motility.

While it's rare, in some cases, probiotics may initially cause mild digestive discomfort, such as gas or bloating, as the gut microbiome adjusts to the introduction of new bacteria. However, these symptoms are usually temporary and subside as the body adapts.

Why ProbioCan is the Best OTC Probiotics for Constipation?

Allbe’s ProbioCan 20 Billion is the best probiotic for constipation in Canada. It contains powerful concentrations of the most effective probiotic strains suited to treat 

Final Thoughts

Constipation can be a bothersome condition that affects daily life and well-being. While conventional remedies may fall short for many people, probiotics offer a natural and effective alternative.

By restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics can improve bowel function, increase stool frequency, and provide relief from constipation.

Remember to choose clinically studied strains and consider incorporating prebiotics and probiotic-rich foods into your diet for optimal results.

Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and find the probiotic solution that works best for you.