Probiotics for IBS

Probiotics are microorganisms that supplement the gut's natural bacteria, helping to "balance" intestinal flora.

Why probiotics seem to work is still something of a mystery, but some studies suggest that probiotic supplements, especially those with a predominance of Bifidobacterium infantis, alleviate IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movement irregularity.

Lawrence Schiller, MD, a gastroenterologist in Dallas, says he's comfortable recommending probiotic supplements to patients because probiotics don't do any harm and seem to help some of them.

But Schiller is skeptical of the products on the market; he says most studies of probiotics and IBS don't differentiate between bacterial strains and doses, a conundrum for the consumer who is faced with shelves full of probiotic-laced yogurts and milk in the market.

"The chances of going to the store and finding something viable and effective is very much a long shot," he says. "The best evidence for probiotics is with some of the combination products and some that contain bifida bacteria, not acidophilus or lactobilli."