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Useful Tips On Probiotics For Constipation

By Lelia Hall


Probably one of the most frustrating experience anyone can go through is constipation; that bugging feeling that you cannot just "go". Many people would opt to find the nearest grocery store and grab a few packs of yogurt, dietary supplements or any fermented food products with the thought that the that will replace Probiotics for constipation. This notwithstanding, what exactly are probiotics and what does it do to ease constipation?

Though bacteria often connote microorganisms that cause diseases, humans actually have many bacteria in their body, both bad and good. Probiotics are the good or beneficial bacteria that could work best in keeping a healthy digestive system. They are naturally found in the body.

Nevertheless, when we choose to take antibiotics some good bacteria are also killed. And in this case taking in Probiotics supplement can serve as replacement to the good bacteria. Since the mid-1990s researcher grew interests in studying these microorganisms that is specially introduced into the body for its health benefits and manufacturers began putting probiotics supplement in various products such as that of yogurt and chocolates. Two commonly known probiotics serves the said purpose in the digestive system, the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus; both compose the majority of the bacteria found in the large instestines and are commonly found in probiotic supplements.

These two make up the majority of bacteria found in our large intestines so digestive problems are often addressed through them. However, these microorganisms that is specially introduced into the body for its health benefits, unlike laxatives drugs are not included in the mainstream medicine for constipation. This is due to the fact that probiotics is not an automatic cure. What is actually does is keep your digestive system working efficiently by keeping a balance in the water and electrolyte absorption within the intestines to prevent harmful microbes and bowel irregularity so you will not encounter any digestive disturbances. So what it actually does is prevent constipation.

To add, the said two probiotics strain allows more secretion of mucous by converting bound bile salts that will later cause more water production so stool can be easily eliminated once softened. Probiotics also have the ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that lower pH level in the colon and facilitates the increase of muscle contractions for smooth movement of food in the digestive tract.

As to naming the probiotics that work best for constipation, studies have not yet succeeded. Several researches conducted in different designs have produced too widely varied outcomes which made it difficult to arrive at any reliable final conclusion.

What is effective for a person may not work for another. So until any solid evidence has been proven on probiotics, it is best to experiment on your own; and since there are no side effects for these microorganisms, trying them is relatively safe.

Cultured or fermented dairy products are reliable source of probiotics. The said products include yogurt, buttermilk, and other sources such as miso and soy drinks. Bacteria are produced naturally is some of these foods, but are added during the preparation in some products. When in doubt, you can always consult a dietician who is knowledgeable about probiotics. Variety of these microorganism in dietary supplements can be found in the drugstore and supermarkets.




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