Best Probiotic for Constipation

Best Probiotic for Constipation: Everything You Need to Know

The prevalence of constipation among Australian adults is 6-30%. Females, seniors, people of low social-economic status, and those with a history of depression are more prone to becoming constipated.

Although most constipation cases can be resolved with at-home remedies such as consuming probiotics and high-fiber foods, consistent constipation that lasts for several weeks can be a sign of an underlying digestive tract disease or disorder.

This article will discuss in detail what constipation is, its signs and symptoms, causes, and its remedies. It also discusses the benefits of probiotics for constipation and the strains of live bacteria that are most effective in relieving constipation.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is defined as having fewer bowel movements than normal. Although the frequency of bowel movements varies from one person to another, you should at least have three bowel movements in a week.

Some people have one or two bowel movements a day. Observe your pattern, and if you “go” fewer times than usual, you might be experiencing constipation.

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation

If you have constipation, the waste in the digestive tract goes too slowly, allowing more time than usual for the colon to absorb water. This results in hard stool that is difficult to pass.

Some common signs and symptoms of constipation include:

  • Dry and hard stool that is difficult to pass
  • Painful bowel movement
  • Feeling like you did not completely empty your bowel
  • Abdominal pain or cramping during bowel movement
  • Bloating
  • Nausea

Causes of Constipation

The most common causes of constipation include:

  • A low-fiber diet
  • Low water intake
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Stress
  • Change in your routine
  • Consuming large amounts of certain foods, e.g., meat, milk, and cheese
  • Certain types of medication, e.g., some antibiotics, kill even the good and healthy bacteria in the digestive system, while high doses of narcotics have a diuretic effect. Other types of medicine that can cause constipation include iron pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medicine, anticonvulsants, and anti-nausea medicine.
  • The change in hormones during pregnancy may make one more prone to constipation. Also, the growing baby may squeeze the intestines slowing down the movement of stool in the colon.
  • Old age. Aging slows down the metabolism and reduces muscle strength even in the colon.
  • Digestive issues and disorders, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal obstruction.
  • Certain neurological disorders including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

Women Holding Stomach

How to Manage Constipation

If constipation goes untreated for a long time, it can cause complications such as:

  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal fissures
  • Infection of the: wall
  • Damage of the pelvic floor muscles
  • Loss of bladder control

A lot of people resort to self-care and home remedies, especially for occasionally mild to moderate constipation. These remedies include:

  • Increasing water intake
  • Avoiding caffeinated drinks
  • Eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains
  • Limiting high-fat foods
  • Keeping a food diary to help identify foods that cause constipation
  • Exercising
  • Using mild over-the-counter laxative
  • Taking a prebiotic and probiotic supplement

However, if constipation symptoms persist, you must see a doctor as you may be dealing with other health conditions. You should see a doctor if:

  • You experience severe pain during a bowel movement
  • There is blood in the stool
  • Constipation lasts for more than two weeks
  • You are beginning to lose weight

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are the live healthy bacteria commonly found in certain fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kefir.

Also, there are probiotic supplements available in the form of pills, capsules, powders, and liquids that can be bought over-the-counter.

Once taken, they improve the gut microbiome, which enhances the various functions of the digestive tract and encourages the good bacteria.

Research shows that the best probiotics for constipation also have additional benefits such as boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health.

Probiotic Strain That Helps with Constipation

There are different types of probiotics available in different dosages and strains of bacteria.

Naturally, the large intestines have a high volume of the Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species of bacteria. As such, the best probiotic strain for constipation is one containing the Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus strains of bacteria.

The most common Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus strains that are found in probiotics for constipation include:

  • Bifidobacterium Longum
  • Lactobacillus Plantarum
  • Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
  • Bifidobacterium Lactis
  • Lactobacillus Reuteri
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum

What Are Probiotics

How Do Probiotics Help with Constipation?

Once consumed, probiotics have certain effects on the digestive tract, which alleviate constipation. The effects include:

  • Lowers the colon pH level. The live gut bacteria increase the production of lactic acid in the colon. The increased acidity stimulates peristalsis causing the stool to pass through the colon at an optimal speed.
  • Increases metabolism of bile salt. By stimulating peristalsis, the live bacteria cause the bile salts to be deconjugated, which results in colonic motility.
  • Stimulates production of Shorty Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus bacteria cause fermentation of carbohydrates in the gut during digestion which releases SCFAs. The SCFAs stimulate neural receptors along the digestive tract walls, which facilitates peristalsis and causes a laxative effect.

Are There Any Potential Risks of Taking Probiotics?

Although probiotics are generally safe for various categories of people, including kids, pregnant women, and the elderly, they may cause some side effects.

For example, gas, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. These symptoms are often common when you start using the prebiotics, but in most cases, they subside with continued use.

If you have underlying health conditions or are on other medications, it is best to consult your doctor about probiotics and learn more about beneficial bacteria.

Talk to your doctor about taking a probiotic supplement before buying any supplements to ensure they are safe for you, and that the ones you chose offer many benefits, including improving digestion and supporting urinary tract health.

Conclusion

Constipation results from an imbalance of the good and healthy bacteria in the gut. The imbalance can be caused by various factors, including pregnancy, low water intake, consuming a low-fiber diet, and certain medications.

Probiotics, particularly those containing live Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species, stimulate peristalsis for a smoother bowel movement and improved digestive health. If you have persistent constipation, it is important to see a doctor about it as there could be an underlying health condition.