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?

Probiotics are good bacteria. Yes, there are actually good bacteria. Bacteria do not only thrive to cause diseases since some prove to be beneficial. Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria, can be found in the body along with the bad bacteria. These types of good bacteria are healthy for the digestive system. When we take antibiotics during an ailment it is inevitable that some good bacteria are also lost. Thus, there is such a thing as probiotics supplements that when taken can bring back the balance of bacteria in your body for immunity.

However, when people get sick and take antibiotics, some good bacterias are also lost so priobiotics supplement can serve as replacement. People grew interests in microorganism introduced that is specially introduced into the body for its health benefits or qualities since the mid-1990s and for this they have become a common ingredient in food products such as yogurt, chocolate, and food supplements. Two live bacteria that serves such purpose is the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus often found in probiotic supplements.

Unlike laxatives and other constipation drugs, probiotics are not yet included as a mainstream medicine for treating such illness. Probiotics are not instant cure but it helps keep the digestive system working at its best by keeping intestinal balance of water and electrolytes absorption. It prevents microbes and irregularity of bowel movements. Thus, probiotics serve more as a preventive measure against constipation instead of cure.

In addition, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacterium encourage the secretion of mucous through the conversion of bound bile salts that will later enhance water production in the colon to soften stool which can then be easily eliminated. Probiotics also secrete short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that increase muscle contractions by lowering the pH level in the colon. So these microorganisms that is specially introduced into the body for its health benefits can indeed assist in moving food through your 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.

Probiotics are widely available. You can take it through cultured or fermented food, dairy products, soy drinks, miso, or through dietary supplements. Some food naturally produces probiotics and at times probiotics are added into the food. You may choose whatever works for you best.




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