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Do probiotics actually help with constipation?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/16/2019 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Not sure if this is the right sub forum for my post but still it maybe most relevant one to my post.So here it is:

My constipation problem started like three years ago after multiple courses of ciprofloxacin for treating (not diagnosed till then) gastritis.But when later the gastritis was diagnosed I understood the antibiotic did not cure my gastritis and most likely harmed my gut flora which maybe causing this long term constipation problem.
So I have been suffering from constipation on and off for last three years or so but mostly on.Sometimes I have a bit of relief for a few weeks or a month or so but then it comes back,When it's on I barely have one bowel movement every 2-3 days and stools are hard and need to strain a lot.


So I need to take lactulose solution/syrup everyday for at least one bowel movement a day.But even that sometimes doesn't help very well.And I would get one bowel movement after like two or three days.But it's not always.I was even given miralax.But I stopped taking it because I read it has negative effects on kidneys if used for long time and not safe if you have kidney problem etc.And I have had kidney stones.So didn't take it for long.And don't want to take it again and again like I do for lactulose.I just wish I could get back to my normal bowel movements without taking lactulose or something else.


I have read quite a few posts over the years on different internet forums about people taking probiotic and that helping their constipation with regular bowel movements.
Also read there are like two main types of probiotics.

Like 1.Lactobacillus 2.Bifidobacterium

Which one of these two type is generally prescribed/recommended for helping having regular bowel movements?
Does anybody have any suggestion about this.Off course I will discuss this with my doctor before taking any probiotics.

Btw does probiotic fall under medicine or supplement?
Thanks for reading.
Posted 8/17/2019 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, it is a gimmick. Okay, instead I'll say that I do use it sometimes but for other reasons. It does not cause a bowel movement for me. Things like water, vegetables(lettuce, broccoli, brown or kidney beans, lentils, cabbage or sauerkraut, etc), dried fruits(prunes, raisins, etc), prune juice, original bran cereal, exercise are helpful. I'm not sure how these foods would affect IBS however.

Raisins, prunes, prune juice, original bran cereal and beans, sauerkraut, cabbage work the best for me at different times. I do need to take more Insulin when I use these items however, along with plenty of water and brisk exercise, since I have Type 1 Diabetes. Good Luck!

Post Edited (msOuchie) : 8/16/2019 11:59:23 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/17/2019 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the response.

I will definitely try the cabbage.I am also eating leafy greens.Also drink 2.5 liter of water day.Yes need to add physical exercise.

Post Edited (arachnids) : 8/17/2019 12:18:40 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/12/2019 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
Try adding plain, fat free Greek yogurt, olives and sauerkraut to your diet. Cut out sugars and saturated fats.
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