Crohn's disease is a painful, chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause symptoms like irregularity and other stomach issues. While there are plenty of prescription medications available on the market to help keep the symptoms of Crohn's disease at bay, supplemental doses of probiotics may also help. If you have Crohn's disease or know someone dealing with this issue, here's some helpful information about probiotics and how they may be able to help.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are considered "good bacteria" that can be found naturally in foods like yogurt or taken in supplement form. When you ingest probiotics, they increase this good bacteria in your intestinal tract in order to help combat the bad bacteria. They can be ingested by eating natural foods like cheese, beer, and other fermented foods or taken as a vitamin purchased online or in drug stores. When they reach the intestines, they work to reduce bloating and help to increase the number of good bacteria in the gut, promoting healing.
How Can They Help People With Crohn's?
Because Crohn's patients are coping with intestinal issues, the absorption of nutrients required to stay healthy is often much more difficult. With probiotics, increasing the healthy bacteria in the gut can help aid in proper digestion. Better digestion results in better nutrient absorption. Probiotics can also reduce bloating, make patients more regular, and improve immune system function. Inflammation is the main cause of pain for those who have Crohn's disease. As the intestinal walls become inflamed, patients experience pain ranging from mild to severe. Since probiotics can reduce this internal inflammation, these symptoms may subside and become more regulated and less frequent over extended use.
What Is The Best Probiotic Regimen For Those With Crohn's?
Since most probiotics are taken in supplement form, it's advised that you start by taking the daily recommended dose only. Over time, your dosage amount and varying strains of probiotics can be increased or changed. The best way to determine if your current probiotic regimen is working for you is to see if you notice any changes in how you feel. Keep a daily diary that includes how you're feeling and how much you take. This will help you determine whether or not you need to either change, increase, or decrease your dose. Since there is no known cure for Crohn's disease, these probiotics can simply help you feel less pain from inflammation, and you will also help prevent further damage to the intestines by letting the good bacteria found in probiotics work to help you heal.
Share11 May 2016
