When a supplement contains both probiotic microorganisms and prebiotic fibers, it is called a synbiotic ( 39) .

It’s time we did talk about IBS however, because at last, a natural, scientifically-proven has supplement has been launched that is revolutionising treatment – even for people who’ve tried everything.Probiotic ‘good bacteria’ occur naturally in your gut and play a crucial role in this microscopic world. However, they can be disrupted by a range of factors, including poor diet, stress or taking a course of antibiotics. Marketing materials say it " is the #1 Gastroenterologist recommended probiotic culture in the U.S.” This claim is based on a survey performed in 2017 among doctors and/or gastroenterologists who recommended a brand of probiotic by a human data service company, AlphaImpactRx. Marketing materials also state that it is the winner of awards from Irish pharmacists and industry experts, who voted it the winner of Best Gastrointestinal Product for 3 years in a row at the Irish Pharmacy News OTC (over-the-counter) Awards.

While probiotics may provide health benefits, they can also cause side effects, including bloating. They may also not be safe for some people. So far so good. No side effects. Must be working fine since I don't have any discomfort. I haven't noticed anything spectacular, but I've only had it for a little while. I'll have to give it a few more weeks...” – February 2, 2018 Since being diagnosed and learning more about IBS, I tried a few other probiotics (see my review of Symprove Probiotics here), which were pretty good, so I was less sceptical when this year I was given the chance to try Alflorex probiotics. Among the numerous clinical studies showing Alflorex’s effectiveness was a fascinating one done on 362 female patients with IBS. Half were given a placebo and half were given Alflorex to take and their IBS symptoms were monitored daily. The research, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that at the end of the four weeks the women taking the Alflorex saw their symptoms significantly improve, especially abdominal pain, constipation, bloating and wind.We’ve consulted leading gut health experts to untangle what the evidence says about common gut health products, and what simple steps you can take to look after your gut health. What is the gut microbiome? I have been taking Alflorex for about four months and have found that it has considerably helped with the discomfort I was suffering. My IBS is almost entirely caused by stress and anxiety and is not caused by what I eat or drink and has varied in the past between IBS-C and IBS-D. On the advice of Dr. Read I take one sachet a day of Questran/Colestyramine before my main meal and that, combined with one capsule of Alflorex in the morning, means that IBS seldom gives me problems. There are many different types of probiotics that may have different effects on the body, and little is known about which types are best.

While the best way to boost your gut health is by eating a varied and healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, there is some evidence for probiotics being beneficial, depending on what your symptoms are. And there is emerging evidence for other products too. Since a small number of people with lactose intolerance may experience unpleasant gas and bloating when consuming lactose-containing probiotics, they may want to choose lactose-free products. I have been taking Alflorex for a week now. Unfortunately, I did experience some unpleasant side effects. Extremely tired and a negative change in my bowel movements. Constipation but also diarrhea at the same time. In addition, I am bloated and I have a lot of pain on the right side of the stomach. @PrecisionBiotics, What are your thoughts on this? Does it sound familiar and should I continue?

While most people do not experience side effects, the most commonly reported reaction to bacteria-based probiotic supplements is a temporary increase in gas and bloating ( 9).