Probiotics may ease bloating

Defined by the World Health Organization, probiotics are “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology has evaluated the effects of probiotic supplementation on bloating for people with bowel disorders. For this study, researchers recruited 60 people with functional bowel disorders but no constipation. Forty three of the test subjects were women and the average age of subjects was 37. A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 or placebo was used for eight weeks. Questionnaires were completed by volunteers who also were asked to rate their relief of gastrointestinal symptoms on a seven-point scale. After eight weeks of treatment, subjects taking the probiotic combination had improved symptoms of bloating compared to placebo. This study adds to the growing base of data which supports probiotic use for certain bowel disorders and the role of probiotic bacteria in human health.

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