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The Best Probiotics for IBS Diarrhea [Strains & Brands]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) is not a walk in the park. Constant bloat, abdominal pain and having to frequently go to the bathroom can put a damper on your daily activities. However, with the right probiotic supplements and lifestyle changes, IBS-D can be controlled.
To help you live your best life with IBS-D, we’re answering some common questions about using probiotics for IBS diarrhea, walking you through the best probiotic strains for this particular problem, and reviewing the best probiotic supplements for IBS-D on the market.
Jump straight to:
- Should you take probiotics for IBS-D
- Benefits of Taking probiotics for IBS-D
- Best Probiotic Strains for IBS-D
- The Best Probiotic Supplements for IBS-D
- Diet & Lifestyle Considerations
Should You Take Probiotics for IBS Diarrhea?
Probiotics are often associated with improving gut health, as they boost the body with “good bacteria” — that is, live bacteria that is good for you and your digestive system. That’s why taking probiotics is a great option for people with IBS Diarrhea.
In general, IBS is more common in women, and symptoms can differ as well. The good news is that probiotics can alleviate many of the symptoms in both men and women—such as reduced bloating and abdominal pain—and improve quality of life.
Read More: IBS in Women: How to Support Your Digestive System
While taking probiotics can provide relief in symptoms, some people around the web have reported side effects such as mild stomach issues (common with IBS), especially when first starting a new supplement.
According to the NCCIH, taking probiotics is generally seen as safe, especially in healthy people. However, those with weakened immune systems should use caution. As with any new supplement or medication, it’s important to talk with your doctor first to discuss the best options for you and any potential risks or side effects.
When Is the Best Time to Take Probiotics for IBS Diarrhea?
The best time of day to take probiotics for IBS Diarrhea can vary depending on the supplement. While some experts recommend taking them on an empty stomach first thing in the morning or right before bed, some people prefer to take their probiotics with food.
Be sure to look into the directions on your specific probiotic supplement for best results. At the end of the day, it’s important to be consistent so you don’t forget and do what works best for you.
Benefits of Taking Probiotics for IBS Diarrhea
There are a number of science-backed benefits to taking probiotics for IBS diarrhea, including:
- Abdominal pain relief, including severity and frequency
- Reduced bloating
- Improved digestion
- Reduced urgency of the bowel
- Regulated bowel movements/reduced number of bowel movements per day
- Improved stool consistency
- Lessened overall symptoms and discomfort
- Improved quality of life for people with IBS
This is achieved by:
- Restoring Gut Balance: Achieving a balanced ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria within the gut is crucial for overall well-being. This equilibrium aids in alleviating symptoms associated with IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea).
- Reducing Gut Inflammation: Gut inflammation is a primary contributor to IBS-D-related diarrhea. Inflammation impairs the gut's ability to absorb sodium and water while promoting fluid leakage, resulting in watery and loose stools. Taking probiotics to mitigate this inflammation can significantly enhance symptom management for IBS-D.
- Enhancing Gut Barrier Function: Strengthening the gut barrier is essential in preventing harmful microorganisms and toxins from entering the bloodstream. This preventative measure helps to curb inflammation and mitigate the exacerbation of IBS-D symptoms.
- Regulating Bowel Movements: Probiotics play a key role in purging waste efficiently, promoting regular bowel movements. For individuals with IBS-D, this regulation is beneficial as it helps stabilize stool consistency and reduces the frequency of bathroom visits.
Best Probiotic Strains for IBS Diarrhea
There are many different types of probiotic strains, and not all are equal. Below, we discuss the best probiotic strains for IBS Diarrhea, based on clinical research and scientific studies.
Bifidobacterium
Taking probiotic supplements that include Bifidobacterium strains could help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus strains can provide substantial relief for individuals with IBS diarrhea by improving the balance of gut microflora, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the intestinal barrier. These probiotics can also regulate bowel movements and alleviate common symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort, enhancing overall digestive function.
- Lactobacillus Plantarum: Enhances beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting digestive health; it’s also known to stimulate the production of essential vitamins that can boost your immune system and help fight against harmful bacteria.
- Lactobacillus Paracasei: Benefits skin health, immunity and gut health (including intestinal microflora, IBS, diarrhea and constipation)
- Lactobacillus Helveticus: Aids in prevention of gastrointestinal infections and enhanced protection against harmful pathogens
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Known for treating diarrhea, strengthening the gut barriers, and restoring balance to natural gut flora
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: Known for reducing diarrhea caused by various factors, including IBS-D; can also ease other symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Commonly found in yogurt and cheese production, Streptococcus Thermophilus is a lactic acid bacterium. It can be effective for people suffering from IBS-D, as it’s proven to reduce acute diarrhea and antibiotic-induced diarrhea. This strain is also known for helping other strains grow and survive for a longer period of time.
The Best Probiotic for IBS Diarrhea on the Market
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right probiotic for you. After all, not all probiotics are created equal, and you get what you pay for. To help take the guesswork out, we dive into several popular probiotic supplements on the market — looking into their strains, CFUs, pricing and health benefits.
Digestive Vibrance by Vibrant Health
Digestive Vibrance is one of the most complete supplements in terms of digestive health — a “revolution” in digestive well-being. This advanced gut health formula is designed to support many of the common symptoms associated with IBS-D, including improving digestion, alleviating occasional gas and bloating, and reducing occasional discomfort.
Formulated in powder form, the supplement contains a whopping 100 billion probiotics from eight supportive strains. Digestive Vibrance also includes hand-picked ingredients to support a healthy digestive tract, including a trio of prebiotics and fermentable fibers: psyllium husk (which studies have shown can decrease inflammation in IBS), wheat grass, and acacia gum.
Free from soy, dairy, and gluten, this plant-based supplement is also vegan-friendly. For best results, Vibrant Health recommends taking your Digestive Vibrance supplement at night mixed with 8 oz. of water.
- Product form: Powder (mandarin orange, naturally flavored)
- Strains of probiotics: eight strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus)
- CFUs per serving: 100 billion CFU
- Price: $52, $3.71 per serving
- Certifications: Non-GMO
- Free of: Diary, gluten, soy
Organic Liquid Probiotic by MaryRuth’s
If you’re looking for a liquid probiotic option, the Organic Liquid Probiotic by MaryRuth’s may be a good choice for you. WIth 13 strains of probiotics including clinically-studied Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2®, this “family-formulated” supplement is a good option for supporting overall gut health and digestive function.
While the supplement does contain several beneficial strains, it only contains 2 billion CFUs per 3 mL serving, which is far less than other brands on the market. Other ingredients include organic medium-chain triglycerides oil and organic alfalfa grass.
One big factor to take into account is that MaryRuth’s Organic Liquid Probiotic contains a proprietary blend so you don’t know exactly how much of each bacteria strain you’re getting. This may be a concern for those who value transparency or want to prioritize a certain ingredient.
At $1.25 per serving, the product is affordable. However, it lacks additional gut-healthy ingredients, which more complex supplements provide.
- Product form: Liquid, unflavored
- Strains of probiotics: 13 strains (Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2®, Lactobacillus-Acidophilus, L-Rhamnosus, L-Salivarius, L-Casei, L-Plantarum, Lactococcus-Lactis, Streptococcus-Thermophilus, Bifidobacterium-Bifidum, B-Lactis, B-Infantis, B-Breve, and B-Longumwater)
- CFUs per serving: 2 billion per 3 mL serving (recommended serving for ages 14+)
- Price: $49.95, $1.25 per serving
- Certifications: Non-GMO, USDA Certified Organic
- Free of: dairy, nuts, gluten, soy
DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed
DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed is formulated with both probiotics and prebiotics for healthy gut and immune function. Created in capsule form, each serving contains 24 strains of probiotics for various properties: digestive health, dermatological health, cardiovascular health, and micronutrient synthesis.
Additional ingredients include Acid-Resistant Vegan Outer (chlorophyllin) and Inner Capsules (hypromellose, fermented gellan gum, water), organic rice fiber, and organic rice extract blend. The instructions recommend taking the supplement on an empty stomach but also mention doing what works best for you and your body.
Seed references strain specific benefits as well as a clinical trial underway, which is being conducted at Harvard Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to study the effects of DS-01® in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
This product is certainly probiotic-rich, and while it’s packed with 24 strains, other healthy gut-supporting ingredients (such as psyllium husk) are lacking if you’re looking for something more comprehensive. It is also subscription-based, which may be a pain point for someone who’s trying something new and not yet sure what supplement will work best for them.
- Product form: Capsule
- Strains of probiotics: 24 strains, including Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP, Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LP1-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-LR6-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HRVD113-US, Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP, Bifidobacterium lactis SD-BS5-IT, Bifidobacterium lactis HRVD524-US, Lactobacillus crispatus SD-LCR01-IT, Lacticaseibacillus casei HRVD300-US, Bifidobacterium breve HRVD521-US, Bifidobacterium longum HRVD90b-US, Bifidobacterium lactis SD150-BE, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SD-LF8-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-GG-BE, Limosilactobacillus reuteri RD830-FR
- CFUs per serving: 53.6 billion AFUs
- Price: $49.99, $1.66 per serving
- Certifications: NA
- Free of: Gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, shellfish, sesame, corn
Diet and Lifestyle Considerations to Alleviate IBS-D Symptoms
It's a good idea to take a supplement like a probiotic to help alleviate IBS-D symptoms, but that’s only part of the battle. We share some of our top diet and lifestyle tips to help manage your symptoms while improving overall gut health.
Eat a Gut-Healthy Diet
What you put in your body matters. That’s why it’s best to consume a gut-healthy diet, filled with nutrient-rich whole foods while limiting potential triggers.
Foods to Include:
- A variety of fruits and vegetables
- Resistant starch such as psyllium husk, sweet potatoes and plantains
- Organic, grass-fed meats
- Whole grains like buckwheat, rice, and farro
- Beans and legumes
- Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds
- Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut
Foods to Avoid/Limit:
- Processed foods
- Fried foods, particularly those high in unhealthy fats
- Too much fiber, which can cause digestive issues
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Dairy (this can be a trigger for some, so keep a food journal and pay attention to your symptoms)
- Artificial sweeteners and added sugars
Reduce Your Stress
The gut and brain are connected, and studies show a direct correlation between psychological stress and irritable bowel syndrome flare-ups.
While stress is impossible to avoid altogether, reducing stress can help keep symptoms at bay. Sprinkle in calming activities throughout the day, such as meditation, exercise, and self-care.
Exercise
Another way to help manage stress is through exercise. And research supports that increasing physical activity can have a positive effect on patients with IBS — not only improving psychological symptoms (such as stress and better quality of life) but also physical symptoms. Win, win!
Get IBS Diarrhea Relief With Vibrant Health
While coping with Irritable Bowel Syndrome accompanied by diarrhea can be challenging, the good news is it can be controlled with the right treatment — including probiotics, a healthy diet and lifestyle shits. Digestive Vibrance by Vibrant Health is an excellent supplement for a complex probiotic that supports digestive well-being.
Looking for more symptom relief while improving your overall digestive system? Check out our recommendations for:
- Best Supplements for Poor Digestion & Bloating
- Best Supplements for Gut Health & Inflammation
- Best Natural Supplements for Regular Bowel Movements
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent healthcare professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.
