Constipation is no longer the taboo subject it once was. With about 16% of the young adult population suffering from it and that number jumps to 33% for the 60+ demographic, it is now a widely discussed issue that many are seeking help for.
The reasons for constipation vary. Something as small as a work or sleep shift can cause it to flair up, or it could be the sign of a more serious illness, due to dietary or medication changes, or even pregnancy. Whatever the cause behind your constipation, probiotics have been proven to help.
Probiotic supplements that contain live, beneficial bacteria that enhance gut microbiome. Simply put, they add to the “good” bacteria in your digestive tract that helps with inflammation, immunity functions, digestion, and more. A lack of this “good” bacteria is also a leading cause for those suffering from constipation, so taking a daily probiotic supplement has proven extremely helpful to combat this issue.
Picking the right probiotic is key to improving constipation. Look for a probiotic that contains strains including: lactobacillus acidophilus, saccharomyces boulardii, bacillus coagulans, lactobacillus bulgaricus, and bifidobacterium longum. Probiotics generally take several weeks to work, so don’t become discouraged. Stick to your intake plan for a minimum of 3 weeks in order to evaluate its true effectiveness.
Sources:
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/definition-facts
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290017/