We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Effective are Probiotics for Ulcerative Colitis?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,571
Share

The effectiveness of using probiotics for ulcerative colitis is not entirely known or understood, especially since no one knows exactly what causes the condition in the first place. Some studies have suggested that certain beneficial bacteria may prolong remission when used with conventional medication, and others have also noted that patients experienced a decrease in symptoms. Other studies have been contradictory to these findings because patients in some study groups showed no benefits when compared to a placebo group.

Use of probiotics for ulcerative colitis is in its earliest stages, so more research is needed to fully understand the ways in which introducing “good” bacteria effects the digestive system. When used in irritable bowel syndrome patients and those with other bowel diseases, probiotics have been proven beneficial at reducing symptoms and sometimes alleviating them for extended periods of time.

The exact mechanisms of how probiotics work is not entirely determined. It is known that both beneficial and detrimental bacteria are found naturally in the gut. The "good" varieties keep pathogenic forms from attaching to the intestinal walls where they can cause painful symptoms. Probiotics are capsules which contain millions of these beneficial bacterial flora in order to replenish those which are naturally occurring when they have been depleted, or when harmful bacteria multiply too quickly.

While the use of probiotics for ulcerative colitis is still being investigated, most doctors agree that there is no harm in taking them to help with symptoms. Patients may be asked to keep a journal of how effectively they seem to work and how long they have been taken when symptoms begin to subside. This should be done in combination with a list of foods consumed to determine if dietary changes or the probiotics are causing any positive changes.

When ordering probiotics for ulcerative colitis treatment, it is important to purchase a quality product. In general, the higher the bacteria count, the better the results. For this reason, patients should look for options with as high a count as possible with natural ingredients. Some also contain prebiotics, or sugars which help to feed the bacteria in order to keep it alive. Probiotics should be stored according to package directions in order to preserve the life of the bacterial flora for as long as possible.

Probiotics can be purchased online, in pharmacies, and in health food stores. There are various types, each containing different types of bacteria. In the treatment of bowel disorders, E. coli Nissle seems to be one of the most effective. There are also various strains of lactobacillus bacteria, the same types found in yogurt, which may be beneficial as well.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-effective-are-probiotics-for-ulcerative-colitis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.