For diarrhea, especially antibiotic-associated, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii are among the most effective strains, helping to restore gut balance, reduce inflammation, and fight pathogens. Other beneficial strains include Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus reuteri, often used in combination or for specific types like C. difficile diarrhea. Always consult a healthcare professional to choose the best probiotic for your situation.
Some research shows that the bacteria strains most likely to help are Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, although other strains might be useful. A mix of a few different probiotics may also treat this type of diarrhea.
Many people take probiotics to help relieve diarrhea, constipation or stomach pain. Over the long term, probiotics should improve your overall gut health, including your bowel regularity and digestion, reducing discomfort.
Probiotics might help some kids with digestive problems
Dr. Kobak has seen certain probiotics improve serious cases of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea where other treatments weren't working on their own.
Here are some rough estimates of how long it may take to notice a difference: Diarrhea: 1-2 days to reduce symptoms. IBS symptoms: You may start seeing some improvements in a few days, but it could take 4-6 weeks for their full effects to kick in.
The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) is a gentle and effective diet for relieving diarrhea.
Yakult contains the Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. This strain specifically helps avoid diarrhea and constipation, improves your digestion, boosts your immunity, and can even fight cancerous cells.
By this last effect prebiotics inhibit certain strains of potentially pathogenic bacteria, especially Clostridium, and prevent diarrhea (121).
Psyllium (Metamucil, Fybogel, generics) – One teaspoonful of psyllium twice daily is often recommended for constipation, so why use it for diarrhea? The answer is that it has a water-holding effect in the intestines that may help bulk up watery stool. Some doctors recommend it for the variable bowel habit of IBS.
Incorporating fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can introduce beneficial probiotics into the digestive system, bolstering gut health. In addition to dietary changes, regular physical activity can positively impact gut health by promoting efficient digestion and reducing inflammation.
Macrocytosis (MCV >110 fL), diarrhea and neurologic symptoms strongly suggest vitamin B12 deficiency. Diarrhea from celiac sprue, bacterial overgrowth or pancreatic insufficiency can be seen with vitamin B12 deficiency because these are malabsorptive syndromes.
Eat the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, (white) rice, applesauce and toast. These foods help firm up your stool. Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, brussels sprouts and carbonated drinks. You should also avoid dairy because diarrhea can make you temporarily lactose intolerant.
Some probiotics can help reduce IBS symptoms like pain and diarrhea. Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM may help relieve pain in people with IBS. Saccharomyces boulardii might improve symptoms in those with diarrhea-dominant IBS.
There is high-quality evidence that probiotics are effective for acute infectious diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, hepatic encephalopathy, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Cardiologists warn against probiotics for heart patients due to risks like infections (endocarditis) in vulnerable individuals, potential negative interactions with heart medications, and the lack of strong human data proving consistent cardiovascular benefits, with some early concerns even showing increased mortality in critically ill patients. While probiotics show promise for gut-heart axis health, they pose risks, especially for immunocompromised patients or those with underlying heart conditions, necessitating doctor supervision.
Clinical studies indicate that probiotic supplementation lowers fasting glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients with T2DM [53], [54]. The consumption of fermented products such as yogurt has also been reported to have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels [54].
Among all probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii may be the most effective in reducing both duration of diarrhea (compared with placebo) and risk of diarrhea lasting ≥2 days (compared with placebo or no treatment), with moderate evidence.
Yakult® is a fermented milk containing probiotics (friendly bacteria), and it is expected that daily consumption of Yakult® can soften hard stools. The Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) questionnaire is often used to evaluate stool hardness.
It's important to note that if diarrhea is caused by bacteria, your body needs to get rid of the bacteria first by letting diarrhea run its course. If they're taken too soon, anti-diarrheal medication can make symptoms worse and keep you from clearing the infection.
To harden stool, focus on bland, low-fiber foods like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), white pasta, potatoes, and cheese, as these help bind stool by being easily digestible and low in residue, with options like crackers, oatmeal, and smooth peanut butter also working well.
Bacteria can cause explosive diarrhea to occur after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Bacteria that can cause diarrhea include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli, which is commonly called E. coli. These bacteria can spread from person to person via unwashed hands and surfaces.
How to reduce diarrhoea
Signs you might need probiotics include frequent digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation), frequent infections (colds, sore throats), skin problems (acne, eczema), mood changes (anxiety, brain fog), and fatigue, especially after taking antibiotics or when your gut health seems off despite a healthy lifestyle. These symptoms often point to an imbalanced gut microbiome, which probiotics can help restore by introducing beneficial bacteria.
Florastor IBS combines our unique probiotic yeast with digestive enzymes, peppermint, fennel and ginger to help support your gastrointestinal health, help relieve IBS related abdominal pain & discomfort, and help digest protein. Florastor IBS is suitable for low-FODMAP diets.