The well researched probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii has also been extensively trialled in Crohn's disease sufferers.
One researcher reporting on a case study suggested taking high-dose, multi-strain, refrigerated probiotics, such as VSL#3 or E. coli strain Nissle 1917. People can take these probiotics to supplement other treatments for Crohn's disease that is in remission or causing mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria that can help aid digestion. If you're living with Crohn's, they might help improve your gastrointestinal symptoms.
Lactobacillus casei/paracasei.
Lactobacillus casei/paracasei can ease inflammatory bowel disease – a common disorder that causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation).
I frequently recommend a well-studied Lactobacillus-containing probiotic — such as Culturelle, DanActive, or BioGaia — to patients who have experienced this in the past. I also found this strategy to be effective for my own children.
In one study, researchers found that VSL#3 (an eight-strain probiotic including lactobacilli, bifidobacilli, and Streptococcus thermophilus) significantly increased remission and positively impacted patients with UC [4] [5] [6].
Studies show that probiotics help with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. But more research to form a standard treatment goes on. Research into whether probiotics may help people with Crohn's disease is less clear. The studies have been small, and we need more research into what types of probiotics might work.
A small, 3-week study in people with Crohn's found that 15 grams a day of oligofructose and inulin (prebiotic natural fibers) resulted in a significant reduction in the disease.
Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Stacking research has shown that complementary, nonpharmacological therapies including yoga, mindfulness, biofeedback, and diet changes can be used in tandem with medication to help reduce stress and calm Crohn's symptoms.
Vitamin deficiencies that come with Crohn's may make some supplements (like Vitamin D, B12 and folic acid, for instance) helpful. But, other supplements can actually make your condition worse. St. John's wort, for example, can increase upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, and black cohosh can cause liver problems.
Diet Recommendations for Crohn's Disease Flare
Avoid foods that may increase stool output such as fresh fruits and vegetables, prunes and caffeinated beverages. Cold foods may help reduce diarrhea. If you have lactose intolerance, follow a lactose-free diet.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first step in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They include: Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids such as prednisone and budesonide (Entocort EC) can help reduce inflammation in your body, but they don't work for everyone with Crohn's disease.
Probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach. Taking probiotics at least 30 minutes before a meal will reduce the time it takes for the good bacteria to get to your gut. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing beneficial bacteria naturally occurring in your intestinal tract.
Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days. More fundamental effects of the probiotics such as improvements to mood, weight loss or a reduction in inflammation of your gut barrier might set in after 4-8 weeks.
Probiotics are a key approach to healing leaky gut and can repair the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and restore the gut microbiome. Probiotic supplements help reduce symptoms associated with leaky gut syndrome, including bloating, abdominal pain, stool changes, fatigue, and brain fog.
“With any autoimmune disease, I recommend a combination of diet, herbal medicines, and supplements, including probiotics,” Dr. Sinatra says. “It can take six months or longer to see big changes, but often symptoms improve within a few weeks.”
We do not recommend that individuals who are immunosuppressed take live cultures supplements, due to a lack of clinical evidence. Patients who are severely immunocompromised or immunosuppressed do not have the ability to mount an appropriate response to any microbe that they come in contact with.
Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus thermophilus strains have shown promise, while high-dose multi-strain blends like VSL#3/Visbiome appear to have the most benefits. Probiotics are largely safe to use and risk for side effects is typically low.