Before we come to the best probiotic for chronic constipation, let’s see what this digestive disorder actually is. Constipation means infrequent bowel movement or a stool frequency of less than three per week. And, if it is chronic, it prolongs over weeks, months or even years. Also, it has different definitions for different people. Some take it as straining or having difficulty in passing stools. To others, it means getting unable to pass stools even after trying too hard and long. Still, others think it having hard or formed stools, small stools or a combination of infrequent hard, formed or small stools. In spite of all these definitions, experts think that people do not have an exact understanding of whether or not they are suffering from chronic constipation. They actually underestimate the frequency of their bowel habits.
What is Chronic Constipation?
Unfortunately, the most common digestive complaint in the population of the U.S.A. and the U.K. is chronic constipation. It has made the life of its patients very miserable and pathetic. The sufferer feels not only bloated, headachy and irritable but also wastes ample time and money in curing it. There are at least 2.5 million doctor visits against chronic constipation in the U.S.A. each year. Moreover, many hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on medication and looking for the best probiotic for chronic constipation.
Some Bitter Realities About Chronic Constipation
Lack of knowledge about chronic constipation results in anxiety and distress. There are always morbid fears about the probable cause of this disorder and sheer discomforts for the sufferer. Not only does he become a slower performer at his work but also have to miss many social recreational activities. A number of wavered myths about chronic constipation are also in circulation and the patient feels much confused. All this makes it utmost necessary to know the real basis and remedy of this debilitating disorder. Talking about the remedy, it is very much fair to discuss the best probiotics for chronic constipation.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are naturally occurring beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract or gut. They are created by the natural process of fermentation in foods like yogurt, kimchi, miso soup, sauerkraut, etc. They are also available in pill form and in products like yogurt and health drinks as an added ingredient. These should never be confused with prebiotics which is actually fibers or non-digestible part of foods like bananas, onions, garlic, the skin of an apple, chicory root and many others.
Probiotics are naturally occurring beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract or gut. They are created by the natural process of fermentation in foods like yogurt, kimchi, miso soup, sauerkraut, etc. They are also available in pill form and in products like yogurt and health drinks as an added ingredient. These should never be confused with prebiotics which is actually fibers or non-digestible part of foods like bananas, onions, garlic, the skin of an apple, chicory root and many others.
The process of fermentation feeds beneficial bacteria colonies including probiotic bacteria and help increase the number of desirable bacteria in our gut. A milk drink called kefir is produced by fermentation using kefir grains and is an especially potent source of probiotic bacteria. When taken, kefir makes sure fifty different types of bacteria travel through the digestive tract to colonize the colon. Probiotics include many different types of bacteria; the chief two being the followings.[Laurence,2018]
- Lactobacilli
Yogurt and other fermented foods contain this most common type of probiotic which can help with diarrhea. These may also help people who cannot digest milk sugar called lactose.
- Bifidobacteria
They are present in the large intestine naturally and are available in various daily products. They help:
- Ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other related conditions.
- Fight harmful bacteria in the intestines.
- Prevent constipation.
- Give the immune system a boost.
- Reduce intestinal concentrations of certain carcinogenic enzymes.
Special Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics help repopulate the colon with desirable bacteria after the antibiotics have wiped out both beneficial and undesirable bacteria.[Hyman 2016]
- Probiotics can combat gastrointestinal side effects of the medication and reduce the bacterial growth. This, in turn, helps reduce the chances of yeast infection.[Toscana 2018]
- Probiotics are available in various types and forms. So, it gives everybody a facility to determine which probiotic will be helpful for his own body.[Laurence 2018]
- The most important point is that probiotic supplements carry live beneficial bacteria. However, they are very fragile and can be easily destroyed by stomach acid, time and heat.
“The biggest influence you can have on the state of your gut lining, and a healthy microbiome is your diet—-which you control.”—Jeannette Hyde, Nutritional Therapist B.Sc., regular BBC commentator and the author of The Gut Makeover and The Gut Makeover Recipe Book.
What is the Best Probiotic for Chronic Constipation?
Owing to the availability of so many probiotic products on the market, you may definitely get confused about what to choose and what not to. That is why we have detailed some leading products for you to select the best probiotic for chronic constipation.
1) Zenwise Health Digestive Enzymes Probiotic
This digestive supplement is a blend of plant-based enzymes, inulin prebiotic and 1 billion CFU of multi-strain probiotics to promote daily intestinal health. It also features enzymes such as papain, protease, amylase, and lactase in order to ease discomfort. Besides digestive enzymes, this supplement also contains turmeric which definitely provides additional support to digestive motility. This supplement formula is ideal for individuals who are on a new weight loss and fitness journey to feel their best. These vegetarian capsules improve digestive flora health against foods and liquids that may upset the stomach of both men and women.
2) Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic Capsules
These capsules comprise three types of selected probiotics that help refill good bacteria in the digestive system including the colon. They prove good support against occasional digestive issues and to the general health of the colon. With both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics, Phillips’ Colon health Capsules provide 4-in-1 symptoms defense against occasional Gas, Bloating, Constipation and Diarrhea. Moreover, Phillips’ Colon Health ensures 1.5 billion CFU’s which is far better than many other probiotics.
3) Nucific Bio X4 Probiotic
With four proven nutrients, Nucific Bio X4 claims to be a 4-in-1 weight management probiotic, providing digestive support, suppressing appetite and supporting weight loss management. It also claims to cause no known side effects because it contains 100% pure ingredients without lactose, gluten or fillers. It actually contains:
- A digestive enzyme blend with 39 billion CFU’s helping the body easily digest carbs, fats, and proteins.
- Green tea to boost up the overall metabolism.
- Caralluma Fimbriata to suppress cravings.
4) Omega-Zyme Ultra Digestive Enzyme Blend
This is an ultimate high-activity digestive enzyme formula with a broad spectrum of 21 digestive enzymes. This formula ensures complete digestion of food, resulting in superb gastrointestinal health, regularity and normal bowel function.
The leading innovative formulae of RAW Probiotics of Omega-Zyme contain a very diverse range of probiotics and kefir ‘buds’ with 32 different types of probiotics. These probiotics are also formulated with enzymes and other nutrients.
Moreover, the living foods bars of Omega-Zyme contain the goodness of healthy whole foods such as organic fruits, nuts, and sprouted grains. These healthy foods are combined with beneficial live probiotics and the whole blend is sweetened with natural honey. The resulting bars are incredibly satisfying being both delicious and nutritious for the user.
With their superb efficacy, RAW probiotic proves itself probably the best probiotic for chronic constipation. These are also widely used and well popular across the globe.
5) NOW Super Enzymes, 180 Capsules
This comprehensive blend of enzymes supports healthy digestion by breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Working as a dietary supplement, this formula also optimizes nutrient availability. Each capsule features bromelain, ox bile, pancreatin, and papain. It also contains Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, and sulfites. It is also worth mentioning here that these capsules are never manufactured using milk, wheat, gluten, soy, egg, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. Moreover, this product is produced in a GMP facility which processes other ingredients containing these allergens. Last but not least, this product is available in natural color variations as well. Such qualities of this product make it the best probiotic for chronic constipation.
It must be noted that these capsules are meant only for the adults and should be kept out of the reach of the children. At times, you may happen to be pregnant, nursing, taking medication, especially against cardiovascular diseases. You may also have some medical condition like an allergy to papaya, pineapple, guava, etc. Under all such conditions, you must immediately consult your physician before starting these capsules.
Thus we see that the best probiotic for chronic constipation works really wonder in maintaining our digestive health.
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