Probiotics for IBD: Hype or Hope?
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In this week’s episode of The Cheeky Podcast for Moms with IBD, we’re diving into the hotly debated topic of probiotics. With so much conflicting information in the media, it’s hard to know whether probiotics are a game-changer or just another overhyped supplement. As moms with IBD, we need tailored advice, not general population guidelines.
As I always say, IBD plays by different rules.
And it’s time for us to uncover the IBD rules of probiotics. This episode will help you discover the five compelling reasons why probiotics might be worth considering, despite the skepticism. I’m also breaking down the latest research, providing what to buy and how to buy it guidelines, and leaving you with mega actionable tips to help you make your best decision regarding probiotics for your individual health and healing needs.
Tune in As We Talk About:
✅ [07:34] The five things I know for sure when it comes to the use of probiotics in IBD.
✅ [11:33] The simple step-by-step probiotic breakdown: how to choose the right probiotic for your individual needs.
✅ [20:16] Everything you need to know to “do probiotics like a mom” whether you are just getting started or restarting a probiotic plan that’s gone awry
✅ [23:32] The best way to get your hands on my free and fabulous double probiotic resource guide Q and A and Probiotic Strain Guide
Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Mentioned in the Episode:
>> Your FREE and FABULOUS Probiotic Resources
>> The Ultimate IBD Diet Decoder Quiz
>> Join The Gut Love Community for Moms with IBD
>> Book Your FREE IBD Consultation with Karyn Today
Connect With Karyn:
Episode Transcript:
Karyn [00:00:00]:
Well, hey there, dear one. How are you today? Depending on where you live in the world, your kids might be getting ready to head back to school. The summer, it always moves way too fast, doesn’t it? But here in Maryland, we have, at least my kid does, has a start for school after Labor Day, the day after Labor Day. So there’s a bit of a summer’s bounty left for us to enjoy. But I do feel it’s like it’s creeping up. I do feel it getting closer and closer. I do feel like we’re on the outskirts of getting the kids back to school. And so when that happens, that’s my signal, that’s my cue, that it’s time to turn the attention back to me.
Karyn [00:00:45]:
So I am now going to turn that on you. It’s time to turn the attention back to you. And when I say you, I mean capital YOU and I know, I know that focusing on your health and well being, it’s a really tall order when the kids around summer break, I totally get that because I’m there, too. But before you know it, they will be back in school. And when that happens, I want you armed with an arsenal, an arsenal of IBD busting information. And so that’s why today we’re talking about a game changing topic. We’re talking about probiotics. And so the big question here, the big question that I know is on so many people’s minds is, does it even matter? Do probiotics even matter? Do they do anything? Because there’s so much information out there that they don’t.
Karyn [00:01:47]:
And if you believe the stories in the pop health media, that’s what I like to call it. You know, pop culture, pop health. You might be tempted to skip a probiotic, you might skip this supplement. But I’ve got five compelling cutting edge of the zeitgeist reasons to put those blinders on, put earmuffs on to the anti-probiotic hype. The anti-probiotic hype, that’s all around you, because as I have said so many times in this season of the Cheeky podcast, IBD plays by different rules. So let’s get to the bottom of this probiotic debate, shall we? And let’s make sure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you, because that’s really what I want. I want you to make the best decision for you when it comes to how to incorporate probiotics into your life. Okay, let’s go ahead and dive in.
Karyn [00:02:59]:
Hey there, mama. Welcome to season two of the Cheeky podcast for moms with IBD. I’m Karen Haley, functional IBD nutrition and wellness coach and Crohn’s warrior. This podcast is all about us moms because our IBD plays by different rules. Season two is juicy, full of unconventional wisdom, real talk, new ways to tackle our illness, and a whole lot of community empowerment. And all of us advocating the hell out of our illness. We’re in this together. And I’m here to help you find healing on your terms.
Karyn [00:03:33]:
Let’s do this. So you might have heard that there is no benefit to probiotics, that they are a waste of money. But don’t ever forget that the general population advice, and I’m saying that in air quotes, the general population advice, it doesn’t always apply to us. So grab your tea, your favorite cup of tea. If you’re enjoying some solitude time, it’s a great time to sip some tea. If you’re doing chores, whatever you’re doing, I’m with you. Either way, I’m with you. But settle in and let’s just talk about why probiotics can be a game changer for those of us trying to bust that never ending Crohn’s or colitis flare.
Karyn [00:04:26]:
Now, I mentioned at the top that there’s five compelling reasons why we should go above and beyond to make sure that probiotics are part of our daily routine. When it comes to probiotics, here are the five things that I know for sure. Okay, so let’s start with number one. Research is on our side. Research is on our side. Probiotics can absolutely benefit those with IBD. Their research is clear. The chronic digestive challenge that we have, it creates what I call the perfect storm of three.
Karyn [00:05:03]:
The perfect storm of three. And that storm is inflammation, bacterial imbalance, and immune system disregulation. That’s the storm of three. And all of these areas are areas where probiotics can offer significant help. We’re not just dealing with a garden variety upset stomach that we can fix by eating whole foods. Our gut health challenges, they take digestive woes to a whole new level. And we need to keep that in mind when we’re thinking about probiotics. Okay.
Karyn [00:05:37]:
Reason number two, our sensitive digestive systems, they make us more prone to other digestive ailments, like food poisoning and stomach bugs, even the flu, you know, the real flu, probiotics, they can help us bounce back faster from ailments like these, and they can help prevent a major flare up from triggering when these kinds of events occur, because something like a food poisoning incident or getting a stomach bug, they can create an environment where a flare up can occur. But probiotics can help stave that off. I mean, I know this firsthand, so take my word for it on this one. I have been there, mama, and it really does help. Okay. Reason number three, we are so much more susceptible to gut comorbidities, those connected issues that go along with having IBD. I’m talking about things like Sibo, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, CFO, small intestinal fungal overgrowth, as well as Candida, where these are the kind of conditions where there’s a majority disruption in the bacterial or the fungal balance in the body. And probiotics, they can be a powerful tool in managing conditions like these, these kinds of conditions that often lurk beneath the surface.
Karyn [00:07:06]:
And that’s because they mimic our IBD symptoms. So what happens so often is that we don’t even know that we have these types of challenges because the symptoms are so similar to Crohn’s, to colitis. So things like gas bloating, inconsistent bowel movements, abdominal pain, discomfort, they mimic what we think is going on with our crohn’s or our colitis, and so we don’t even know we have them. But probiotics can be the bridge between IBD and other intense GI conditions that we are so prone to getting ourselves. Okay, reason number four, the days of thinking that higher CFU counts, that’s those colony forming units. That’s how we measure probiotics. The days of thinking that higher CFU counts, as well as those multi strain. You know, with all of the strains, you know everything but the kitchen sink in there.
Karyn [00:08:06]:
Those days are behind us. I do know that for sure. Thanks to advances in microbiome research, now we can select specific probiotic strains tailored to our individual, unique IBD needs. So this personalized approach can make a world of difference in managing our individual symptoms effectively. So that’s cool. And then lastly, last reason is, reason number five, why probiotics should be on board. What I know for sure about probiotics is that the goal of using probiotic supplements with specific intention, like I’ve been talking about using it intentionally, along with your other treatment modalities. Remember, we’re not using this in a vacuum.
Karyn [00:08:57]:
It’s not the only thing we’re doing. It’s part of a treatment plan. The goal is to eventually not need them anymore. The goal is that eventually we join the ranks of the general population. Recommendation recommendations. But keep in mind that even those in long term remission with IBD will always need to be mindful, mindful about our gut function, and it can be a really slippery slope when we stop treating our gut with tender, loving care. So even though we’re in long term remission, some sort of probiotic might always be part of your gut maintenance plan. Now, ideally, ideally, in a perfect world, what would happen is after the supplementation phase, after you’re feeling really well, you’re in long term remission.
Karyn [00:09:52]:
Ideally, you would move into a food based probiotic phase, which is always a good choice, really, depending on what your body tolerates. There are loads of options available to you in that realm. So we’re talking about things like dairy or non dairy. Yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, sourdough bread, lacto-fermented veggies, fermented pickles. Bubbies is my favorite. If you know, you know, kefir, kombucha, natto, tempeh. I mean, the list just goes on and on, but that’s just a sampling. But again, here, the goal is to find one or two options that work best for you.
Karyn [00:10:37]:
Now, remember, if you’re in a mega flare up or your disease is raging out of control, these food based options, they might not be the best go to choice for you and supplementation might be necessary. But keep these in your back pocket for when you’re ready. And then when you are ready, you can keep them in rotation. These different fermented food options, you can keep them in rotations for the rest of your life, throughout your life, for your best gut loving results. Now, I get, if you’re listening and you’re just kind of thinking, oh, I’m still confused, I’m still overwhelmed about probiotics. It’s normal. There’s so much information about probiotics, and I’ve really just scratched the surface here. I’ve also, I’ve worked with enough clients over the years, and I’ve talked with so many of you awesome GLCers.
Karyn [00:11:33]:
I’ve talked with enough of you to know that even with this information, what I’m telling you about the benefits of probiotics, I know that it can still be daunting, especially when there’s so much conflicting information out there. What brand do I buy? Where do I buy it? What, which strains are best for which ailments? How much do I take? And on and on. So what I want to do now is go ahead and let’s just break down probiotics into really simple bite sized chunks. So here is how to choose the right probiotic for your individual IBD needs. I hope this helps. First, you’re going to want to focus on something called symptom strain matching. Symptom strain matching. And all that means is just that you focus on probiotics that address your specific symptoms.
Karyn [00:12:27]:
So whether it’s constipation or diarrhea, bloating, inflammation, or something else altogether, there is a strain out there for you. It might even be just a combination of a couple different strains. Look for research backed strains that are proven to help with your specific issues. The research is out now. It’s finally out. It’s really, it’s just about getting this information into the hands of the people who need it most. I’m going to help you with this aspect of choosing probiotics with a free resource in just a minute. So hang tight because I’ve got you.
Karyn [00:13:03]:
Okay? Secondly, I want you to keep this in mind. Opt for quality over quantity. So don’t get caught up in the numbers game. I mentioned this previously, but it does bear repeating. A high CFU colony forming unit of probiotic, a high CFU count. It does not always mean better results. Instead, you’ll want to look for pharmaceutical grade probiotics that have been batch tested for potency as well as purity. So pharmaceutical grade.
Karyn [00:13:38]:
So that means not drugstore brands. And then as well as a company that batch tests, because then you’ll know if you’re getting the amount that it says on the label. I know it seems crazy. You would think, of course I’m getting that. But you really don’t always. So it’s important to have a company that batch tests. Super important. Okay, next, if you can, you’ll want to choose a probiotic with an enteric coating or some sort of other technology that ensures that it survives through the journey of your stomach and reaches your intestines intact.
Karyn [00:14:14]:
And again, it might seem like they all do. Oh, no, they don’t. What good is taking a probiotic if all the bacterial power, it gets killed in your stomach even before it reaches your intestine? Not helpful, right? Not all probiotics are created, are created equal. They’re just not. So just because it has the strain that you’re looking for, it has the CFU that you’re looking for. It doesn’t mean that it’s the probiotic for you. So you’ll want to just probe a little bit deeper to ensure that you are getting a good delivery system of that probiotic as well. All right.
Karyn [00:14:54]:
Also, the storage requirements for the packaging, all the probiotics will tell you storage requirements. That’s not just a suggestion. That’s pretty mandatory to how the probiotic is going to perform. It really does matter. So pay attention to whether the probiotic says that it needs refrigeration. Some do and some don’t. It really depends on the probiotic. So proper storage, it’s crucial for maintaining your probiotics.
Karyn [00:15:24]:
And if you’re ordering online right, and there’s going to be that transit time, choose a carrier that ships with an ice pack, especially if it says refrigeration necessary, because this is going to ensure that your probiotic doesn’t lose its potency as it travels to you. Now, I do have to say, look heavy out here that it can stay. Don’t freak out if it comes in. The ice block is still, it’s not cold anymore because it can stay at room temperature for about a week or so and it will still be okay, still have its potency. But you can also remember that if you’re traveling, you don’t necessarily have to keep it cold if you’re taking a short trip. But I would say for the most part, if the product says refrigerate it, that is your hint. Refrigerate it. Okay.
Karyn [00:16:11]:
Now, what else should you be aware of before you purchase probiotics? You want to be aware of transparency and research. So choose brands that are transparent about their research, their production processes, their quality control. You want to know exactly what you’re putting into your body and what research is backing up their claims. And I wish that I could tell you that it seems like it should be so, but it’s not. I wish all research was good research, but the truth is there’s a lot of misrepresentation and conflicts of interest in clinical research today. Do your due diligence. Check out the research and the company transparency before you purchase from them. It really is worth doing just a little bit of research before you purchase.
Karyn [00:17:05]:
And then speaking of transparency, it’s also crucial that you check out the ingredients. Oh, yeah, the ingredients in the probiotic, not just the strains of, or the strain that’s in there. Some probiotics, they have really great potential. They have that strain that you’re looking for, but unfortunately they’re filled with additives. So stay away from probiotics with unnecessary additives and fillers, things that they’re just using to increase the shelf life that might really be upsetting for your gut, your sensitive gut. It’s going to. Thank you for looking at those things. There are a number that don’t have those additives and fillers, so just look for ones like that.
Karyn [00:17:48]:
Okay, let’s just do a really quick recap on choosing your probiotics wisely because I know I gave you a lot of information super quick. Okay? Symptom strain matching, important quality matters over CFU’s enteric coating or something similar to help it reach your intestines. That’s important. Store it in the right place. Look at company research. Don’t forget to check out the other active and inactive ingredients before purchasing. And I think that’s it. That’s it for purchasing probiotics in a gut show.
Karyn [00:18:24]:
Okay? Now, before I leave you for today, I have to give you. Of course I do. I have to give you some do it like a mom best probiotic tips so you can do probiotics like the badass mama that I know you are. Okay, so firstly, start with your personal symptoms instead of a generic recommendation. Whether it’s from a doctor, from Google Guru, whoever it’s from, it may not be specific to you. So start there. Start with something that’s specific to your symptoms. Do you want to help your inflammation, your immune function? Do you want to help bloating? Diarrhea? Sibo? You want to know that before you purchase so that you can get the best results.
Karyn [00:19:12]:
Okay. Also assess where your health is currently at before you waste your money on probiotics. You might want to just ask yourself, do I have a specific concern that I want to address? Or do I fall into the category of more long term remission, where you’re focused more on general population tips that do discount probiotics in supplement form? And if you’re in the long term remission category, maybe that’s okay. But do a proper assessment of where you’re at before you begin because that can really help you determine if you want to start in the probiotic realm with fermentation, fermented foods, or do you need a stronger supplement form? What’s your best route? That’s what I’m talking about. And don’t forget, though, here, I do want to mention, don’t forget that both could be an option for you. Sometimes both is good fermented foods plus the probiotic. So assess where your health is at before you move forward. Okay, badass mom.
Karyn [00:20:16]:
Tip another one. Whether you choose supplementation or fermented foods, I cannot stress this enough. Go slow, go slow. At first, this is an IBD plays by different rules. Type of tip for those of us with IBD, those healthy and healing gut bugs that we’re introducing through probiotics, they might initially worsen your symptoms before improvement sets in. And this is what’s known as the Herxheimer reaction, or some people will call it the die off effect. But embracing your inner tortoise here, I always talk about that in practice with my clients. Embracing that inner tortoise, that’s going to give you the edge.
Karyn [00:21:08]:
In the end, slow and steady wins the probiotic rat race. Okay? And I want to give you one last do it like a mom tip if your mom life allows for it. And I say that as just a little side note, because sometimes we’re in a really busy season. But if you can, if your life allows it, for doing this right now, it. I think it can be really helpful to have a probiotic journal. Nothing fancy, just something even just a piece of paper, something you can just write down in. You want to be able to write down your initial stages of adding in probiotics. So you’re going to use the journal to track your symptoms, the strains that you’re taking, and then any changes that you notice.
Karyn [00:21:51]:
Just those few simple things and this personalized data, it’s going to help you make informed adjustments to your regime. So you’re not going to be basing it on a hunch that you had or maybe a feeling. You’re going to be basing it on accurate information that’s been written down. So don’t forget, because we are plagued by mom Brain, I’m guilty of this as well. There is only just so much stuff that can fit in our brain. So writing it down is key. It will help you keep track of what’s going on and then you can make necessary tweaks in your plan. Okay, now, I know that this episode, it was filled with lots of little tips and ideas about how probiotics can best serve those of us with IBD.
Karyn [00:22:41]:
But most of it was really very general in nature. And I want you to truly set yourself up for probiotic success. It’s time that you got your hands on my free and fabulous resource because this is going to help you make it your own. It’s my probiotic Q and A and also my probiotic strain guide. Both of these resources, they are designed to take all of the guesswork out of choosing the right probiotic for your IBD needs. Trust me, this is great information if you want to start your probiotic journey off on the right foot. Or maybe you want to create, I can’t even say the word correct, a probiotic journey that’s gone awry. Maybe you it’s time for you to correct something that you’ve done wrong in the probiotic realm.
Karyn [00:23:32]:
Head on over to karenhaley.com probiotic. That’s karenhaley.com probiotic to get your hands on this valuable resource. It is your one stop shop for everything you need to know about doing probiotics the right way, the IBD way, not the general population way. And one more time, that website is karymhaley.com probiotic because of course, my mom had to be a little bit different and spell my name with a y. Okay, remember, our IBD, it plays by different rules, so don’t get caught up in the media hype about this topic. You have what you need now to take control of your gut health and make probiotics work for you. And it’s just in time for when the kids are getting ready to go back to school and you can get back to you. Dear one, make it happen.
Karyn [00:24:38]:
I know you’ve got this. I know you do. And I am here to support you every step of the way. Thanks so much for joining me today. Even though I have to say we can’t see each other in this medium, I just I love the connection that we have with each other every week. A podcast connection. It’s a powerful connection and I don’t take it lightly. I so appreciate your support and you’re taking the time to listen.
Karyn [00:25:05]:
All right, until we chat again, I’m wishing you a cheeky and healthy gut healing journey. Chat soon. If this podcast is meaningful for you, if it’s been helpful in your IBD mom life, I’d love it if you would do a couple things. First, follow the pod. You’ll never miss an episode. And those moms who are searching for podcasts about Crohn’s and colitis, they’ll find us easier. There’s probably a plus sign or a follow sign where you’re listening in right now at the top of your screen. Go ahead and give that a tap.
Karyn [00:25:45]:
And then also give the Tiki podcast a five star rating and review and share it with your friends who are also struggling with IBD. The more we are open about talking about our illness and bringing awareness around it, the more we’re able to connect and build a safe community around each other. I love being in community with you, and I appreciate you, my friend. One last thing before we wrap up today. You know, I think you’re a rock star for taking time out of your busy life to listen in and invest in your healing. It is capital h, huge and the reason I know how huge this is for you is because I am right there with you in all of this, working my wheel of wellness, keeping my crohn’s at bay. It’s something that I invest in every day and I’d love it if we could continue our gut healing journey together. If you’re like me and you’re ready to soak up even more amazing gut healing information, it’s time to join the gut love community@karenhealey.com.
Karyn [00:26:47]:
community the GLC is my free and fabulous space dedicated to dishing out even more IBD resources, recipes, healing hacks, lots of BTC secrets on how I manage my life with IBD, all wrapped up in a weekly newsletter to help you keep your momentum going strong. This IBD dish is gut healing insights that I only share within our tight knit community. Basically, it’s your one stop shop for a more diversified approach to true and lasting gut healing. Amen to that, my friend. Let’s walk this gut healing journey together. Join me in the glc@karenhaley.com. community that’s karynhaley.com community. I can’t wait to meet you.