Q&A: What is the best probiotic to help with lactose intolerance and IBS flare ups?

What is the best probiotic to help with lactose intolerance and IBS flare ups?

I could simply write the name of a few probiotic strains here….but oh no I have to do a Vinka on you and give you a bit more detail…. here you go….

Lactose intolerance is a form of lactose maldigestion where you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, and even vomiting for some, when you consume dairy products. Basically this lactose intolerance happens because you do not produce sufficient lactase to digest the lactose in dairy products. 

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus may help digesting lactose contained in dairy products and this could be beneficial to individuals suffering from lactose intolerance.

I wish it was as simple as taking a probiotic and all your problems are solved. However you have to look at the reason you have lactose intolerance. Is it actually lactose intolerance or is it you don't make enough bile to break down the fats in dairy products (listen to my bile podcast to learn more) OR is it genetics and you have never had a dairy based diet (for example Chinese cultures) OR is it you have poor gut health and you are reacting to many foods as a result. The list goes on but you get my drift.

As for IBS flare ups I feel this is a big topic due to the fact that many people are diagnosed with the term IBS, which is actually just a name for a set of broad symptoms. It's important to figure out what drives those symptoms. I love the detective work here!! Because it's a big topic I am actually currently recording my gut online course that will answer this question in more detail…can't wait to share it with you all….