He pain of stomach It is a recurring problem that affects people of all ages and can arise from different causes, such as an inadequate diet, stress or digestive conditions. Given this annoyance, a possible solution that has generated popularity is the use of probioticslive microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate quantities, offer potential benefits for intestinal health. But the question arises whether taking probiotics really helps relieve stomach pain and improves the well-being of the intestines.
The role of probiotics is key to maintaining the diversity and balance of the intestinal microbiota, which plays a protective and regulatory barrier role in the immune system. These “good” bacteria improve digestion and reduce symptoms of intestinal inflammation, and can also promote resistance to infections, anxiety and other problems related to the nervous system.
However, the scientific evidence on probiotics and their effect on stomach pain varies by population and type of disorder. An analysis of Morris Gordon and other researchers published in the Cochrane Library, with the title of “Probiotics for the treatment of functional abdominal pain disorders in children” found that probiotics could be more effective than placebo in relieving stomach pain in children with functional abdominal disorders.
Of the 18 studies analyzed with a total of 1309 childrenthose who consumed probiotics showed greater pain relief compared to those who took a placebo. This success was observed in a 50% of cases with probiotics compared to 33% in the placebo group. The results were similar with the symbiotica mixture of probiotics and prebiotics, which also showed improvements compared to placebo. .
Regarding functional abdominal pain, which is recurrent pain in the abdomen without an identified cause, the use of probiotics showed some effectiveness in improving symptoms. However, not all probiotics work the same for everyone.
The bacterial strain, dose and duration of treatment influence the effectiveness of the probiotic. Strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus demonstrated benefits for patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)by reducing symptoms such as constipation, bloating and improving digestive comfort. Additionally, strains like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus They can help reduce stress and anxiety related to this problem.
Diet also plays a crucial role in intestinal well-being. According to Healthy Childrenmany fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi contain probiotics that can contribute to the balance of the microbiota. Likewise, foods rich in prebioticssuch as garlic, onion, asparagus, and bananas, can facilitate the growth of these beneficial bacteria.
On the other hand, the use of probiotic supplements has become popular as a way to improve digestive health. Cleveland Clinic points out that, although many people use them to relieve problems such as diarrhea, constipation or stomach pain, their introduction into the body can cause temporary symptoms such as gas or bloating, especially in people with gastrointestinal sensitivity. These symptoms usually resolve over time as the body adapts to the new bacterial flora. Recommendations for the consumption of probiotics suggest following the indicated dose and taking into account whether they are taken with food or on an empty stomach to improve their effectiveness.
Interest in probiotics is not just limited to stomach pain. Its possible impact on autoimmune diseases and its ability to strengthen the intestinal barrier, which decreases permeability and reduces the intrusion of pathogens, has been studied. A study carried out by Georgia State University demonstrated that supplementation with probiotics, particularly with the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae I-3856can relieve abdominal pain and improve the quality of life of people with IBS. Although the results are promising, it is emphasized that more research is needed to fully understand how different strains and doses affect each individual.
