Probiotics

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Specifically for Gastroparesis

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Why it works for Gastroparesis:

Alter gut microbiota and reduce SIBO. Slow gastric/small-bowel motility in gastroparesis predisposes to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Probiotics can, in some studies, decontaminate SIBO or reduce breath-test hydrogen and symptoms — that can indirectly relieve bloating and post-prandial fullness in patients with delayed emptying. resources.intospace.io
Direct effects on motility/vagus signaling. Certain strains (e.g., Lactobacillus gasseri LG21, L. reuteri DSM 17938, some multi-strain lactobacilli) have been shown to alter gastric emptying in small human trials; proposed mechanisms include modulation of the enteric/autonomic nervous system (vagal afferents), reduced local inflammation, improved mucosal barrier function, and production of metabolites that influence smooth-muscle activity. (Mechanistic review and discussion). MDPI
Anti-inflammatory / immune modulation. Probiotics can reduce gastric/duodenal mucosal inflammation in some models and human studies, which could help restore neuromuscular function over time. MDPI

Summary: there are plausible biological pathways and small clinical data suggesting benefit, but effects are strain-specific, modest, and not proven to reliably treat moderate-to-severe gastroparesis yet. For guideline context see professional society reviews. Gastro Journal WGO

How to use for Gastroparesis:

Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21 strain) — Nutrients RCT (adults, mild–moderate delayed gastric emptying)

Regimen used: 1 × 85 g unit of yogurt per day containing ≥10⁹ CFU of LG21 for 12 weeks (participants could take it any time of day). Outcome measures included ^13C gastric emptying breath test and salivary amylase. Trial showed trends/odds of improvement in a defined subgroup but was underpowered for definitive proof. MDPI

Multi-strain Lactobacillus capsule — crossover trial (healthy adults)

Regimen used: capsules taken twice daily after meals for 3 weeks, crossover to placebo for 3 weeks; outcome measured by Tc-99m scintigraphy. Small study (n≈15) suggested accelerated gastric emptying in older adults (>40 years old). This was healthy-volunteer data — not a large gastroparesis population. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 — infant GER trials (not adult gastroparesis but demonstrates strain effect on gastric emptying)

Regimen used in infant studies: ~1 × 10⁸ CFU/day for 30 days in randomized trials; accelerated gastric emptying and reduced regurgitation in infants. Useful mechanistic but not directly transferable to adult gastroparesis. Europe PMC MDPI

Probiotics for SIBO (various strains)

A meta-analysis of trials looking at probiotics for SIBO reported a pooled SIBO “decontamination” rate ~62.8% vs control in heterogeneous studies; species used vary (e.g., Bacillus clausii, Saccharomyces boulardii, various Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium strains) and protocols differ widely. resources.intospace.io

Practical/clinical translation (how clinicians commonly use probiotics for GP-related issues):

Choose strain(s) that have trial data for upper-GI motility or SIBO (examples above: L. gasseri LG21, L. reuteri DSM 17938, Bacillus clausii or S. boulardii for SIBO in some studies). MDPI resources.intospace.io
Formulation/delivery: for delayed gastric emptying, acid-resistant or enteric/delayed-release capsules (or yogurts shown to contain the strain) may improve the chance the organism reaches the upper GI tract alive — some studies used yogurt with ≥10⁹ CFU. MDPI Journal of Food and Drug Analysis
Dosing & duration: the RCTs used daily ingestion for weeks to months (e.g., 12 weeks for LG21); SIBO trials often used 2–8 weeks or were combined with antibiotics. Expect to continue daily dosing for several weeks to assess effect. MDPI resources.intospace.io
Monitoring: document symptoms (nausea, fullness, vomiting, bloating), consider objective testing (gastric emptying study or breath test for SIBO) before and after an experimental trial. American College of Gastroenterology resources.intospace.io

Scientific Evidence for Gastroparesis:

Randomized controlled trial — Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21) — adults with mild–moderate delayed gastric emptying; 85 g yogurt/day (≥10⁹ CFU) × 12 weeks. Results: trends toward benefit in defined subpopulations; suggestive changes in autonomic marker (salivary amylase) but underpowered to be conclusive. MDPI

Crossover trial — multi-strain Lactobacillus capsule — small crossover placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults (capsules twice daily after meals × 3 weeks) showed accelerated gastric emptying in older subgroup; small N, healthy volunteers. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Meta-analysis — probiotics for SIBO (systematic review & meta-analysis, J Clin Gastroenterol 2017) — pooled SIBO decontamination rate ≈ 62.8% and reductions in hydrogen breath values and abdominal pain in heterogeneous studies; suggests probiotics can improve SIBO in some settings. (Because SIBO often co-exists with gastroparesis, this is clinically relevant.) resources.intospace.io

Reviews on gastroparesis ↔ microbiota and probiotic potential — recent reviews summarize the complex interplay of gastric motility, dysbiosis, SIBO, and small trials of probiotics; they stress strain specificity and limited evidence for established gastroparesis therapy. MDPI BioMed Central

Professional society guidance (American Gastroenterological Association; World Gastroenterology Organisation) — AGA has cautious guidelines on probiotics (supports some uses but emphasizes limited/strain-specific evidence and quality issues); World Gastroenterology also provides best-practice guidance. Neither endorses probiotics as a proven primary treatment for gastroparesis. Gastro Journal WGO

Specific Warnings for Gastroparesis:

Efficacy is strain- and condition-specific. Don’t treat “probiotics” as a single thing — which strain, the dose (CFU), vehicle (yogurt vs enteric capsule), and duration matter. Many over-the-counter products do not use clinically studied strains. MDPI resources.intospace.io

May worsen SIBO symptoms in some people. For patients who already have SIBO (common in gastroparesis), some probiotic formulations can increase bloating, gas, and discomfort; in contrast, other strains have shown benefit in SIBO trials. Because of this heterogeneity, start only on clinician advice and monitor symptoms closely. resources.intospace.io siboawareness.org

Risk of bloodstream infection in vulnerable patients. Serious infectious complications (bacteremia, fungemia, sepsis) have been reported rarely — primarily in immunocompromised, critically ill, or severely debilitated patients. Probiotics are not risk-free in these populations. If you are immunocompromised, have a central venous catheter, are critically ill, or are very frail, avoid unsupervised probiotic use. BioMed Central American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Quality & labeling issues. Supplements aren’t regulated as drugs in many countries — product contents sometimes differ from label claims, and viability can be lost if storage/temperature is poor. Prefer products with third-party testing or those used in clinical trials. Gastro Journal

Drug/diet interactions & timing with antibiotics. If you’re on antibiotics (e.g., rifaximin for SIBO), timing matters — some trials give probiotics after or with antibiotics; discuss sequencing with your clinician. resources.intospace.io

Back to Gastroparesis

General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Probiotics are live microorganisms—primarily bacteria and some yeasts—that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are often called “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut microbiome. Common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii. These beneficial microbes are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and some cheeses, as well as in dietary supplements.

How It Works

Probiotics support the body’s natural microbial balance, primarily within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They work through several mechanisms:

Restoring Gut Flora Balance: When the gut microbiota becomes imbalanced due to factors such as antibiotics, poor diet, or illness, probiotics help repopulate it with beneficial bacteria, crowding out harmful microbes.
Enhancing Digestive Function: Probiotics aid in breaking down food, fermenting dietary fiber, and producing essential nutrients such as short-chain fatty acids and certain vitamins (e.g., B12 and K2).
Supporting the Immune System: A large portion of the immune system resides in the gut. Probiotics interact with intestinal cells to strengthen the gut barrier, modulate immune responses, and reduce inflammation.
Producing Antimicrobial Substances: Some probiotic strains produce natural compounds that inhibit or kill harmful bacteria, including Clostridium difficile and E. coli.
Communication with the Gut-Brain Axis: Emerging research shows that probiotics may influence mood and cognitive function by interacting with the gut-brain axis, affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

Why It’s Important

Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health. Probiotics contribute to several key areas:

Digestive Health: They can help prevent or alleviate diarrhea (especially antibiotic-associated), reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and support recovery from inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Immune Defense: Regular intake of probiotics may lower susceptibility to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections by improving immune response and reducing inflammation.
Metabolic Health: Certain strains are linked to improved metabolism, better weight management, and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: By supporting the gut-brain axis, probiotics may help alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms in some individuals.
Allergy and Skin Support: Probiotics can reduce the risk or severity of eczema and other allergic reactions by modulating immune tolerance.

Considerations

While probiotics are generally safe for most people, several factors should be considered:

Strain-Specific Effects: Not all probiotics are the same. Each strain has unique effects, so choosing the right one for a specific condition is important. For instance, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is effective for diarrhea, while Bifidobacterium longum may help with IBS.
Quality and Viability: Probiotic products vary in quality. The number of live organisms (measured in CFUs—colony-forming units) and storage conditions affect their efficacy. Look for products tested for stability and verified for potency through expiration.
Possible Side Effects: Some individuals may experience mild bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort initially. These symptoms usually subside as the body adjusts.
Health Conditions: People with compromised immune systems (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy, critically ill, or with central venous catheters) should consult a healthcare provider before using probiotics, as infections, though rare, can occur.
Regulation and Evidence: Probiotics are classified as dietary supplements in many regions, meaning they are not as strictly regulated as medications. Scientific evidence varies depending on strain, dosage, and condition studied, so results are not universally guaranteed.

Helps with these conditions

Probiotics is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Acid Reflux (GERD) 0% effective

IBS 0% effective

Constipation 0% effective

Crohn's Disease 0% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Acne 0% effective

Conditions

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142

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Detailed Information by Condition

Acid Reflux (GERD)

0% effective

Microbiome angle: Long-term acid suppression (PPIs) can disturb gut microbiota and is linked with small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Probio...

0 votes Updated 1 month ago 6 studies cited

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