Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, is a common digestive disorder characterised by pain and discomfort in the gut. It’s thought to affect almost 20% of people in the West. It is not a disease but a dysfunction of the gut. The unpleasant symptoms are mainly related to the change in speed at which food passes into the large intestine (the colon).

When this happens too quickly, insufficient water is absorbed, causing discomfort and diarrhoea. Conversely, when it takes too long, the colon absorbs too much water, leading to constipation and painful stools. Whichever is the case, it has an impact on daily life.The causes of this dysfunction remain largely unknown, though the scientific community believes it may be linked to an upset in intestinal flora(11).

To date,no adverse side effects have been reported in the scientific literature following supplementation with B. coagulans. Studies confirm it is very well-tolerated and has no mutagenic or genotoxic characteristics (12).

From autumn through to the end of winter (a 6-month course) or for a 2-week period depending on the desired effect. See: How long should a course of probiotics last??

Unlike most probiotics, Bacillus subtilis can be stored at at room temperature. Bacterial spore-type probiotics are very resistant to higher temperatures.

Throughout the supplementation period, it’s also a good idea to follow the steps below:

• Increase your consumption of soluble fibre (barley, oats, psyllium, vegetables) while reducing that of insoluble fibre (wholewheat, berries, nuts and grains, pulses).
• Reduce your intake of fats which stimulate intestinal contractions.
• Avoid foods likely to cause bloating: those that ferment (dairy products), those that contain sweeteners (chewing gum) or fructose (apples, figs, dates).
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol, coffee and spices (pepper, cayenne pepper, chillies).
• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Chew your food well, taking time to appreciate it.
• Avoid stressful situations as they have a disruptive effect on intestinal activity.
• If necessary, take other supplements targeted at the immune system Green Propolis, Ginseng 30% et Defense Mix.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a benign but debilitating condition of the digestive system thought to affect 10%-15% of the global population. It is characterised by chronic stomach aches and abdominal cramps, impaired intestinal transit and bloating.

A number of theories have been suggested to explain this digestive dysfunction, including problematic intestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity. However, disruption to microbiota balance, which would make the intestinal barrier more permeable to pro-inflammatory molecules, seems an increasingly plausible explanation (13).