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Supplements for gut comfort

Bloating, IBS-type symptoms, or diarrhea from antibiotics.

Start with the basics

  • A low-FODMAP diet (with a dietitian) has good evidence for IBS symptoms.

Talk to a healthcare professional first

This information is for education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Supplements can interact with medications and health conditions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA; supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Ranked by strength of evidence

Probiotics

BModerate evidence

Meta-analyses found probiotics taken during antibiotic treatment reduced the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Evidence for IBS symptoms is weaker and depends on the strain.

Dose used in studies
Strain-specific; commonly 5–40 billion CFU/day during and 1 week after antibiotics
Time to effect
During the antibiotic course
Most relevant for
People taking antibiotics; specific strains for IBS
Studies (3)
Safety, side effects & interactions →Where to buy (affiliate)

Psyllium husk

BModerate evidence

Network meta-analysis found soluble fiber (mainly psyllium) improved global IBS symptoms.

Dose used in studies
Start ~3–5 g/day and increase gradually to 10–20 g/day
Time to effect
2–6 weeks
Studies (2)
Safety, side effects & interactions →Where to buy (affiliate)

When to see a doctor

  • You have blood in the stool, fever, severe pain, or diarrhea lasting more than a few days.
  • You're immunocompromised (probiotics carry a small infection risk).