Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diet: Can yogurt help?

Adding yogurt to your diet may help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to some research.

Yogurt is made by adding cultures of certain bacteria to milk. These microorganisms convert the lactose in the milk to lactic acid. The lactic acid gives yogurt its characteristic tart taste and also causes the milk to form a soft curd.

A variety of cultures can be used in making yogurt — some of which may have health benefits. These beneficial, or "good," bacteria (probiotics) are normally found in your large intestine. A few examples of good bacteria used in some yogurts are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Some research has shown that probiotics can decrease gas, pain and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Certain priobiotics can also decrease the time it takes for food to move through the intestine, which may be helpful in people with constipation. In people with IBS who have diarrhea, probiotics may decrease the frequency of loose stools.

Probiotic therapy is an area of active medical research. Although probiotics are generally considered safe, more research is needed to determine what role, if any, probiotics may play in the treatment of IBS. Before starting a probiotic therapy to treat a specific disease or condition, talk to your doctor.