Hi Suzanne, Typically my clients tend to wait a bit longer–maybe 6-8 weeks or sometimes ONLY if symptoms do not feel fully back to baseline.

Tomasz, I understand your frustration! The science in the area of IBS and the gut microbiome is relatively new–and it’s not a one size fits all approach. There are many factors that play a role in each person’s IBS disorder. SO…the reality is…WE don’t have all the answers yet! The science hasn’t caught up to where we all would like it to be but we are on our way…. Typically when I see an IBS client–I am looking for the many factors that play a role in their symptoms. Most of my clients have multiple issues occurring simultaneously. Gut micro biome alterations–a colonic dysbiosis and/ or SIBO, pelvic floor dysfunction, bile acid diarrhea, fat malabsorption, digestive enzyme deficiencies, motility problem, insufficient acid production, overlapping autoimmune disorder….each patient has their own set of issues. Some of these presenting problems can be addressed and managed with diet and/or medications or physical therapy/biofeedback…. EVERYONE is a bit different—and therefore, needs an individual approach. A certain probiotic may work better for symptoms related to IBS-D but not all patients w/ IBS-D will benefit from it–because not everyone w/ IBS-D has the same cause and the same set of problems. It’s complicated. Working with a doctor that enjoys the work of being a detective and help figure out the cascade of reasons for your symptoms—and understanding how to treat them–is key. And of course, working with a dietitian that understands digestion is equally important.

Lisa, where did you find the information, exactly, to choose specific probiotics for your specific symptoms? Would love some direction that I am missing. Thanks so much. would be greatly appreciated.