Do Probiotics Really Make You Poop?

When bathroom time gets painful and infrequent, we’ve all fantasized about a magic pill to get things moving again. Well, probiotics might be just what the doctor ordered for constipation relief! But aren’t probiotics just for gut health? Do they really make you poop?

Turns out, these friendly microbes can do wonders for regulating your bowel movements. The right probiotic strains will have you on a smooth pooping schedule in no time. Of course, they won’t cause the same sudden toilet-running urgency as Ex-Lax. Probiotics take a more gentle approach.

We’ll explain how adding these good bacteria to your guts actually improves pooping regularity. Hint – it’s all about balance! We’ll also cover which probiotic strains work best and what to know before running to the supplement aisle. Get ready to become best friends with probiotics – your bowels and gut will thank you.

How Probiotics Help With Pooping Issues

Probiotics contain live cultures of bacteria that are beneficial to digestive health. Here are some of the ways they improve bowel movements:

• Balance gut microbiome – Probiotics replenish populations of healthy bacteria. This improves motility.
• Soften stool – Probiotics increase moisture content and make stool easier to pass.
• Reduce intestinal inflammation – Probiotics calm gut inflammation that contributes to constipation.
• Relieve IBS symptoms – Those with IBS often have constipation and find probiotics helpful.
• Regulate transit time – Probiotics moderate the time it takes food and waste to travel through your intestines.

While probiotics positively influence all these factors related to healthy pooping, they are not quick-acting laxatives. Their benefits develop over time with regular use.

Best Probiotic Strains For Constipation

With all the different probiotic strains, which ones should you look for to improve constipation? Try these research-backed options:

• Bifidobacterium – Shown to increase bowel movements and make stool softer. Survives stomach acid well.
• Lactobacillus casei – Alleviates constipation by improving gut motility and stool consistency.
• Bacillus coagulans – Boosts nutrient absorption for regularity. Helpful for those with IBS.
• Streptococcus thermophilus – Reduces intestinal inflammation that can cause constipation. Often found in yogurt.
• Saccharomyces boulardii – A yeast, not bacteria, probiotic. Reported to prevent antibiotic-associated constipation. Look for a multi-strain probiotic containing several of these bacteria to maximize pooping benefits. Make sure the CFU count is high.

Using Probiotic Supplements for Constipation Relief

If you want to try probiotic supplements for constipation issues, here are some tips:

• Start low, go slow – Begin with a dose under 5 billion CFU, taken once daily. Slowly increase over 2-3 weeks as tolerated.
• Take in the morning – A morning routine helps your body expect the probiotics. Time after breakfast is ideal.
• Pair with prebiotic foods – Prebiotics feed probiotic growth. Try banana, garlic, onion, asparagus, oats.
• Drink lots of water – Stay very hydrated when using probiotics for constipation relief.
• Give it time – It may take a few weeks to notice improvement in bowel habits. Be patient!

Always follow package instructions and talk to your doctor before beginning probiotic supplements.

Lifestyle Changes That Boost Probiotic Pooping Power

While probiotic supplements can help get you pooping, they work best combined with lifestyle adjustments like:

• Eating more fiber – Aim for 25-30g of fiber from veggies, fruits, whole grains to form bulky stool.
• Exercising regularly – Physical activity reduces transit time and stimulates contractions to move stool.
• Drinking 8 glasses of fluids – Stay hydrated for softer, easier to pass stool.
• Reducing stress – Chronic stress can disrupt gut microbiome balance and motility.
• Getting enough sleep – Lack of sleep alters gut bacteria and can lead to constipation.

Adopting probiotics as part of an overall gut-healthy lifestyle gives you the best chance of pooping success!

Signs Probiotics Are Working For Your Poops

It can take a bit of time to feel probiotics making a difference. Signs they’re working include:

• Having more frequent bowel urges and movements
• Passing stool more easily without straining
• Noticing larger, more substantial stool
• Seeing softer, more log-shaped stool
• Experiencing less bloating and abdominal discomfort
• Feeling an increase in overall energy levels

Give probiotics 2-3 weeks before looking for improvements like these in your pooping patterns.

Are There Side Effects From Probiotics?

Most healthy adults tolerate probiotics well, but possible side effects include:

• Mild gas or bloating
• Increased bowel movements and looser stool
• Stomach rumbling
• Mild nausea

These typically resolve within a week or two as your gut adjusts. Start with smaller probiotic doses and increase slowly to minimize side effects.

The Bottom Line on Probiotics and Pooping

While probiotics aren’t fast-acting laxatives, they can certainly promote long-term bowel regularity through balancing your gut microbiome. The right probiotic strains soften stool, improve gut mobility, and help resolve issues like IBS-related constipation.

Just be patient – it takes some time to feel probiotics working their pooping magic! Combine probiotics with fiber, fluids, exercise and other gut-healthy habits for lasting relief from constipation troubles.