I’ve been taking my daily dose of Symprove for around a year and half now and figured it was as good a time as any to explain the fuss around probiotics and how they’ve helped me. I’m doing all of this with the help of Barry Smith, the man behind Symprove, and my IBS saviour.
WTF are probiotics?
Before we get in to the good gut stuff, I should probably explain that probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. Over 50% of the western worlds mircobiome has been lost through a combination of overuse of anitibiotics, c-section increase and sterile living, probitiocs help balance the bacteria in the gut and as a result can help IBS sufferers, like myself.
And now for Barry’s wisdom…
Where did the idea of making Symprove come from?
The idea came from using bacterial formulation to preserve germinated grains as a feed. When the positive health outcomes were noted, the technology was reversed to extract from the barley a perfect food on which high numbers of Symprove’s bacterial cocktail could thrive.
How does it work?
The principle is to deliver multiple, live activated bacteria to the digestive tract in order to complement the bacteria flora.
How is Symprove different to other probiotics?
Symprove has a unique delivery system (UDS) which delivers the bacteria on a water substrate, which tricks the stomach to allow rapid passage through to the target area of the small intestine.
Why is Symprove special?
Symprove is special because we have worked hard to prove efficacy through NHS led double-blinded placebo controlled studies – this means through to and including peer reviewed publication.
How Probiotics and Symprove Have Helped Me
I think it’s safe to say that since I’ve been taking my daily dose of Symprove I feel like I’m finally in control of my IBS and not the other way round, which is a massive thing for me. I mix Symprove with eating well and loosely following the low-FODMAP diet, avoiding my trigger foods, and practising meditation as a way to relax.
I no longer have frequent stomach cramps or those weird gurgles, my bowel movements aren’t as urgent – although I’ll always know where the nearest loo is just in case – I’m not as tired and even the bloating is becoming something I can control… Sort of.
I should also say that the Symprove team are super supportive and a fabulous bunch. I like to think of them as an extended family.
Got any questions for the legend that is Barry? Drop ’em below. In the meantime, find out everything you need to know about Symprove here.
Read More About My Struggle with IBS:
Why I Need To Hang Up My High-Waisted Skinny Jeans
8 Things I Swear By To Help My IBS
Not Just IBS: My First Vlog on All Things Poo Taboo
Living with IBS: The Foods I Miss the Most
6 Things To Do When You Need Some Time Out
IBS Update: 7 Weeks into My Symprove Trial
My IBS Update: Back on Symprove
What to Do When an IBS Attack Strikes
Everything You Wanted to Know About IBS But Didn’t Want to Ask
How to Make the Best Tasting Water Kefir Probiotic
The Reality of Making Your Own Probiotic
Making My Own Probiotics: The Brew Factor
IBS Then and Now: My 12 Week Symprove Review
IBS: A Quarter of the Way Through My Symprove Trial and Feeling Tickety Boo
How I Deal with My IBS on a Daily Basis
8 Reasons Why Living with IBS Sucks Big Time
So glad there’s others out there giving Symprove a go. It’s sad how little solutions there are to IBS!!
Hi Becky, thanks so much for your comment. I just so happen to love your blog. IBS is the pits, however I have met some lovely people who also have the same struggles who have been incredibly supportive which definitely helps! X