Tackling IBS with L. reuteri
What the research really shows about digestive health
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a gastrointestinal disorder that can bring on unpredictable symptoms like bloating, discomfort, and an overall disruption to your bowel routine. Doctors typically classify IBS into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habit involved: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M), and unclassified IBS.1 Living with IBS can feel isolating and frustrating, but supporting a more balanced gut microbiome may be a meaningful piece of the puzzle. Research on L. reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 6475 suggests these particular strains may help support relief from IBS symptoms.2
Causes and Risks
Occasional IBS-like symptoms are common and not necessarily cause for concern, but living with the disorder day to day is often tied to a mix of factors. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may be more likely to experience IBS if you’re under age 50, are female, have a family history of IBS, or are managing anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.3 IBS is also one of the most frequently diagnosed digestive disorders. Broader, symptom-based estimates suggest as many as 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience IBS symptoms, while the largest nationwide study to apply strict diagnostic criteria found that roughly 6% of American adults meet the full clinical threshold for IBS,4 a reminder that IBS can look and feel different from person to person, and that a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider matters.
The Gender Difference
Although IBS affects both men and women, it’s reported more often in women, with a female-to-male ratio of roughly 2 to 2.5:1.1 IBS is thought to result from the interaction of many factors that aren’t yet fully understood, including stress, environment, hormones, and other biological mechanisms,5 which has led researchers to call for a more specialized, sex- and gender-informed approach to IBS management, particularly for women navigating midlife and menopause.5 Women are more likely to experience the constipation-predominant subtype, IBS-C, while men are more likely to experience the diarrhea-predominant subtype, IBS-D. Overall abdominal pain tends to be similar between men and women, but women more often report bloating, constipation, and psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, along with a lower reported quality of life.1
Some women also notice their IBS symptoms intensify in the days leading up to their period. According to Dr. Mindy Lee, a gastroenterologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, “immediately before a woman menstruates, there’s a higher level of estrogen and progesterone that causes more bloating and constipation.”6 Researchers believe these hormonal shifts affect gut motility and sensitivity,7 which may help explain why symptoms can feel different depending on where a woman is in her cycle, and why menstrual history, along with pre- or post-menopausal status, is worth discussing with a healthcare provider when getting to the root of IBS symptoms.5
Beyond biology, IBS also carries a social dimension. One qualitative study found that “a normative framework of femaleness and maleness leads to suffering for persons with irritable bowel syndrome,” noting that healthcare encounters can sometimes reinforce unhelpful gender stereotypes, with women’s symptoms at risk of being trivialized and men’s symptoms at risk of being overlooked, since IBS is so often framed as a “women’s health” issue.8 That framing may also mean IBS in men goes underreported and underdiagnosed.1
IBS Relief from L. reuteri
If you or someone you know deals with IBS symptoms, you know the cycle all too well: bloating, diarrhea, gas, and constipation, often on their own unpredictable schedule. Planning your day around something that isn’t your choice is exhausting, and it’s easy to feel frustrated. Recent research has added to our understanding of how specific L. reuteri strains may influence gastrointestinal health.2
In a 2024 randomized controlled trial of 140 adults ages 18 to 65 diagnosed with
moderate to severe IBS, participants who took a combination of L. reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 6475 experienced significant improvements in their IBS symptoms starting around week 6, with continued improvement through the 14-week study.2 Researchers also observed lower levels of fecal calprotectin, a marker associated with intestinal inflammation, in the group taking L. reuteri compared to the placebo group, along with a reduction in anxiety-related symptoms.2 Together, these findings suggest L. reuteri may help support digestive function and a more balanced gut environment. Here is one of our customers sharing her personal experience with ZOGURI, in her own words:
“Life-Changing for Me”
“I was skeptical when I started taking ZOGURI five months ago, but I was hopeful. Now I’m a believer. My anxiety is almost completely gone, and for the first time in years I have normal bowel movements. I used to struggle with IBS, but those issues have disappeared. What really convinced me was when I forgot to take ZOGURI for two days. I suddenly felt unusually anxious and couldn’t figure out why. Then I realized the only thing that had changed was that I hadn’t taken my ZOGURI. Once I started taking it again, I felt like myself. I’ll be taking ZOGURI for as long as I possibly can. It has truly been life-changing for me.”
— Cindi, ZOGURI Customer*
Why ZOGURI, Our Yogurt-Based L. reuteri Formula May Be Able to Help
Our natural, handcrafted yogurt-based probiotic blend is designed to deliver just the right strains of beneficial bacteria to your gut, including two keystone strains of L. reuteri, ATCC PTA 6475 and DSM 17938, formulated to help them survive the journey to your gut so they can go to work. Our blend also includes other beneficial strains like S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. casei. Together, these strains may help support digestion, a balanced immune response, and overall gut health. In Billi’s own words:
“A Game Changer for IBS, Energy, and Anxiety”
“I’ve been using ZOGURI for over a month now, and it’s truly been a game changer for me. I’ve struggled with IBS symptoms for years, but since incorporating this into my routine, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my digestion and overall comfort. Beyond that, I’ve had lasting energy that carries me through the entire day, without the afternoon crashes I used to experience. One unexpected benefit has been the calming effect it’s had on my anxiety; I feel more balanced, focused, and at ease.”
— Billi, ZOGURI Customer*
If you’re navigating IBS, you don’t have to do it alone. With just two daily tablespoons of ZOGURI, you’re giving your gut a daily dose of beneficial bacteria that may help support normal digestive function, digestive comfort, and a balanced gut environment. Another ZOGURI customer shares their personal experience, in their own words:
“This Product Is Amazing!!”
“This product is amazing!! After some vacationing in Japan and Korea I returned home with a daunting intestinal problem that has plagued me for almost two years. Perhaps a coincidence. Of that I am not sure. Despite multiple visits with gastrointestinal doctors and endless testing (including an exploratory colonoscopy looking for parasites etc) I was given no explanation for my issues. All I received for my money and time was a useless diagnosis of IBS (which of course just means they have no clue). My symptoms ranged from persistent/chronic diarrhea (sometimes lasting weeks) followed by severe constipation. This cycle repeated persistently for almost two years. I began to suspect after much reading and study that the source of my issues was an intestinal biome that was trashed. To secure relief, I purchased and used multiple different brands of probiotics while further refining my diet to be biome friendly. Still I saw no improvement. Next came the adventure of culturing my own yogurt to increase the chance of reseeding my gut biome. After attempts to culture my own yogurt with some success and some failure I realized I had no credible idea of what bacteria I was actually culturing and eating. With some intense research (and luck) I finally stumbled across ZOGURI. I began seeing gradual but significant improvement in my digestive issues around my fourth batch (approximately 4 months) of ZOGURI. I’m currently finishing my fifth batch of ZOGURI and my issues have been diminished. I am currently experiencing multiple consecutive weeks of perfect bowel performance. I’m 100% convinced ZOGURI resolved my issues by restoring a more healthy intestinal biome. Thank you so much for this wonderful product.”
— Anonymous, ZOGURI Customer*
A few other gut-friendly habits can help you get the most out of your ZOGURI routine. Drink plenty of water, eat a whole-foods diet rich in prebiotic fiber, and steer clear of heavily processed foods whenever you can. These simple steps work well alongside ZOGURI to help create an environment where beneficial bacteria can stay alive and thrive.