Many people use probiotics quite successfully, and there are many strains that can be helpful. They can be used to successfully balance the negative effects of antibiotics and help improve IBS and the general absorption of nutrients from the gut.

Probiotics improve immune function and can be used to treat specific conditions like yeast overgrowth. The best known probiotic for the treatment of candida (yeast) is saccharomyces boulardii. Others include acidophilus, lactobacillus, and bifidus.

You might also consider prebiotics, specialized plant fibers that promote growth of good bacteria in your gut.

Folic acid also is important for digestive health, along with the other B vitamins, but they may be difficult to absorb. That’s why injections or IV administration may be more effective.

Gastric acid production, or lack thereof, may cause IBS symptoms, in which case betaine HCL with pepsin often helps.

Take one supplement at a time to see how each affects bowel function.