Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of probiotics on gut health in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host when administered in adequate amounts, have been suggested as a potential therapeutic intervention for IBS due to their ability to modulate the gut microbiota and improve digestive health. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of probiotics in managing symptoms and improving the overall gut health of individuals with IBS. The introduction provides an overview of IBS and probiotics, highlighting the rationale for the study. The background of the study discusses the current understanding of IBS and the role of the gut microbiota in its pathophysiology. The problem statement identifies the gaps in existing research and the need for further investigation into the use of probiotics for IBS management. The objectives of the study outline the specific goals and research questions that will guide the investigation. The limitations of the study acknowledge potential constraints and challenges that may impact the research outcomes. The scope of the study defines the target population, intervention, and outcomes of interest. The significance of the study emphasizes the potential implications of the findings for clinical practice and public health. The structure of the thesis outlines the organization of the chapters for a comprehensive presentation of the research. The literature review presents a critical analysis of existing studies on probiotics and their effects on gut health in individuals with IBS. It explores the mechanisms of action, types of probiotic strains, dosage regimens, and clinical outcomes reported in the literature. The methodology chapter describes the research design, participant recruitment, intervention protocol, outcome measures, data analysis methods, and ethical considerations involved in the study. It outlines the steps taken to ensure the scientific rigor and validity of the research findings. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the study, including the impact of probiotics on symptom severity, gut microbiota composition, inflammatory markers, and quality of life in individuals with IBS. It interprets the findings in the context of existing literature, identifies potential mechanisms of action, and discusses the clinical implications for IBS management. The conclusion and summary chapter summarizes the key findings, implications for practice, limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research in the field of probiotics and gut health in individuals with IBS. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of probiotics as a promising adjunct therapy for individuals with IBS. The findings offer insights into the potential benefits of probiotics in improving gut health and symptom management in this patient population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal strains, dosages, and treatment durations of probiotics for personalized IBS care.

Thesis Overview