Probiotics

Probiotics

The intestinal system (gut) is home to many micro-organisms, most commonly bacteria and yeast. The bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to humans and necessary for normal gut function and intestinal health are called probiotics.

These probiotics (healthy bacteria and yeast) help us in many ways, including but not limited to the following:

stop the growth and invasion of other dangerous (pathogenic) bacteria and yeast
improve the intestinal barrier (i.e. help absorption and prevent leakage of nutrients)
decrease pain perception in the gut
improve immune system functioning

Many factors can affect the levels and balance of probiotics in the gut. The most well known among these are antibiotics. However, there are a variety of other more common influences such as diet (especially prepared and processed foods), stress, infection, and aging. Thus at any given point, a large percentage of people will have abnormalities of healthy bacteria of the gut and could benefit from probiotics.

While studies are not conclusive, there is preliminary evidence showing benefit of probiotics for wide range of both intestinal issues as well as many diseases and symptoms outside the gut. These include but are not limited to the following:

inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis)
acute diarrheal illnesses
irritable bowel syndrome
constipation
diarrhea associated with antibiotic use
vaginal bacterial infections (BV)
allergies and eczema
yeast infections
colds and flu’s
urinary tract infections

There are hundreds of different types (strains) of healthy bacteria. The research is not clear on which types are most beneficial and in what amounts are necessary. Until further research sharpens the picture, I think the best option for probiotics is a balance of several beneficial strains. There are a slew of commercially available products containing a basic balance. Dosing of probiotics is generally described as billions of colony-forming units (CFUs) or billions of organisms. Generally a dose of 20 billion CFUs is sufficient. In more severe cases, or with heavy antibiotic use, dosages of 50-500 billion may be warranted. Some studies showed benefit with lower dosages.

For probiotics to be effective they must be alive when reaching the gut. For this, they first must survive the packaging and preparation process, be used within a relatively short period of time, and withstand the acid of our stomachs when ingested. For best results, adhere to the “use by” date on products. Purchasing higher dosages can also give you leeway if any of the organisms have died. Probiotics are also found in fermented foods such as yogurt and cheeses. However, efficacy is less optimal with foods as the bacteria are often not alive (active) or able to withstand stomach acid.

Generally there are no significant side effects of probiotics. In patients that have severely damaged immune systems, caution must be used to ensure the bacteria stay in the gut and do not get into the blood stream. In otherwise healthy patients, high dosages can sometimes cause diarrhea, bloating and gas; however, these symptoms often improve over time whereas the benefits persist.

In my practice, I have found probiotics to be highly effective. I recommend everyone take probiotics during an antibiotic course, and for 2-3 weeks afterwards. For anyone with common intestinal symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and/or gas, I use probiotics early in treatment and generally recommend indefinite treatment. While not proven, it is quite reasonable for patients’ with allergies, eczema, and frequent infections (colds, flu’s, urinary, vaginal) to use probiotics.

The online store with whom I have partnered has access to wealth of high-quality supplement brands. I think the balance of strain type, concentration, and price is ideal for many of the products by Klaire Labs. Stores like GNC, Vitamin Cottage, and Sunflower Market can also help you with selections.

Last Updated on Thursday, 12 August 2010 17:10