What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are called "the good"
microorganisms because they benefit the body, specifically the digestive system.
Probiotics, available in some foods and dietary supplements, are similar to
probiotics that exist naturally in your gut.
What do probiotics do; how are they helpful?
The body does not need the addition of food and supplements that contain
probiotics to be healthy. However, food and supplements that contain probiotics
assist the job of the "good" bacteria already present in your gut. Probiotics
may help keep you healthy by:
-
decreasing the number of "bad" bacteria in your gut that can cause infections
or inflammation
-
replacing the body's "good" bacteria (replacing the "good" bacteria that have
been lost when taking antibiotics, for example)
- restoring the body's "good" versus "bad" bacterial balance, which then helps
to keep your body functioning properly
What are some examples of probiotics?
- Probiotics that are naturally found in your intestines include: Saccharomyces
boulardii (a yeast) and bacteria in the Lactobacillus and Bifobacterium families
of microorganisms. (Outside of the body, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the
probiotic that is found in some yogurts.)
- Foods that contain probiotics include: some juices and soy drinks, fermented
and unfermented milk, buttermilk, some soft cheeses, miso, tempeh, kefir, kim
chi, sauerkraut, and many pickles. As said, probably the most well known food
product that contains probiotics is yogurt
- Supplements: dietary probiotic supplements -- which are available in capsules,
tablets, powders and liquid extracts -- each contain a specific type of
probiotic. These products are available at health food and natural food stores,
vitamin shops, and other stores. As an example, one commonly used supplement is
acidophilus, which is available from several supplement manufacturers.
What medical conditions are probiotics used for?
- Digestive tract conditions. Probiotic supplements may be useful in treating
and preventing inflammatory conditions, such as pouchitis (which affects people
who have their colons removed), inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative
colitis and Crohn's disease), and chronic stomach inflammation and ulcers caused
by Helicobacter pylori bacterium. They may also be helpful in treating
constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, spastic colon; shortening
the duration of infectious diarrhea; and reducing the recurrence of bladder and
colorectal cancer. Some studies suggest that yogurt is helpful in preventing
diarrhea - a common side effect of treatment with antibiotics. It has also been
shown to prevent or treat urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections
in women.
- Other conditions in which probiotics are being studied: skin infections (such
as eczema [atopic dermatitis]) in children; mental illness; childhood stomach
and respiratory infections, allergies and asthma; sleeping problems; joint
stiffness; lactose intolerance, and for boosting the immune system.
How safe and effective are probiotics?
Probiotics may trigger allergic reactions. They may also cause mild stomach
upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating for the first few days
after starting to take them. However, since probiotics already exist naturally
in the body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered to be
safe.
As far as effectiveness, keep in mind that unlike medications, dietary
supplements do NOT need to be approved by the FDA. This means that manufacturers
can sell supplements simply with "claims" of safety and effectiveness.
Currently, researchers are undecided if probiotic supplements are effective.
Some say probiotics are effective; others believe they offer no benefit
whatsoever. It also remains unclear which probiotics (or combination of
probiotics) work to treat certain diseases. Despite these issues, some studies
have shown positive results. Still, more research is needed to confirm that
probiotics are safe and effective.
Always talk with your doctor (or pediatrician) before taking a supplement or
giving one to your child. Supplements might interfere with medicines you may be
taking. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, check with you doctor before
taking any supplement.
For more information on probiotics, visit:
The National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine
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