There are over 400 species of microorganisms that normally inhabit the human intestinal tract. These organisms are considered "friendly" in that they help inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria, they produce vitamin K and help in digestion. The term probiotic is used to describe bacteria that are used medicinally. The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known. Probiotics have been suggested to treat a number of intestinal disorders. At present very little scientific research has been conducted on the use of probiotic supplements. Still, probiotics appear to be beneficial in a variety of uses with no harmful side effects.

Probiotics are used to help treat or prevent diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill normal intestinal bacteria as well as harmful infectious bacteria. It is believed that a result is that the "balance" of normal intestinal flora is disrupted leading to diarrhea. Taking probiotic supplements may help to prevent antibiotic-related diarrhea. Another common consequence of antiobiotic use is development of vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections. There has been some research that has shown benefit from probiotic supplementation to prevent antibiotic-related diarrhea, certain types of diarrhea caused by infectious organisms, and inflammation associated with bowel resection surgery. These results suggest that probiotics may be beneficial in other types of diarrhea, may help to prevent intestinal infections, and may help to reduce intestinal inflammation such as occurs in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Other suggested uses of probiotics include aid in digestion, preventing acid reflux, and reducing general inflammation. It is believed that disruption of the normal balance of intestinal bacteria contributes to indigestion which results in the overproduction of stomach acid and increases the likelihood of acid reflux into the esophagus known as GERD. The combination of probiotic supplements, digestive enzyme supplements and a low-fat diet rich in easily digestible plant foods can relieve GERD. It is also felt that this combination reduces generalized inflammation by preventing the "leaky gut syndrome."

Leaky gut syndrome results in an increase in the permeability of the mucosal intestinal lining. Large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall and this allows bacteria, toxins and food to leak into the general circulation. The spaces that open up allow large food antigens to be absorbed into the body, which are seen as "foreign" to the body's immune system. This results in the production of antibodies against what would otherwise be harmless foods. It is thought that this is how food allergies develop. It is thought that this process also contributes to a number of diseases involving the immune system such as arthritis, asthma, eczema, psoriasis and fibromyalgia.

Probiotic supplements are thought to have the potential for benefits in a number of intestinal, urinary tract, and systemic disorders that involve the immune system. The pharmacists at Taos Pharmacy and The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos are prepared to discuss these potential benefits with you and may be able to recommend supplements that can address your individual health needs.

References: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview,
http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/leakygut.shtml,
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactobacillus/NS_patient-acidophilus.

[Return to Archive Index]

[PageTop]