Probiotics are microbes or microorganisms that are considered healthy by the body. The World Health Organization defines them as live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics can be bacteria or yeasts or viruses, as long as they benefit the body. They aid digestion and can be added to foods such as yogurt. Probiotics can also balance the destructive effects of antibiotics which, in an effort to kill dangerous bacteria, also kill off good bacteria. Probiotic supplements should be refrigerated to preserve potency.
Treating Diarrhea
Probiotics are useful in treating diarrhea caused by a variety of sources. The National Institutes of Health's Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that research is ongoing about the efficacy of probiotics to treat rotovirus, IBS and pouchitis--a disease that afflicts people with colostomy bags. A 2005 conference report by NCCAM and the American Society for Microbiology showed the most particular promise in using probiotics to treat rotovirus. When used as a supplement to treat diarrhea, side effects were mild, with reports of gas and upset stomachs topping the list.
Treating Urinary Tract Infections
Probiotics may treat and even prevent urinary tract infections. UTIs are caused by bacteria and many health care providers will use antibiotics to treat them. However, probiotics are helpful in replacing the good bacteria that might also be killed during treatment. Research conducted in 2004 by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Surgery at The University of Western Ontario shows that probiotics are effective in preventing UTIs in some women.
Preventing Tooth Decay
A double-blind study of nearly 600 children between 12 months and 6 years old showed that the children given milk fortified with the probiotic Lactobacillus GG had fewer cavities than those who received the placebo milk, after seven months of treatment. The study, conducted by researchers in Helsinki in 2001, was published in "Caries Research."
Other Uses
Probiotics are sometimes administered to treat other conditions, too. The NIH reports that probiotics have shown some promise in treating ulcers caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, keeping bladder cancer, and possibly other gastro-intenstinal cancers, from occurring or reoccurring and in treating allergies.
References
- National Institutes of Health: An Introduction to Probiotics
- Lovethatbug.com: Probiotics Definition, WHO
- Karger.com: Effect of Long Term Consumption of a Probiotic Bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in Milk on Dental Caries and Caries Risk in Children
- National Institutes of Health: Potential Uses of Probiotics
- National Institutes of Health: The Rationale for Probiotics in Female Urogenital Healthcare
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