The 1927 discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic, revolutionized modern medicine. Antibiotics have been used for over 70 years. Probiotics are a relatively new discovery. Because studies are inconclusive regarding specific effects and benefits of various probiotic species and strains, probiotics are classified as complementary and alternative medicine, or CAMs. Consult your doctor before using any type of CAM, including probiotics. This information is not intended as medical advice.
Probiotic Definition
According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are live microbes, a type of bacteria that occur naturally in the intestinal tract of most mammals. Probiotic literally means "for life" and so the term refers to bacteria that are beneficial to the host.
Probiotic Uses
Scientists are still studying probiotics to find out how they work and identify specific health benefits. There are several strains of probiotics serving different purposes. In general, probiotics control the population of harmful bacteria in the intestines. For example, the WHO reports that Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis are effective in preventing and treating diarrhea caused by the rotavirus microbe. Scientists are also researching the effects of probiotics on cancer, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, Crohn's disease and other disorders.
Probiotic Sources
Probiotics occur naturally in foods like yogurt, fermented milk, miso and some soy products. Examine food labels and look for the phrase "contains live active cultures." Most products containing probiotics also list the species, such as lactobacillus. Probiotics are also available as a dietary supplement.
Antibiotic Definition and Uses
Antibiotic literally means "against life." Antibiotics can either prevent the growth of or kill certain types of bacteria. Today, there are several types of antibiotics. Penicillin was the first antibiotic discovered. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat and urinary tract infections. They are not effective against viral infections such as influenza and bronchitis. Misuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, meaning that harmful bacteria evolves into strains that are immune to that type of antibiotic. A recent example of this is the outbreak of MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Antibiotic Sources
Antibiotics are microorganisms that naturally occur in bacteria and fungus. Antibiotic medication is available by prescription only. Your doctor can determine whether your infection is bacterial, fungal or viral and prescribe the right type of treatment. It is important to take antibiotics exactly as directed.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- World Health Organization: Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food
- Mayo Clinic: Probiotics--Important for a Healthy Diet?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Antibiotic Resistance Questions and Answers
- Mayo Clinic: Antibiotics--Misuse Puts You and Others at Risk
