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The Best Probiotic Strains

Oct 10, 2010 | By Stephanie Chandler

Probiotics are defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as live microorganisms that, when taken in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit. The idea of using them to promote intestinal health began in the early 20th century, according to information in the 2009 issue of "Gut Pathogens." Research conducted during the past 20 years has made progress in identifying the types of probiotic most effective in treating certain types of intestinal conditions.

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus describes a strain of helpful bacteria that normally resides in the digestive tract, urinary system and genital system, according to MedLinePlus. In addition to treating urinary system infections and yeast infections, doctors utilize various strains of Lactobacillus probiotics to treat infectious diarrhea, caused by harmful bacteria or viruses such as the rotavirus. Lactobacillus may also prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics use, which affects approximately 5 to 25 percent of patients taking antibiotics, according to information published in the 2007 issue of "British Medical Journal."

Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium, a bacterium that grows in the absence of oxygen, naturally inhabits the intestines. Conditions that cause inflammation of the intestines, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, can disrupt the normal balance of microorganisms. The imbalance may allow harmful bacteria to take hold in the intestines. The harmful bacteria can contribute to the inflammation therefore making the condition and symptoms such as diarrhea worse. Using probiotics that contain bifidobacterium can help bring the microorganisms back into balance. The use of bifidobacterium probiotics, such as bifidobacterium longum, may also help reduce the incidence of antibiotic induced diarrhea, according to "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

Saccharomyces

In addition to bacteria, yeast commonly inhabit the intestines. Like the helpful bacteria, the yeast help to keep harmful bacteria from taking hold and also aid in the process of digestion. A disruption in the normal levels of yeast such as saccharomyes can contribute to the exacerbation of symptoms caused by intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease, classified as an inflammatory bowel disease, causes inflammation of the digestive tract, most commonly of the lower portion of the small intestine. A study published in the 2010 issue of the "World Journal of Gastroenterology" supports the use of strains of Saccharomyces probiotics, specifically Saccharmyces boulardii, to treat antibiotic induced diarrhea, acute adult diarrhea and inflammatory bowel diseases.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Oct 10, 2010

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