As explained in an article from the "World Journal of Gastroenterology" in January 2010, probiotics are effective for a number of conditions, including diseases caused by diarrhea. They may be effective in reducing the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases and may be helpful to patients after gut surgery. Now researchers are turning their attention to the use of probiotics to treat liver disease.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live organisms, usually in the form of bacteria, that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms that are already in your gut. Probiotics are often described as "good" or "friendly" bacteria that are beneficial to your health. Probiotics are contained in many foods, including yogurt, milk, miso, natto, tempeh, sauerkraut, kefir, and some juices and soy milk. (Reference 1)
Importance of Probiotics
"Good" bacteria needs to be present in the gut to insure good digestive health. Taking probiotics, in food or in supplement form, may aid in digestion and combat the "bad" bacteria in your gut if you are deficient in friendly bacteria. Look for food labels that say "live organisms," or something similar.
Gut Health
Probiotics are useful in maintaining the barrier in the gut that protects pathogens and food allergens from entering the intestinal tract. Besides their beneficial effect on the intestinal barrier, there is evidence that probiotics enhance the small intestinal mucosa which also act as a barrier to pathogens entering the intestinal tract.
Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is the most common form of liver disease in America. Liver disease is rising along with the increases in obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Researchers speculate that manipulating the gut microflora, the "good" and "bad" bacteria, may be a way to control the development of NAFLD.
Probiotics and Liver Disease
Probiotic actions that are most relevant to liver disease revolve around modification of the intestinal barrier function. Probiotics might increase the strength of the barrier function by altering gut flora for the better. Probiotic therapy may prevent the development of NAFLD in a number of ways. It may also help prevent low-grade inflammation, which could have a beneficial effect in preventing various kinds of liver disease, such as NAFLD and hepatitis, that are rising because of the increase of obesity in America.
