Probiotics are a form of bacteria that are ingested in order to help supplement the beneficial bacteria that exist naturally in the intestinal tract. According to Dr. Athos Bousvaros of Children's Hospital Boston, probiotics are particularly effective in treating infants with diarrhea. In addition, probiotics may help increase the body's immune response, helping it fight off acute stomach bugs. Probiotics can be found in a wide variety of foods, including yogurt that contains live bacterial cultures and also as a supplement in the form of a capsule. Probiotics are relatively safe to use and can be effective in helping to relieve diarrhea.
Step 1
Take a probiotic supplement daily, which is available at your local health food store. This dosage should provide between one and two billion colony units, or CFU, according to the University of Maryland. Some individuals may require more CFU every day, though dosages should be increased gradually to prevent stomach upset. Store your probiotic supplements in the refrigerator to preserve the integrity of the live bacteria.
Step 2
Eat yogurt that contains probiotics. The Dairy Council of California explains that the best way to get your dose of probiotics is from food. Additionally, dairy products such as yogurt also contain other important nutrients such as calcium and protein. When shopping for yogurt that contains probiotics, be sure to look for the label "Live Active Cultures". Not all yogurt contains probiotics, so don't assume any kind will do.
Step 3
Drink a cup of acidophilus milk three times a day. David L. Brooks of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cites an article by Faro Jones, who explains that about 75 percent of the population of the world are intolerant to lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal cramping and diarrhea and acidophilus milk contains a low amount of lactose. Additionally, acidophilus milk contains probiotics that can help increase the intestinal flora, which can reduce or relieve diarrhea.
Step 4
Consume probiotics even when you aren't experiencing diarrhea. According to the Dairy Council of California, probiotics can provide benefits for health and wellness, as well as during episodes of acute diarrhea. Probiotics can help to decrease the risk of infection from food-borne pathogens such as salmonella. In addition, probiotics help to strengthen the immune system, making you more resistant to gastrointestinal illnesses that can cause diarrhea.
References
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Probiotic use in clinical practice: What are the risks?
- Children's Hospital Boston: Understanding pros and cons of probiotics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- University of Maryland: Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Dairy Council of California: Probiotics -- Friendly Bacteria with a Host of Benefits
- David L. Brooks: University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Lactobacillus acidophilus
