Probiotics can be helpful in treating the symptoms associated with neuropathy. Two types of naturopathy include autonomic and diabetic neuropathy. Probiotics are most often suggested by health-care providers when individuals also are taking antibiotics. They can also provide you with other health benefits as well. If you have neuropathy, probiotics can be especially good for your digestive system.
Definition of Neuropathy
Health-cares.net states that neuropathy is disease or disorder that affects the cranial nerves or the peripheral or autonomic nervous systems. Health-cares.net states, "It is a disturbance in the function of a nerve or group of nerves." There are several types of neuropathy. Two commonly diagnosed types are autonomic and diabetic neuropathy.
Types of Neuropathy
Health-care.net explains that autonomic neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy that can affect organ systems in the body such as the urinary and gastrointestinal systems. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended time. One symptom of both neuropathies is diarrhea. Both autonomic and diabetic neuropathy can affect the functioning of your digestive system. Diarrhea can occur when the nerves that control your small intestine are damaged. Other gastrointestinal symptoms of neuropathy can include abdominal bloating and constipation.
Functions of Probiotics
Probiotics, defined by the World Health Organization, or WHO, are microorganisms that "confer health benefits on the host." WHO continues by saying, " Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help maintain a normal digestive system and a balance of beneficial bacteria." The Journal of Nutrition states that "Probiotics have preventive as well as curative effects on several types of diarrhea of different etiologies." Most probiotics are bacteria similar to the bacteria found in your intestinal tract. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that there are several different types of probiotics that help your immune system, protect you against microorganisms that can cause diseases and help your digestion and absorption of food. Cells in your digestive system are linked to your immunity. Probiotics can be helpful to your digestive and immune systems.
Sources of Probiotics
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements. You can find probiotics in foods such as yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, some juices and soy beverages. The National Institutes of Health states that probiotics are found in yogurt with active or live cultures and in supplements. Yogurt is a good source of healthy bacteria, which can replace the good bacteria that antibiotics can kill. Most probiotics are bacteria similar to the bacteria found in your intestinal tract.
Warning about Probiotics
You should consult your health-care provider before taking probiotics. While they may help to treat symptoms such as diarrhea associated with neuropathy, you could also experience some side effects. Side effects such as increased bloating and gas may be noted. Some individuals may have more serious side effects, such as their immune system being compromised if they have other health conditions.
References
- Health-Cares: What Types of Neuropathy are There?
- National Institutes of Health: Introduction to Probiotics
- Medline Plus: Diarrhea
- Medical News Today: Probiotic Treatment Options Can Help Manage Constipation and IBS Symptoms
- American Diabetes Association: Living with Diabetes
- The Journal of Nutrition: Probiotics and Prebiotics:Effects on Diarrhea
