Your intestines are crawling with bacteria. But don't be alarmed -- they're friendly. The human digestive tract contains over 400 types of bacteria that work to your benefit, by taking up space that otherwise could be colonized by more malevolent microorganisms.
When your normal levels of healthy bacteria are disrupted, as can happen when you're taking antibiotics or birth control pills, you can use probiotic products to turn the intestinal tides back in your favor. According to Bethlehem University, probiotic supplements contain friendly bacteria and are available in capsules, freeze dried powder, wafers and liquids.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus GG is a type of probiotic bacteria that have demonstrated the ability to shorten the duration of episodes of infectious diarrhea in infants and children, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Additionally, this particularly probiotic may reduce diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.
Yogurt and beverages enriched with probiotics are also available as a source of these friendly bacteria. Harvard notes that more clinical trials are needed to confirm evidence that Lactobacillus GG may be helpful in treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Bifidobacterium Infantis
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may find symptom relief via treatment with the probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium infantis, according to the "American Journal of Gastroenterology." A study conducted at the University of Manchester and published in July 2006 found that women with irritable bowel syndrome who took encapsulated Bifidobacterium infantis experienced an improvement of their symptoms that was 20 percent greater than that of women who took a placebo during a four-week course of treatment. These symptoms included bloating, gas and bowel dysfunction. The study notes that improvement was dosage specific, and that further research is needed to discern the correlation between dosage levels and effectiveness.
Saccharomyces Boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii differs from other probiotics in that it is a yeast, rather than a bacterium. Marcia L. Buck, a doctor of pharmacology with the University of Virginia Children's Hospital, notes that this probiotic demonstrates effectiveness in treating acute infectious diarrhea, in preventing diarrhea due to antibiotic use, and as a therapy in treating Helicobacter pylori infections.
Buck notes that probiotics generally have few adverse effects, though Saccharomyces boulardii has been associated with some reports of systemic fungal infection and may not be appropriate for immuno-compromised patients, or those with known or potential compromise of gut integrity.
References
- Pediatric Pharmacotherapy: Saccharomyces Boullardii as a Probiotic for Children
- Bethlehem University: Friendly Bacteria for Your Digestive System (Probiotics)
- PubMed: Efficacy of an Encapsulated Probiotic Bifidobacterium Infantis 35624 in Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics
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