Diarrhea means having loose, watery stools that typically occur multiple times a day. It is caused by either bacterial infections; viral infections; food intolerances; parasites; reaction to medicines like antibiotics, blood pressure medications, cancer drugs or antacids; intestinal diseases like Crohn's; and functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms that live naturally in the gut. They are also called "friendly" or "good" bacteria. Probiotics have the potential to prevent and treat diarrhea caused by certain conditions.
Diarrhea Caused by Rotavirus
Rotavirus causes an inflammation of the stomach and intestines known as gastroenteritis. It causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal discomfort. It can lead to dehydration, especially in infants and children. Worldwide, rotavirus results in more than a half a million deaths each year in children under age 5. In the United States, infants have received the rotavirus vaccine since 2006. Prior to this, nearly all children in the U.S. were infected with rotavirus before their fifth birthday; it was responsible for more than 400,000 pediatrician visits; more than 200,000 emergency department visits; 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations and between 20 and 60 deaths in children under 5. Two strains of probiotics in supplement form, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12, show strong potential for prevention and treatment of rotavirus-related diarrhea in children.
Diarrhea Caused by Bacterial Infections
Certain probiotic strains may be beneficial in treating diarrhea related to bacterial infections like salmonella. So-called "traveler's diarrhea" is presumed to be caused by bacterial infections. Probiotics may prevent or treat this as well.
Diarrhea Caused by Antibiotic Treatments
Taking antibiotics commonly results in diarrhea. Although the presence of a microorganism known as Clostridium difficile is normal in healthy intestines, its numbers become elevated as antibiotics disrupt other indigenous microflora. This results in the production of toxins and diarrhea. Certain probiotic strains, including L. rhamnosus GG, have the potential to prevent and alleviate symptoms once they occur.
Probiotics and Rehydration
Probiotics are not the primary treatment of diarrhea; much more research is necessary, especially regarding the benefit in infants and children. The essential primary treatment for diarrhea is rehydration. Fluid intake to manage diarrhea and prevent dehydration is paramount. For severe diarrhea, consult a medical doctor for recommendations on rehydration and electrolyte replacement instructions.
Probiotic Sources
Probiotic research has been conducted with non-food supplement forms of probiotics. Benefits observed in research have also been strain-specific, meaning that you cannot assume that any probiotic supplement of food is right for your particular condition. Speak with a medical professional who is knowledgeable about probiotics before choosing them to treat or prevent a condition such as diarrhea. Other sources of probiotics include yogurt, some types of milk and some types of juice. Look for labels indicating that probiotics have been added.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diarrhea
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rotavirus
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health organization: Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria
