Ulcers are open sores on the lining of the gastrointestinal system. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that about 20 million people in the U.S. will develop an ulcer during their lifetime. It's a common misconception that ulcers are caused by stress or poor eating habits -- in truth most ulcers are bacterial in origin. Other causes include long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Interest is growing concerning the use of probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, as a treatment for ulcers.
Probiotics Strengthen the Stomach Lining
In a healthy adult, the gastric mucosa, or stomach lining, provides a barrier against infection by pathogenic bacteria, including the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that is the major cause of peptic ulcer. According to "The Journal of Nutrition," probiotics, which are live microorganisms known to confer positive health benefits, may aid in the treatment of ulcers by strengthening the gastric mucosal barrier. Probiotics are believed to produce antimicrobial substances that compete with Helicobacter pylori in the gastric tract, stimulate mucus production and stabilize the lining of the stomach.
Probiotics Secrete Antibacterial Substances
A second mechanism by which probiotic microorganisms are thought to aid in the treatment of ulcers is via the production of substances that inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Lactobacilli are one of the most common types of probiotic microorganism. They have been found to produce antimicrobial compounds, as well as lactic acid, acetic acid and peroxide as a result of their ability to ferment lactose, the sugar found in milk products. It is believed that lactic acid increases the overall acidity of the gastric environment, inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Different strains of Lactobacillus vary in their effectiveness in combating Helicobacter pylori, and several other probiotic organisms, such as Weissella confusa and Bacillus subtilis, have also shown antibacterial properties that inhibit Helicobacter pylori growth.
Probiotics Reduce Side Effects of Antibiotics
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that antibiotics used to treat Helicobacter pylori sometimes lead to side effects. Conversely, probiotics have been attributed with the ability to help ward off antibiotic-associated diarrhea, according to USProbiotics.org. Antibiotics cannot distinguish the difference between friendly bacteria and pathogens in the human body, and thus work to kill off both types. As a result of antibiotic therapy to treat ulcers, the normal flora of the intestines may be decimated and antibiotic-associated diarrhea may result. Though the mechanisms by which probiotics help is not fully understood, it has been observed that several types of probiotic, including strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, help to repopulate the gastrointestinal tract with normal flora.
