Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly protective bacteria and yeast also known as "good bacteria," needed in the body to support intestinal function and a healthy immune system. When there is gut dysfunction, parasitic invasion, overgrowth of unfavorable bacteria, infection, inflammation, or when someone has been on a round of antibiotics, it may be extremely beneficial to supplement with probiotics.
If You've Been Taking Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill all bacteria in the body, good and bad. It's important to replenish the body's "good bacteria" to help keep the immune system and digestive tract healthy. Antibiotics can actually cause infection by killing too many of the "good bugs." The important thing to remember is you should take your probiotics at least 2 hours before or after you take your antibiotics, and on a full stomach to help buffer the stomach acid so they can live to make it to their destination within the body.
If You Have or are Prone to Infection
Probiotics can help prevent and treat infections including urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and respiratory infections. Evidence presented in November 2005 at a conference co-funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and convened by the American Society for Microbiology supported the use of probiotics to help treat infections of the urinary tract and female genital tract, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea.
If You Have Diarrhea, Colitis or IBS
Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast rather than a bacteria, can help treat antibiotic-associated colitis. These probiotics help treat infectious diarrhea, including rotovirus. There are other specific strains that can help treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, as well as other types of gut dysfunction.
Other Conditions that Probiotics May Help Treat
Evidence presented in the November 2005 conference also supported the use of probiotics to reduce the recurrence of bladder cancer and to prevent and manage atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, in children.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic for You
There are many species and strains of probiotics to choose from, which can be extremely confusing. Many supplements have more than one, so it's important to know if you need a good basic formula or one to help with a specific health condition. Probiotics live in different areas of the body and can be very specific when it comes to their benefits. Your doctor can advise you about which probiotic supplement may help you and how often and how long you should use them.
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