As peculiar as it may seem, we all have a great deal of helpful bacteria in our guts that help keep our digestive system running smoothly. Unfortunately, antibiotics do not discriminate. Therefore, whenever we contract an illness or infection that requires treatment by antibiotics, a large amount of bacteria in our bodies is eliminated--both good and bad bacteria. Without the helpful bacteria in our digestive systems, things like stomach upset and diarrhea can result.
Probiotic Overview
Probiotics are a supplement that contains actual live bacteria, often for the purpose of re-populating the gut with beneficial bacteria. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one way in which "good" bacteria aid in digestion is by creating byproducts like hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid that discourage the growth of bad bacteria.
One of the most commonly seen probiotics is Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus. Occasionally, other Lactobacillus strains are used, such as L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. reuteri as well as Lactobacillus GG,Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus. Saccharaomyces boulardii, which is actually a type of yeast, has probiotic properties and is occasionally used as well.
Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
With many foods in 2011 containing additional supplementation of either probiotics or prebiotics, it is easy to see why someone would get the two confused. Probiotics are actual microorganisms that help encourage further "good" bacterial growth in your body. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are food for beneficial bacteria. Composed of nutritive matter that you cannot digest yourself, prebiotics are sometimes also called fermentable fiber.
Prebiotics occur naturally in quite a few high-fiber foods. Some natural sources of prebiotics include greens like kale and collards, bananas, leeks and onions, whole grains, berries, honey and beans. Prebiotics are also available in supplement form and can be taken like medication or sprinkled over food. Many infant formulas are also supplemented with prebiotics to encourage healthy bacterial growth.
Uses of Probiotics
The most common use of probiotics is to help restore gut bacteria and prevent diarrhea in people who have been taking antibiotics. A 2007 study published in "British Medical Journal" found that supplementing participants who had been on an antibiotic regimen with a drink that contained the beneficial bacteria L casei, L bulgaricus and S thermophilus resulted in a significant reduction in diarrhea. According to the study authors, routine administration of probiotics to patients over age 50 could significantly reduce morbidity, mortality and health care costs.
In addition to diarrhea prevention, the National Institutes of Health report that probiotics such as Lactobacillus also could be effective for preventing colic in infants, treating lung infections and treating some vaginal infections. There have been studies that have shown promise in the use of probiotics to treat conditions like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Probiotics may be effective in treating eczema in children with an allergy to cow's milk. Before the NIH can definitively state that probiotics are effective in treating those conditions, more study is required.
Possible Side Effects of Probiotics
While most people who take probiotics suffer no ill effects from them, there are potential side effects with all medications and supplements, and probiotics are no exception. Always consult your health care professional before beginning any new supplement or medication regimen.
The most common side effects reported by people taking probiotics are gas, upset stomach and diarrhea, which occur in people who are not using the probiotics to treat diarrhea and who take more than a billion cells per day.
If you have a compromised immune system, either due to illness or chemotherapy, probiotics are usually not recommended because you may be more likely to get sick from the bacteria, even though it is beneficial in people who are not immunocompromised. Talk with your doctor if you have a compromised immune system and wish to take probiotics. Anyone with an artificial heart valve should not take probiotics, because there is a chance of a rare infection occurring.
If you are taking antibiotics and probiotics at the same time, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you take the probiotics at least two hours after the antibiotics for maximum effectiveness.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus acidophilus
- MayoClinic.com; Prebiotics: What are they?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; October 2009
- "British Medical Journal"; Use of Probiotic Lactobacillus Preparation to Prevent Diarrhoea Associated With Antibiotics: Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial; Mary Hickson, RD et al.; July 2007
- MedlinePlus: Lactobacillus
