Probiotics are gaining popularity for their many health-related benefits. Studies show that probiotics play an important role in reducing gastrointestinal infections, strengthening the immune system and also decreasing the rate of growth of certain tumors. More people are trying to introduce probiotics into their diets. In light of its known beneficial effects, researchers are investigating the potential probiotics may have in reducing inflammation. If you are experiencing health issues related to inflammation, consult a health care professional.
Probiotics
The World Health Organization describes probiotics as live microorganisms that can provide a health benefit if administered in adequate amounts. These live microorganisms are usually friendly bacteria similar to the ones that are normally found in your digestive system. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are two commonly used probiotics. They are available in the form of dietary supplements and often play an important role in complementary and alternative medicine.
Inflammation
When your body fights against infection caused by viruses and bacteria, inflammation may result. Chemicals released from white blood cells attack foreign organisms in a process that may cause redness and warmth in the affected area. This process can also cause fluid to leak into your body tissues, resulting in swelling and pain. These are the negative effects of inflammation.
Probiotics and Crohn's Disease
Research to study the role of probiotics in controlling inflammation has shown promising results. A 1996 study published in "Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism" indicated that probiotic bacteria can stabilize the barrier in the lining of the gut by reducing the production of inflammatory proteins. This process helps to reverse some of the immunological disturbances that are characteristic of Crohn's disease.
Probiotics and Allergic Diseases
The preventive potential of probiotics in allergic disease was described in a study published in a 2001 issue of the medical journal "Lancet." Probiotics administered pre- and post-natally for 6 months to children at high risk of allergic diseases succeeded in reducing the prevalence of allergic eczema to half, compared with that in infants receiving a placebo.
Probiotics and Acute Gastroenteritis
The role of probiotics in controlling acute infantile diarrhea has been well documented. In one 1991 study, infants who were administered a lactobacillus strain as fermented milk or a freeze-dried powder experienced a reduced duration of diarrhea compared to infants given pasteurized yogurt. The probiotics helped to reduce the length of time of rotavirus shedding and the gut permeability caused by it and also stabilized normal gut flora.
References
- "Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism"; Promotion of IgA Immune Response in Patients with Crohn's Disease by Oral Bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus GG; M. Malin, et al.; 1996
- "Lancet"; Probiotics in Primary Prevention of Atopic Disease: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial; M. Kalliomaki, et al.; 2001
- "Pediatrics"; A Human Lactobacillus Strain (Lactobacillus GG) Promotes Recovery From Acute Diarrhea in Children; E. Isolauri, et al.; 1991
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