Probiotics, also called friendly or good bacteria, are live microorganisms that bear close resemblance to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human digestive system. Their availability in foods and supplements makes them an easily accessible form of complimentary and alternative medicine. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern found that certain probiotics may prevent parasitic infections.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites fall into two categories, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Helminths, such as tapeworms, roundworms and pinworms are common in the United States. The second type, protozoa, are single-cell organisms, capable of multiplying within the human body. Giardia and cryptosporidium are the most common protozoa in the United States. People transmit intestinal parasites when they come in contact with infected feces, soil, food and water. A weakened immune system, traveling to countries with questionable hygiene and eating food prepared by people who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom all increase your risk of developing a parasitic infection. Ask your doctor if probiotics will protect you. Her answer will depend on your medical history, as well as the potential for adverse interactions with your prescription drugs.
Symptoms
Parasites can live within your intestines for years. Symptoms may include chronic nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas or bloating, diarrhea or loose stools filled with blood and mucus. Some patients report infections, rash or itching around the vulva and anus. Passing a worm in your stool also indicates a parasitic infection. Chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss are less obvious symptoms of an intestinal parasitic infection. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacilus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria, taken once or twice daily between meals, may help your body guard against parasitic infection, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Probiotic Examples
Manufacturers inoculate yogurt, the most easily accessible probiotic food, with Streptococcus thermophilus and either Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Cows, goats and sheep may supply the milk. The pasteurization process, however, kills off the healthy probiotic bacteria. Check the label and make sure that the product includes active and live cultures. Kefir is a a fermented, probiotic beverage made from either goat, cow or sheep milk, or plant derivatives such as soy. The kefir grain contains healthy probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus kefiri.
Research
Bacteria present in the human gut may enhance your body's defense mechanisms against Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, reports Alicia Benson, lead author of an August 2009 study published in "Cell Host & Microbe." The Univeristy of Texas Southwestern research team found that commensal, the good bacteria found in the gut, recognized and formulated an immune response against a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii in an infected a group of laboratory mice. The parasite is typically found in cat feces. A pregnant woman infected with toxoplasmosis easily transfers the disease to her unborn child. Eating probiotic-rich foods may prevent this parasitic infection.
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