Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria commonly available in capsules as well as foods such as yogurt, miso and tempeh. Bacteria strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families are the most commonly available, and have been linked to reduced symptoms of upset stomach, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal conditions. For best results, talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and considerations of adding probiotics to your diet.
Definition
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics are live microorganisms that are highly similar to digestive cultures found in the human stomach and intestines. Practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine sometimes prescribe probiotics for individuals whose natural balance of intestinal flora has been compromised by antibiotics or disease-causing bacteria or fungi. A variety of studies have linked the consumption of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics with reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, atopic dermatitis and diarrhea.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists the probiotic known as Lactobacillus acidophilus as the most commonly consumed type of beneficial bacteria. L. acidophilus helps digestion by creating substances such as lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide in the intestines, creating an unfriendly environment for disease-causing bacteria. Several clinical studies have linked the consumption of L. acidophilus with reduced symptoms of vaginal infections, diarrhea prevention, inflammatory bowel disease, high cholesterol and chronic constipation. L. acidophilus is generally found in most yogurt, kefir, miso and tempeh products that contain live cultures, although other strains of the lactobacillus family may also be present, including: L. bulgaricus, L. casei and L. reuteri.
Bifidobacteria
The Bifidobacteria family is another common probiotic that can be taken to help regulate intestinal flora. According to the MedlinePlus website, Bifidobacteria is sometimes used to prevent diarrhea in infants and adults, and may be used to treat bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Encouraging evidence has also linked the consumption of Bifidobacteria with treatment of a skin condition called atopic eczema, as well as certain lung conditions. Like the Lactobacillus family, Bifidobacteria are available in a variety of strains, including: B. bifidum, B. longum, B. animalis and B. lactis.
Selection and Safety
Since the health effects of both bacteria families are similar, choosing which probiotic to take is a matter of personal preference. Talk to your doctor and ask for his recommendation on which beneficial bacteria may be best for your body, and always follow the recommended dosage printed on your product's label.
References
- The Mayo Clinic; "Good" Bacteria in Probiotics Offers Health Benefits, But Evidence Still Limited; Mar. 4 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; Aug. 2008
- The University of Maryland Medical Center; Lactobacillus Acidophilus; Steven Ehrlich; Jun. 22 2009
- MedlinePlus; Bifidobacteria; Jul. 7 2007
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