Probiotics are live microorganisms that behave similarly to the healthy, or good, bacteria already present in your body. They are often taken in supplement form to support gut health and digestion. Different strains of probiotics work in different ways, and some types may be more effective than others. Ask your doctor about the right type and dose of probiotics for your condition.
Probiotics
Healthy bacteria and microorganisms are essential to a properly functioning gut and digestive system. Disease-causing bacteria and fungus can disrupt the function of these good bacteria, and antibiotic medications can destroy good bacteria along with the problematic organisms they are meant to kill. The introduction of probiotics from foods such as yogurt or supplements can help replace and support the healthy bacteria and restore balance to your digestive system.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus, is one of the most frequently used strains of probiotic organisms. Its effects on digestion and gut health, particularly diarrhea treatment and prevention, have been widely studied. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, evidence on the subject is conflicting. L. acidophilus may be most effective for treating diarrhea and promoting gut health when taken as part of a blend of probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus GG.
Lactobacillus GG
A review of the literature on probiotics and gastrointestinal infections published in the June 2006 “Gastroenterology Clinics of North America” reports that a combination of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus GG with the probiotic S. boulardii may help prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea and that some well-designed studies show that Lactobacillus GG is an effective treatment for acute diarrhea in children. More trials need to be conducted to ensure its efficacy and safety. Check with your doctor before giving probiotics to a child.
VSL#3
The antibiotic blend VSL#3 contains the probiotics L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. plantarum, B. breve, B. infantic, B. longum and S. thermophilus. A study presented in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” in January 2010 found that VSL#3 can prevent some types of intestinal inflammation by stimulating the gut’s epithelial barrier, which keeps the intestines from absorbing harmful substances. VSL#3 is available only by prescription and is generally used to treat patients with ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome or those who have had part or all of their colons removed.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lactobacillus Acidophilus; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2009
- “Gastroenterology Clinics of North America”; Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Infections; E. S. Huebner; June 2006
- “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”; Probiotics Promote Gut Health Through Stimulation of Epithelial Innate Immunity; C. Pagnini, et al.; January 2010
- “World Journal of Gastroenterology”; Probiotics and Prebiotics in Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Julia B. Ewaschuk, et al.; October 2006
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