Probiotics: The Friendly Bacteria

Probiotics: The Friendly Bacteria

What are probiotics?

         Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria found in our intestinal tract that, when in proper balance, can help prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria, increase resistance to infection, and promote proper digestion.

         The most commonly known probiotics are the Lactobacillus species, of which L. acidophilus (found in yogurt) is a member. Others of this species include L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum serve as intestinal protectors and are involved in the production of arginine, cysteine and glutamine - important amino acids.

What are the benefits?

         Probiotics aid in proper digestion by secreting enzymes such as lactase (the enzyme lacking in lactose intolerant people).

         Some research has shown that probiotics play an important role in replacing the beneficial bacteria that have been wiped out by antibiotic use. Probiotics thereby may decrease, by up to 50%, the occurrence of post antibiotic infections (Ann Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1993). Probiotics have also been shown to prevent "travelers diarrhea", which is caused from harmful bacteria in drinking water, and poorly cooked foods (Chemotherapy, 1995).

         Many antibiotics cause a significant reduction in the natural flora in our intestinal tract, which can lead to diarrhea. Antibiotics have also been known to contribute to the overgrowth of yeast (candida albicans) in the vagina, causing candida vaginitis. Taking supplemental probiotics such as L. acidophilus may prevent antibiotic induced diarrhea and prevent the overgrowth of yeast (JAMA, 1996). L. acidophilus and bifidobacteria may also synthesize B vitamins such as niacin, folic acid and vitamin B-6.


Where to get probiotics

         Probiotics are most plentiful in fermented milk products such as yogurt, though strains and amounts vary according to brand and frozen yogurts contain no live probiotics. Supplements are another good option and are available in powder, liquid extract, capsule or tablet.

         Probiotics feed on carbohydrates that occur naturally in humans but can't be digested. These Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may also be taken in supplement form while taking probiotics.

         Probiotics Plus offers a tablet blend that contains BT 1386™ Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Bifidobacterium, Bifidum, Lactobacillus Casei, and Lactospore® (encapsulated lactobacillus sporogenes). Probiotics Plus also contains FOSphulin™ (fructo-oligosaccharides) 600 mg, BioMOS® (mannan-oligosaccharides) 200 mg, and Glutamine Peptides 600 mg to support the probiotics.

Who needs probiotics?

         People who are likely to be deficient in the good bacteria needed to keep us healthy are those who have chronic or acute diarrhea, who eat poor diets, or who are taking antibiotics.

         The recommended amount of probiotics
depends on the amount of microbial depletion and the presence of harmful bacteria. The recommended minimum, for healthy maintenance of intestinal micro flora, of L-acidophilus is between one and two billion colony forming units (CFU's) daily. Some Saccaromyces boulardii research has used 500mg doses up to 4 times per day.

Side effects and drug interactions

         Saccharomyces boulardii studies have reported at least 9 severe reactions in which invasive fungal infections developed. The people who developed these reactions were all debilitated or had immune system impairments prior to taking the yeast. (Am J Med, 1998, Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2000) No other adverse reactions have been reported with probiotics in people with normal immune function.

         Probiotics are important for maintaining a health digestive system and a strong immune system. They are easily obtainable in supplement form and have many preventative benefits and virtually no side effects. Take control of your health today with probiotics: the friendly bacteria.