Probiotics
 
Probiotic is from the Greek meaning “for life” and is the term used to describe a specific type of live, beneficial bacteria.   The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) formally defined “Probiotics” in a joint 2001 report as “…live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.   Probiotics, therefore, are a class of “friendly” bacteria that live in the digestive tract where they help to restore and maintain a healthy balance of “good” versus “bad” bacteria.   One of the advantages of the Probiotic that we sell here at the clinic is that it contains Lactobacillus, b.longum, b.bifidum, and b.infantis bacteria.  

What are Probiotics?  

There are many different classes or strains of Probiotics. The ones most commonly used in treating specific conditions are in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. Many food products such as yogurt, buttermilk, and cottage cheese are now being fortified with Probiotics.   But in order for these bacteria to be effective, they need to meet two very important criteria: (1) they must be alive, and (2), they must be present in large enough numbers to “colonize” or multiply in the intestinal tract.   Lactobacillus, B.longum, B.bifidum, B.infantis (the bacteria in the Probiotic that we sell here at the clinic), unlike some bacteria species found in many fortified foods, has been extensively studied and clinically proven to consistently survive the strong digestive acids of the stomach and the intestines.  

How do Probiotics work?  

Bacteria are normal components of the human body. Everyone carries around a mix of both “good” and “bad” bacteria. In fact, according to British scientist G. W. Tannock in a 1999 report, more than 400 species of bacteria can be found in the average human gastrointestinal tract: the mouth, stomach, small intestine, and colon. Most of these bacteria are good for the body. Probiotics are a specific form of good bacteria that have been shown in numerous clinical studies to help the body in a number of ways: support intestinal health; strengthen the immune system; protect the body from health-depleting compounds in the diet and the environment; regulate the body’s response to allergy-producing substances; and help to reduce the duration of episodes of occasional diarrhea, especially in production of vitamins, etc, etc.   For Probiotics to do their beneficial work in the body, they need to survive the digestive juices of the stomach and bile acids of the intestines. Once in the intestines, they take up residence and begin to multiply or “colonize”, sticking to the inner walls of the small intestines and the colon. As they take up more space, they displace bad bacteria and other potentially harmful substances, in a process scientists call “bacterial interference”. Some Probiotics also secrete substances that neutralize bad bacteria, but are harmless to people. Others trigger the body’s natural immune responses. As their numbers stabilize, the ratio of good to bad bacteria also stabilizes, thus strengthening the immune system and delivering many other health benefits to the body.  

The role of Probiotics.  

The moment we are born our bodies are invaded with millions of bacteria, good and bad, a mix that remains relatively stable throughout our lives. Scientists have discovered through numerous tests and studies that early exposure to a predominance of good bacteria enables the body to colonize (populate) the intestinal tract with the beneficial bacteria. Good bacteria have been shown to offer specific health benefits, one of the most important being a strengthened immune system. Most people don’t realize that as much as 80% of the body’s immune functions are directly related to intestinal health. Probiotics play an important role in supporting intestinal health.   Until relatively recently, the taking of Probiotics was considered as an “alternative” therapy. Today, as scientists learn more about the role Probiotic bacteria play in the proper functioning of the immune system, Probiotics are being studied for their further potential benefits to human health. Some health professionals now recommend Probiotics for the health benefits they offer.  

The benefits of Probiotics.  

The use of Probiotics has been found to be beneficial in a number of areas:  

Prevention of Colon Cancer.

In laboratory investigations, some strains of LAB (Lactobacillus Acid Bacteria) have demonstrated anti-mutagenic effects thought to be due to their ability to bind with heterocyclic amines, which are carcinogenic substances formed in cooked meat. Animal studies have demonstrated that some LAB can protect against colon cancer in rodents, though human data is limited and conflicting. Most human trials have found that the strains tested may exert anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the activity of an enzyme called β-glucuronidase (which can generate carcinogens in the digestive system). Lower rates of colon cancer among higher consumers of fermented dairy products have been observed in some population studies. Taking Probiotics on a regular basis helps to maintain your body’s levels of healthy bacteria. Studies conducted around the world have demonstrated that taking Probiotics is an effective therapy for treating occasional diarrhea in children and adults, aiding digestion, and promoting regularity.  

Cholesterol Lowering.

Animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a range of LAB to be able to lower serum cholesterol levels, presumably by breaking down bile in the gut, thus inhibiting its reabsorption (which enters the blood as cholesterol). Some, but not all human trials have shown that dairy foods fermented with specific LAB can produce modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels in those with normal levels to begin with, however trials in hyperlipidemic subjects are needed.  

Improving Immune Function and Preventing Infections.

 LAB are thought to have several presumably beneficial effects on immune function. They may protect against pathogens by means of competitive inhibition (i.e., by competing for growth) and there is evidence to suggest that they may improve immune function by increasing the number of IgA-producing plasma cells, increasing or improving phagocytosis as well as increasing the proportion of T lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Probiotics may decrease the incidence of respiratory tract infections and dental caries in children. LAB foods and supplements have been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of acute diarrhea, and in decreasing the severity and duration of rotavirus infections in children and travelers' diarrhea in adults.  

Helicobacter pylori.

LAB are also thought to aid in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections (which cause peptic ulcers) in adults when used in combination with standard medical treatments.  

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

A meta-analysis suggested Probiotics may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A subsequent randomized controlled trial also found benefit in elderly patients.    

Reducing Inflammation.

 LAB foods and supplements have been found to modulate inflammatory and hypersensitivity responses, an observation thought to be at least in part due to the regulation of cytokine function. Clinical studies suggest that they can prevent reoccurrences of inflammatory bowel disease in adults, as well as improve milk allergies and decrease the risk of atopic eczema in children.  

Improving Mineral Absorption.

It is hypothesized that Probiotic lactobacilli may help correct malabsorption of trace minerals, found particularly in those with diets high in phytate content from whole grains, nuts, and legumes.    

Prevents Harmful Bacterial Growth Under Stress.

In a study done to see the effects of stress on intestinal flora, rats that were fed Probiotics had little occurrence of harmful bacteria latched onto their intestines compared to rats that were fed sterile water.  

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis.

B. infantis 35624, sold as Align, was found to improve some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women in a recent study. Another Probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum 299V, was also found to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms. Additionally, a Probiotic formulation, VSL3, was found to be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 may help.  

Probiotics and Other Conditions.

Probiotics are being studied for their beneficial effects for a variety of other conditions as well.