The Benefits of Probiotics

Most often, probiotics are bacteria, but they may also be other organisms such as yeasts. These “good” bacteria promote a proper intestinal environment by inhibiting the growth of other more harmful bacteria, thus improving overall intestinal health.

They do this by competing for nutrients, and by altering the pH and oxygen tension levels to levels that are less favourable to pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Probiotics also prevent the attachment of pathogens by physically covering available attachment sites. They also produce antimicrobial factors and substances that prevent infection.

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, probiotics send signals to the cells to strengthen the mucus in the intestine; which act as a barrier against infection. They can also inhibit or destroy toxins produced by other bacteria. Probiotics produce B-vitamins that are necessary for metabolizing the food you eat, warding off anaemia caused by deficiencies in B6 and B12, and maintaining healthy skin and a healthy nervous system.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 10–15% of adults. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, IBS is best understood as a long-term or recurrent disorder of gastrointestinal functioning. It usually involves the large intestine and small intestines with disturbances of intestinal motility and sensation. These gut-related activities are regulated by the brain, which is why IBS is often called a brain-gut disorder. These gastrointestinal disturbances can produce symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and a change in bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation). For some IBS sufferers, changing the kind of gut bacteria with probiotics may alleviate symptoms of IBS.

The probiotic that has been shown to improve the symptoms in IBS is Bifidobacterium infantis. The symptoms that have shown more consistent improvement with probiotics are gas and bloating, in particular.

Probiotics can be useful in treating and helping the body to recover from several types of diarrhea. Several strains of Lactobacillus and a strain of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii may help treat and shorten the course of infectious diarrhea, which is caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Taking an antibiotic can sometimes cause diarrhea by reducing the number of good microorganisms in your gut, and allowing the other kinds of bacteria to grow out of control. This condition is known as antibiotic-related diarrhea.

Probiotics are most often used for promoting and maintaining a healthy digestive system, but they can also benefit the body in other ways.

Probiotics are great for helping the body restore its natural balance after a dose of antibiotics. Lactobacillus acidophilus can retard the growth of Candida albicans, the major yeast involved in vaginal yeast infections. Probiotics can also help with recovery after a urinary tract infection that has been treated with antibiotics.

Antibiotics can disturb the balance of bacterial flora that actually protects against urinary tract infections, thereby leading to recurrent infections.

Studies indicate that certain probiotic bacterial strains have shown anti carcinogenic potential. Lactobacillus bulgaricus (used in yoghurt) has demonstrated potent anti-tumour activity. In human studies, Lactobacillus acidophilus ingestion resulted in reduced activity of bacterial enzymes associated with the formation of cancer causing compounds in the gut. Studies have also shown Lactobacilli strains to have some beneficial effects in bladder cancer. The administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus resulted in the prevention of radiotherapy associated diarrhea in cancer patients.

Other potential uses for probiotics include maintaining a healthy mouth, preventing and treating certain skin conditions like eczema, promoting vaginal health, and preventing allergies (especially in children). The most common probiotic bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.

Different strains of these bacteria have different benefits for different parts of the body. For example, Lactobacillus casei Shirota has been shown to support the immune system and to help food move through the gut, but Lactobacillus bulgaricus may help relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactobacillus acidophilus is particularly important for preventing and treating antibiotic-induced diarrhea, Candida overgrowth, and urinary tract infections.

Food sources of probiotics include:

• Yogurt

• Sauerkraut or the Korean dish kimchi (pickled cabbage)

• Miso soup (a popular Japanese soup made with fermented soybean paste)

• Some soft cheeses like Gouda

• Kefir or maas / amasi (fermented milk) and buttermilk

• Sourdough bread

• Naturally fermented pickles, gherkins or olives pickled in brine

• Some dark chocolate

If you would like to find out more about what the best probiotic for you is, please feel free to give us a call!