Know Your Probiotics

Greetings all.

With gastrointestinal disorders on the increase, I though it was time to write a little about a popular treatment option now used regularly that is probiotics. Probiotics have been used for hundreds of years to treat a range of Gastrointestinal Tract ( GIT) conditions. Current research is focused on the different action of each probiotic that is commonly found in most preparations sold. Knowing the quality of your probiotics, how they work and how they affect GIT can dramatically improve their effectiveness in your treatment protocol.

Correct Probiotic Strain For Condition

Each probiotic has a slightly action within the body. Below are some common probiotic strain and their respective functions.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

This is a strong immunomodulator. It assists in improving lactose tolerance and is effective in preventing adhesion of Salmonela cholerasuis, S. Dysentry and E.Coli bacteria to the intestinal wall theyby preventing infection. It assists in reducing diarrrheoa associated with H.Pylori andtibiotic treatment. It may also assist in preventing H.Pylor infection and Candida over growth.

Bifidobacterium bifidum

This is also a powerful immunomodulator and improves T-cell immunity in the gut. It decreases gastric inflammation and improves gastric mucosa. It is one of the predominant bacteria found in breast milk.

Lactobacillus rhammmosus

This has been shown in many studies to have an anti-allergy effect. It is anti-inflammatory and has been shown to have a positive effect on allergic inflammation including atopic eczma, allergic rhinitis and asthma. L.rhammosus may also improve the composition of the breast milk and reduce risk of infants inheriting allergic conditions from the mother. It is also useful for treating viral gastroenteritis.

Bifidobacterium longum

This is effective in preventinf S.cholerasuis and E.coli adhering to the intestinal wall, preventing infection and is one of the most common bacteria found in breast milk. It also assists in alleviating symptoms of lactose intolerances. Studies have shown that it has a powerful effect on the immune system. It stimulates cell mediated immunity and supresses inflammation of the intestinal epithelial cells.

Saccharomyces boulardii

This is technically a yeast yet is still acts as a probiotic and is iseful in the treatment of most diarrhoeal conditions including antibiotic associated diarrhoea, antibiotic treatment of H.Pylori, travellers diarrhoea, diarrhoea associated with IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and clostridium difficile disease. It has been shown to increase T-helper cells and has an anti-inflammatory action in the gut. It may also assist in maintaining the remission state of Crohn’s disease.

When choosing a probiotic products look for probiotics NOT cultured on dairy or for NON-DAIRY probiotics. This helps to rule out any further inflammation when using these to reduce inflammation conditions in the GIT. Also look for products that are stable at ROOM temperature and that do not need to be constantly cooled.

Hope this has helped you to get a better picture of what these little critters do and help with and aids you in choosing a more useful product.

Best of health to you.

Craig Hitchens. Dip. HSc., Med.H., Adv.Couns, S.H., Reflexology, NESCP, ATFTCP.