Live Well Vitamins & Lifestyle Guide

Probiotics

Probiotics is a general term for living microorganisms -- usually known as 'friendly' bacteria -- that have health benefits in the body. Many are similar to organisms that are naturally found in the body, especially in the digestive tract. Probiotics have become popular supplements and food additives, most often used to promote healthy digestion.

Probiotics: uses

Probiotics work by balancing the levels of microorganisms in the intestines. They drive down the numbers of harmful bacteria. They also seem to boost the body’s immune system.

Although research is ongoing, there’s good evidence that some probiotics may be helpful in treating IBS, some types of diarrhoea, colitis, acne, and eczema in children. They may also be used with antibiotics to help prevent diarrhoea that may come with taking antibiotics.

In addition, researchers are studying probiotics to determine if they may help infections (including urinary tract, vaginal, GI, sinus, and respiratory), dental disease, allergies, and diseases of the liver and pancreas. They are also testing probiotics to see if they can help prevent the recurrence of colon and bladder cancer. However, more research is needed to determine if probiotics are safe and effective for these conditions.

Remember that there are many types of probiotics. They include Lactobacilli (like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus GG), Bifidobacteria (like Bifidobacterium bifidus) and some yeasts (like Saccharomyces boulardii.) Different probiotics have different effects. So while one may help treat diarrhoea or a vaginal infection, another will have no effect. Before you start taking a probiotic supplement, talk to your doctor. You need to make sure that you get the treatment most likely to help.

Probiotics are different from prebiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients in foods that are used to spur the growth of probiotic bacteria in the body. Synbiotics are combinations of prebiotics with probiotics.

Probiotics: dosage & instructions for use

Because there are so many different probiotic organisms, there is no set dosage. Ask your doctor for advice. Some probiotics are dosed by the number of live organisms they contain. For instance, a typical dosage of lactobacillus acidophilus ranges between 1 billion to 10 billion live organisms split into three or four doses.

Probiotics: food sources

Probiotics occur naturally in some foods and are added to others. Examples are yoghurt, milk, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, soy drinks, and other beverages.

Probiotics: supplement information

Probiotics come in many forms -- as capsules, tablets, suppositories, powders, drinks, and food additives. Like any supplement, keep probiotics in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Probiotics: warnings

Side effects. Probiotics seem to have few side effects. Some may cause intestinal gas and bloating. However, this is likely to get better over time.

Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using probiotics. They could interact with medicines such as antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs.

Risks. If you have intestinal disease or damage, HIV, cancer, a weakened immune system, or excessive bacteria in your intestines, don’t use probiotics without checking first with your doctor.