Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. Individuals with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.
What do they do? Acidophilus and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.
Regular ingestion of probiotic bacteria may help prevent vaginal yeast infection. A review of the research concluded that both topical and oral use of acidophilus can prevent yeast infection caused by candida overgrowth.
Diarrhea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Replenishing the beneficial bacteria with probiotic supplements can help prevent new infections. The incidence of “traveler's diarrhea,” caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods, can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.
One probiotic, Saccharomyces boulardii, has prevented diarrhea in several human trials. Double blind research studying critically ill patients found this strain of yeast to prevent diarrhea when 500 mg is taken four times per day.
Probiotics are also important in recolonizing the intestine during and after antibiotic use. Probiotic supplements replace the beneficial bacteria, preventing up to 50% of infections occurring after antibiotic use.
Probiotics also promote healthy digestion. Enzymes secreted by probiotic bacteria aid digestion. Acidophilus is a source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk, which is lacking in lactose-intolerant individuals.
FOS: Fructo-oligosaccharides are naturally occurring carbohydrates that cannot be digested or absorbed by humans but support the growth of bifidobacteria, one of the beneficial bacterial strains. As a result, some nutritionally oriented doctors recommend taking FOS to all patients who are supplementing bifidobacteria. Several trials have used 8 grams per day. However, a review of the research has suggested that 4 grams per day appears to be enough to significantly increase the number bifidobacteria in the gut. FOS has been reported to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. FOS also appears to increase absorption of calcium in humans.
Where are they found? Beneficial bacteria present in fermented dairy foods—namely live culture yogurt—have been used as a folk remedy for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Yogurt is the traditional source of beneficial bacteria; however, different brands of yogurt can vary greatly in their bacteria strain and potency. Some (particularly frozen) yogurts do not contain any live bacteria. Supplements in powder, liquid extract, capsule, or tablet form containing beneficial bacteria are a source of probiotics.
FOS occur naturally in many foods, such as Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, barley, garlic, honey, onions, wheat, and tomatoes; however, nutritional supplements containing FOS provide a more concentrated source of this compound.
Who is likely to be deficient? People using antibiotics, eating a poor diet, or suffering from diarrhea are more likely to have depleted colonies of friendly bacteria.
How much is usually taken? The amount of probiotics necessary to replenish the intestine varies according to the extent of microbial depletion and the presence of harmful bacteria. One to two billion colony forming units (CFUs) per day of acidophilus is considered to be the minimum beneficial amount for the healthy maintenance of intestinal microflora. FOS is generally taken in amounts of 4–8 grams per day. Some Saccharomyces boulardii research has used 500 mg taken four times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions? No side effects have been reported, even with large intakes of probiotic bacteria. Acidophilus and bifidobacteria may produce B vitamins, including niacin, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6.
What do they do? Acidophilus and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.
Regular ingestion of probiotic bacteria may help prevent vaginal yeast infection. A review of the research concluded that both topical and oral use of acidophilus can prevent yeast infection caused by candida overgrowth.
Diarrhea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Replenishing the beneficial bacteria with probiotic supplements can help prevent new infections. The incidence of “traveler's diarrhea,” caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods, can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.
One probiotic, Saccharomyces boulardii, has prevented diarrhea in several human trials. Double blind research studying critically ill patients found this strain of yeast to prevent diarrhea when 500 mg is taken four times per day.
Probiotics are also important in recolonizing the intestine during and after antibiotic use. Probiotic supplements replace the beneficial bacteria, preventing up to 50% of infections occurring after antibiotic use.
Probiotics also promote healthy digestion. Enzymes secreted by probiotic bacteria aid digestion. Acidophilus is a source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk, which is lacking in lactose-intolerant individuals.
FOS: Fructo-oligosaccharides are naturally occurring carbohydrates that cannot be digested or absorbed by humans but support the growth of bifidobacteria, one of the beneficial bacterial strains. As a result, some nutritionally oriented doctors recommend taking FOS to all patients who are supplementing bifidobacteria. Several trials have used 8 grams per day. However, a review of the research has suggested that 4 grams per day appears to be enough to significantly increase the number bifidobacteria in the gut. FOS has been reported to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. FOS also appears to increase absorption of calcium in humans.
Where are they found? Beneficial bacteria present in fermented dairy foods—namely live culture yogurt—have been used as a folk remedy for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Yogurt is the traditional source of beneficial bacteria; however, different brands of yogurt can vary greatly in their bacteria strain and potency. Some (particularly frozen) yogurts do not contain any live bacteria. Supplements in powder, liquid extract, capsule, or tablet form containing beneficial bacteria are a source of probiotics.
FOS occur naturally in many foods, such as Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, barley, garlic, honey, onions, wheat, and tomatoes; however, nutritional supplements containing FOS provide a more concentrated source of this compound.
Who is likely to be deficient? People using antibiotics, eating a poor diet, or suffering from diarrhea are more likely to have depleted colonies of friendly bacteria.
How much is usually taken? The amount of probiotics necessary to replenish the intestine varies according to the extent of microbial depletion and the presence of harmful bacteria. One to two billion colony forming units (CFUs) per day of acidophilus is considered to be the minimum beneficial amount for the healthy maintenance of intestinal microflora. FOS is generally taken in amounts of 4–8 grams per day. Some Saccharomyces boulardii research has used 500 mg taken four times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions? No side effects have been reported, even with large intakes of probiotic bacteria. Acidophilus and bifidobacteria may produce B vitamins, including niacin, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6.
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