11 of 33

Write now Article Tools

According to both the Food and Agriculture and the World Health Organization, probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host." Indeed, even the word "probiotics," which means "for life" can make us highly optimistic about its potential benefits.

Probiotics: The New Medicine

The term "probiotics" is used to describe dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria that resemble those found in your body. In fact, these clever microorganisms provide health benefits that are identical to some of the bacteria that already exist in your own body. Some research shows that probiotics might provide relief for the following illnesses:

*Diarrhea

*Yeast and urinary tract infections
*Irritable bowel syndrome

*Bladder cancer

*Intestinal infections

*Inflammation after colon surgery
*Eczema in children

Probiotics as Preventative Medicine

Probiotics are not only effective for treating serious illnesses. Some studies show that probiotics aid in digestion while protecting the body from harmful bacteria. While more studies are needed, thus far, the research has been quite impressive. For example, a 2005 study in Sweden discovered that employees who were given the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri missed less work due to respiratory or gastrointestinal illness than did employees who did not receive the probiotic.

Other studies suggest that probiotics
can be used as preventative medicine for the following illnesses and conditions:

*Colon Cancer: Some studies have found that probiotics may exert anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the activity of an enzyme called b-glucuronidase, which is ca[able of generating carcinogens in the digestive system

*High Cholesterol: By breaking down bile in the gut, probiotics can inhibit its re-absorption. This is important, since bile re-enters the bloodstream as cholesterol

*High Blood Pressure: Some studies show that milk fermented with probiotics can cause a modest reduction in blood pressure.

*Infections: Taking probiotics may improve immune function, which will in turn help you fight infections. Research shows that probiotics may increase your proportion of T lymphocytes, which are also known as Natural Killer Cells. They are responsible for preventing respiratory tract infections and diarrhea.

*Inflammation: Clinic trials suggest that probiotics can prevent inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis

*Lactose Intolerance: Some probiotics
can help lactose intolerant people tolerate dairy products

Since taking antibiotics can kill off your "good" bacteria, many physicians are now suggesting that their patients supplement these drugs with some sort of probiotic.

Foods Rich in Probiotics

Cultured dairy products are an excellent source of probiotics. If you eat these products with such foods as spices, tea, red wine, berries, apples and beans, their effect is multiplied. Anyone who experiences chronic bloating and other digestive disorders may be interested in trying Dannon's
Activia. According to research, these disorders are caused by slow intestinal transit time. Dannon's Activia contains a probiotic known as Bifidus Reularis, which helps regulate your digestive system by speeding up intestinal transit time.

If you are completely lactose intolerant, a company called Good Belly makes a non-dairy probiotic
drink. It contains the probiotic known as Lp299v, which has been shown to be effective relief for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Are
probiotics the key to the future of medicine? Only time will tell, but for now, the prognosis looks positive.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Marie Mercer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How probiotics help intestinal health?
We want to hear your view. Write now!