Probiotics for Natural Health Advantages

Narinder Duggal, MD, FRCPC

It may sound surprising, but not all bacteria are bad for you. While there are many unfriendly bacteria responsible for several different types of human infections, there are also numerous good or friendly bacterial species which are beneficial and necessary for human life. These good bacteria, called probiotics have several potential health benefits and have been used for centuries in the form of dairy-based fermented products such as yogurt. The World Health Organization has defined probiotics as "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host".¹

Every healthy human intestinal tract has an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species.² These microorganisms are helpful in that they keep bad microorganisms (pathogens) in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function. However, our natural gut bacteria (good bacteria) can be disrupted by several factors such as stress, illness, diet, antibiotic use, and aging.³ These factors may cause an imbalance of good and bad bacteria inside the body and any imbalance can result in various disorders including bloating, intestinal pains, nutritional deficiencies and constipation. To restore normal flora and return the intestinal tract back to a balanced state, the body needs to repopulate the gut with good bacteria.

Probiotics help stabilize and balance intestinal micro flora.⁴ Probiotics exert their benefits through several mechanisms; they prevent colonization, cellular adhesion and invasion by pathogenic organisms. Probiotics have direct antimicrobial activity and they modulate the host immune response.⁵ Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii are the commonly used species of probiotics.⁶ Lactobacillus acidophilus is considered to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K, lactase (enzyme that breaks down the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose), and anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin.⁷ Bifidobacterium bifidum aids in the synthesis of the vitamin B-¬complex and vitamin K.⁸

Probiotic micro-flora displays numerous health benefits beyond providing basic nutritional value. The micro-flora plays a significant role in the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis (the fine balance of the intestinal immune system’s ability to fight against harmful germs while protecting its own mucosa).⁹ Micro-flora of the large intestine assists digestion through fermentation, by lowering the pH of the intestine, making it more acidic and inhospitable to invading species. Probiotics may be useful in preventing gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain, bloating and flatulence. A recent study has found that adults with no previous diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders had significant reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms when supplemented with a probiotic.¹⁰

Probiotics are required not only for health maintenance and disease prevention,¹¹ but also in the treatment of some diseases. The most effective benefit of probiotic therapy is the treatment of diarrhea. There is substantial evidence that administration of probiotics is effective in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea in both children and adults,¹² the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea and the prevention of hospital/community acquired diarrhea.^13-16 Newer evidence suggests that probiotics have the potential to reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases and intestinal bacterial overgrowth after intestinal surgery. Evidence also show that probiotics also enhance liver health by influencing hepatic fat metabolism.¹⁷

Probiotics are also effective against H. Pylori (bacteria responsible for the majority of peptic ulcers). Studies indicate that the use of lactobacilli strain along with other drugs was significantly effective in the eradication of H. pylori infection in 94% patients.¹⁸

The intake of probiotics has been associated with beneficial effects on the immune system, such as improved disease resistance and diminished risk of allergies.¹⁹ Several animal and human studies have provided unequivocal evidence that specific strains of probiotics are able to stimulate as well as regulate several aspects of natural and acquired immune responses.^20,21

Probiotics also have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer properties.²² In a study, colon cancer patients given L. acidophilus fermented milk showed significantly increased numbers of intestinal Lactobacilli and decreased risk factors associated with colon cancer.²³

Recent studies have also suggested the contribution of probiotics in oral health. Randomized controlled trials have shown that probiotics may reduce dental caries in children due to their inhibitory action against cariogenic streptococci.^24,25

Taking a probiotic supplement is an excellent way to replenish the good bacteria in your intestine. Probiotics are considered safe, as they are already present in a normal digestive system. If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, IBS, frequent diarrhea, or are lactose intolerant, then Synergy Therapeutics RX BioFlora Plus DDS-1 probiotic might be right for you. Talk to your health care provider to assess the possible need for a specific probiotic strain to help reduce your intestinal symptoms. To learn more or buy probiotics, visit "Our Products" Page and click on BioFlora Plus DDS-1.

References:

1.    http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/. (Open link)
2.    http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml. (Open link)
3.    http://www.aapa.org/education-and-certification/continuing-medical-education/webcasts/1305-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics. (Open link)
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