Much has been written lately about antimicrobial medications. While it is true we need these medications for certain species of microbes, not all bacteria are harmful and can even convey health benefits. These products are referred to as functional foods and specifically probiotics, a term from the Greek meaning “for life.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), along with the European Food Safety Authority have agreed on the definition that a probiotic is a “live microorganism that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Probiotics have been used since the Greek and Roman times in the form of fermented foods, which they used as a method of preserving food. The more modern idea of probiotics can be traced back to the turn of the 20th century to Eli Metchnikoff, who in 1907 suggested that it was possible to replace harmful gut microbes with useful ones. Metchnikoff noticed that some communities in Bulgaria lived exceptionally long lives and theorized that the main part of their diet was a fermented drink (sour milk). He believed the bacteria in the sour milk replaced the bacteria in the gut that contributed to aging.
The research to date has established certain benefits of probiotics and suggested that they could help in many areas. The most research-validated positive effects of probiotic consumption have been in arresting diarrhea of different types. Acute infantile diarrhea caused by rotaviruses is treated mainly with rapid oral rehydration, but it has been found that treating patients with probiotics is a useful adjunct to therapy. Antibiotics, given to treat infections, can disrupt the natural microbial flora in the gut, and this leads to what is called antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The third type of diarrhea that probiotics have been shown to help is traveler’s diarrhea, which mainly occurs when people travel from industrialized countries to developing countries, especially tropical and subtropical regions.
The research on probiotics indicates that they may help in other conditions, though more research needs to be done to support these claims. Various conditions include lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disorder, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and cardiovascular diseases. Probiotics may also help in treating obesity, improve immunity, metabolism of fats, the bioavailability and uptake of minerals, and reducing cancer risk, along with laxation and producing regularity.
Notably, there are many dozens of bacteria strains, and some strains convey different health benefits, but it is beyond the scope of this column to review all this data. It is up to the reader to talk to their pharmacist and health care provider about probiotic use. Also, by researching the internet under “probiotics”, numerous websites can be found that give good information.
One thing that should be kept in mind if considering using a probiotic is they are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) but should be used with caution in people who have a compromised immune system. Please consult with your health care provider if you have any condition that makes you prone to infections.
Probiotics usually come in doses that are called colony-forming units (CFU). From my research, a good rule of thumb would be to use doses of 10 billion CFU’s or more per dose. Usually, probiotics are refrigerated after opening, or some are refrigerated at the store. Also, be aware of expiration dates because you are dealing with live microorganisms, and it is also good to use products that have a variety of bacteria strains that are used for your purpose. Another strategy to consider is if a certain brand of probiotic does not seem to help in your condition, do not give up. There are a great many variables surrounding probiotics and another brand may have the right combination for you.
Even though probiotics have been around for a long time they are becoming more prominent. Much of the research is being done by academia because most pharmaceutical companies are looking for a unique patentable molecule and microorganisms do not fit in that category. Probiotics are gaining recognition as being a healthy addition to one’s diet or supplements. Stay informed and stay healthy.
What do you think?