In general, probiotic foods and supplements are thought to be safe for most people, though some people with immune system problems or other serious health conditions shouldn’t take them.
Which conditions probiotics are helping with?
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
- Antibiotic-related diarrhea
Research is working on:
- Skin conditions, like eczema
- Urinary and vaginal health
- Preventing allergies and colds
- Oral health
The probiotics producing lactic acid from lactobacillus bacterium change acidity in lumen or at surface, which inhibits the growth of certain pH sensitive pathogens. Probiotics can also neutralize toxins. Similar types of protection can be provided in oral cavity, skin, respiratory tract and urogenital tract.
Probiotics can improve the generalized immunity by helping cells responsible for immunity to function.
This immunomodulation can improvee the function of brain, lungs and skin respectively, by reducing the susceptibility to various stresses and allergies.
Types of Probiotics
Lactobacillus – constitute a significant part of the commensal bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. Several species of Lactobacillus have been shown to be protective against pathogenic infection, and have been successfully used in clinical trials to treat diarrhea
Bifidobacterium – probiotic bacteria were effective in reducing colonic permeability and attenuating inflammation in mouse model of colitis.
Saccharomyces boulardii – a nonpathogenic yeast, ameliorates antibiotic-associated diarrhea, C.difficile colitis and rotavirus associated gastroenteritis.
Dr. Erena Treskova will be happy to address with you age and disease related probiotic needs of individual disease and age groups.
Please visit our website www.gastropediatrics.com, schedule appointments, ask medical questions via a portal link located on the website.
Author Dr. Erena Treskova