PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are organisms such as bacteria or yeast that are available in supplements and foods. The digestive system is home to more than 500 different types of bacteria. They help keep the intestines healthy and assist in digesting food. They are also believed to help the immune system.
Researchers believe that some digestive disorders happen when the balance of friendly bacteria in the intestines becomes disturbed. This can happen after an infection or after taking antibiotics. Taking probiotics may help.
Probiotics can improve intestinal function and maintain the integrity of the lining of the intestines. These friendly organisms may also help fight bacteria that cause diarrhea. There’s also evidence that probiotics help maintain a strong immune system. Introducing friendly bacteria in the form of probiotics is believed to challenge the immune system in healthy ways.
In 2011, experts at Yale University reviewed the research. They concluded that probiotics are most effective for:
- Treating childhood diarrhea
- Treating ulcerative colitis
- Treating necrotizing enterocolitis, a type of infection and inflammation of the intestines mostly seen in infants
- Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea
- Preventing pouchitis, an inflammation of the intestines that can follow intestinal surgery
- Treating and preventing eczema associated with cow’s milk allergy
- Helping the immune system
The Yale University panel of experts concluded that probiotics may be helpful in other ways, although the evidence is less convincing. These include:
- Treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
- Treating vaginitis
- Treating diarrhea caused by C. difficile bacteria
- Treating Crohn's disease
Probiotics may also be useful in unexpected ways. A study published in 2010 suggests that probiotics may lower the risk of common childhood illnesses such as ear infections, strep throat, and colds.