Probiotics

Probiotics are live, beneficial micro-organisms. They are similar to the "good bacteria" that already live in our gut.  These friendly bacteria play an important role in our immune system, partly by guarding us from other substances like viruses, unfriendly bacteria, and allergens that may make us sick.  These helpful organisms also aid in our digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.  With such vital roles, it is important for us to maintain a healthy balance of these beneficial micro-organisms within our digestive tracts.

Some factors can alter this balance of organisms in our gut. For example, antibiotics tend to kill off the "good bacteria" along with the bad they are targeting.  A diarrhea illness can also reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria.  In these cases, trying to increase the amount of helpful micro-organisms in our gut with probiotics makes sense. Doing so can decrease the risk of diarrhea from antibiotics as well as prevent or lessen the severity of an infectious diarrhea illness.  Recent studies have shown that probiotics may also help ward off and decrease the duration of cold and flu-like symptoms.

An easy way to increase the beneficial organisms in your digestive tract is to eat more probiotic foods. Probiotics are naturally found in cultured or fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, soy yogurt, miso, and vegetable pickles like sauerkraut.  There are also many probiotic supplements available in various forms including tablets, powders, and drinks.  The probiotic powders are a great option for kids since they can easily be mixed into a beverage.  If you do choose a supplement, be sure it is not expired as there will be fewer live organisms.

Take note that not all probiotics are equal. There are different groups of probiotics, such as Lactobaccilus and Bifidobacterium, as well as many different species, such as Lactobaccilus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidis, which are further subdivided into specfic strains.  What may hold true for one strain may not be extended to all strains.  As research continues, we will learn more about which strains may be most beneficial for certain illnesses.

Best in health,
Dr. Arlene Dijamco