Re: 'Friendly' bacteria can ease stomach woes

[Guest guest]

I KNOW that probiotics worked for me. This is a good post, very informative,

Thanks, SW

-- [] 'Friendly' bacteria can ease stomach woes

December 5, 2005

latimes.com : Health

SUPPLEMENTS

'Friendly' bacteria can ease stomach woes

Elena Conis

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-he-

supp5dec05,1,6140028.story?coll=la-health-medicine

The single-celled microorganisms known as probiotics are natural

inhabitants of the human digestive system. These hundreds of species

of bacteria and yeast play a variety of beneficial roles in the

body, including synthesizing vitamins and keeping harmful bacteria

in check. The medical use of probiotics — in the form of cultured or

fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir — dates to biblical

times. But only about 100 years ago were bacteria identified as the

healthful components. Some of the species most popular in supplement

form today include Saccharomyces yeasts and Bifidobacterium and

Lactobacillus bacteria (the best known is L. acidophilus).

Uses: People take probiotics to prevent ulcers, allergies, diarrhea,

bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, tooth decay, the side effects

of antibiotics, and to manage lactose intolerance.

Dose: Probiotics are sold as pills, powders, drinks and foods.

Recommended doses vary. For vaginal yeast infections, clinical

trials suggest 1 to 2 million CFUs (colony forming units) of L.

acidophilus a day; For gastrointestinal conditions, 500 milligrams

of S. boulardii up to four times a day, or 1 to 2 million CFUs of

Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium daily.

Precautions: Probiotics can cause gas and other digestive

discomforts. In people with compromised immune systems, S. boulardii

has been linked to a few cases of serious internal fungal

infections.

Research: Published scientific reviews conclude that probiotics show

most promise in preventing and shortening the duration of several

types of diarrhea, as well as vaginal infections in women. The

species matters: S. boulardii appears helpful in treating diarrhea

induced by antibiotics, and L. GG and B. bifidum in treating

infectious diarrhea in infants. Several Lactobacillus strains may

help prevent milk allergies in infants, and a recent report in the

European Journal of Oral Sciences stated that probiotics show

promise in fighting cavities. Findings on traveler's diarrhea,

Crohn's disease and lactose intolerance in adults have been mixed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to

demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your

healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

— Elena Conis