probiotic strains

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,I just came across this in my files. May be helpful to others.all the best,megan

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009

Probiotics and Prebiotics

The Environmental Illness

Resource Store
http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-options/treatment-information/probiotics-and-prebiotics/

During

treatment for intestinal yeast and/or bacterial overgrowth it is essential that

probiotic bacteria are consumed concurrently to restore the proper balance of

organisms in the gut. When you undergo anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial

therapy when the pathogenic organisms are killed off space within the

intestines and along the intestinal wall becomes available for colonization by

other organisms. Taking probiotic supplements enhances the chances of these new

colonies being made up of beneficial bacteria rather than more pathogenic

types. Also of importance to sufferers of environmental illnesses is the fact

that recent research has shown that the gut flora is directly linked to the

development of allergies to both food and airborne allergens and that improving

gut flora could potentially reduce the number and severity of allergies1,

2.

At first the range of probiotic products on the market will likely seem overwhelming

and you won't know whether you are getting a good product or not until you

learn a little bit more about the subject. The information below will explain a

bit about probiotic bacteria, otherwise known as 'beneficial bacteria' or

'friendly bacteria', and provide some basic pointers on what to look for in a

probiotic product.

Types of Probiotic Bacteria

The most numerous

probiotic bacteria normally inhabiting the small intestine are species of

Lactobacilli. In the colon the majority are mainly Bifidobacteria. Most

probiotic products consist of one or more species of bacteria from one or both

of these types. Some products available mainly in europe may also contain

certain beneficial species of E.coli but these are rare at this time.



General

Benefits of Lactobacilli:

* Prevent overgrowth of disease-causing

microbes: Candida species, E. coli, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and

salmonella.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea
* Aid digestion

of lactose and dairy products
* Improve nutrient absorption
* Maintain

integrity of intestinal tract and protect against macromolecules entering

bloodstream and causing antigenic response.
* Lessen intestinal stress from

food poisoning
* Acidify intestinal tract. Low pH provides a hostile environment

for pathogens and yeast.
* Helps prevent vaginal and urinary tract

infections.

General Benefits of Bifidobacteria:

* Prevent colonization

of the intestine by pathogenic bacteria and yeasts by protecting the integrity

of the intestinal lining.
* Produce acids that keep the pH balance in the

intestine. This acid environment prevents disease-producing microbes from

getting a foothold.
* Decrease the side-effects of antibiotic therapy.
*

Primary bacteria in infants, which help them grow.
* Inhibit growth of bacteria

that produce nitrates in the bowel. Nitrates are bowel toxic and can cause

cancer.
* Help prevent production and absorption of toxins produced by

disease-causing bacteria, which reduces the toxic load on the liver.
*

Manufacture B-complex vitamins.
* Help regulate peristalsis and bowel

movements.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

(Source:

Digestive Wellness by Liz Lipski, Ph.D., CCN)

Let's take a closer look at some

of the most well researched probiotic bacteria and those found most commonly in

probiotic supplements.

Lactobacillus acidophilus
By far the most well

known species of probiotic bacteria is Lactobacillus acidophilus which has led

many people to refer to probiotics simply as "acidophilus". This

status is not without reason as the acidophilus species is the most prevalent

in the human intestine and has been the most widely studied probiotic bacteria

with research starting on L.acidophilus as long ago as 1925. The best

researched single strain of acidophilus is probably the DDS-1 strain. This

strain amongst other benefits has been shown to stimulate the immune system,

increasing levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis

factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) which suppress cancerous tumour growth3. Other research

has shown that L.acidophilus DDS-1 also alleviates lactose intolerance by

producing significant amounts of the lactose digesting enzyme lactase, inhibits

gastrointestinal pathogens by producing antimicrobial substances such as

acidophilin and helps alleviate dermatitis and other skin conditions by

altering gut flora amongst other things.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus

rhamnosus is a probiotic bacteria that has been receiving a growing amount of

attention as a treatment for many illnesses in the form of the GG strain.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) now has a wealth of research backing its use,

particularly for infectious and allergic conditions. A 2001 study reviewing

information regarding probiotics and infectious diseases found that there is a

large amount of data showing that Lactobacillus GG is an effective treatment

for diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection4. Another study testing

the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing allergic illness found that

Lactobacillus GG given prenatally to mothers with at least 1 first-degree

relative and postnatally for 6 months to their infants reduced the incidence of

atopic eczema by half compared to controls5.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus
This

organism is slightly different to most probiotic bacteria in that it is a

'transient bacteria'. It is referred to in this way because unlike most

probiotic bacteria it doesn't adhere to the intestinal wall and form colonies,

rather it simply passes through the digestive system and leaves the body in the

stool. It has many beneficial effects as it passes through the digestive tract,

however. These include enhancing the digestibility of milk products and other

proteins and producing natural antibiotic substances that specifically target

pathogenic bacteria whilst sparing friendly species. In this sense L.bulgaricus

can be thought of as a helper to colonizing bacteria just as the immune system

has T helper cells to support other immune cells. A study published in the

World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that L.bulgaricus could suppress

inflammatory immune reactions in the intestinal wall thus preventing tissue

damage6. In another study a substance produced by L.bulgaricus was shown to

stimulate activity in part of the gut immune system called the Peyer's patches

which provide defense against pathogenic organisms within the gut7.

Lactobacillus

salivarius
L.salivarius has been repeatedly shown to inhibit the bacteria

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) which is responsible for the creation of peptic

ulcers8. H.pylori interferes with stomach acid production and/or produces a

toxin that directly contributes to ulcer formation. The usual treatment

involves taking antibiotics but H.pylori may become resistant to them and there

are side effects of prolonged antibiotic use due to the eradication of

beneficial bacteria along with the pathogenic bacteria. It has been discovered

that L.salivarius produces large amounts of lactic acid that completely

inhibits the growth of H.pylori and reduces the associated inflammatory response.

The first bacteriocin (natural antibiotic substance) to be isolated and studied

at the genetic level was taken from a strain of L.salivarius.

Lactobacillus

plantarum
This bacteria is the most prevalent species in most naturally

fermented foods. It has the ability to block receptor sites for gram negative

bacteria and so is effective as an antibiotic. It is an important player in

antimicrobial defense and is effective against both extra and intracellular

pathogens. L.plantarum is also capable of digesting semi-digestible fibres such

as those found in onions, garlic, wheat, oats, rye and yeast. It may therefore

help with digestive problems like gas and bloating. Recent research has shown

that L.plantarum has the ability to break down bile acids and lower cholesterol10

and is extremely resistant to stress conditions including high temperature and

concentrations of ethanol, extremes of pH and the freeze drying process that

would normally kill lactic acid bacteria11.

Lactobacillus casei
This

species is commonly found in probiotic dairy foods such as 'live yoghurt',

hence the name 'casei' which relates to the milk protein casein. It was

reported in Microbiology and Immunology to have the most potent protective

activity against the Listeria bacteria. Listeria is potentially lethal with

about 30% of victims dying. It is most commonly transmitted through consumption

of dairy products and raw vegetables. Like L.salivarius, L.casei, in the form

of the shirota strain found in Yakult probiotic yoghurt drinks, has been shown

to significantly inhibit the growth of the peptic ulcer causing bacteria

H.pylori12. A probiotic drink containing the shirota strain has also been shown

to reduce the severity of constipation as evidenced by both patient response to

questionnaires and physical examinations13. Finally, a study with malnourished

mice showed that L.casei (combined with FOS), when given along with a

re-nutrition diet, enhanced the immune response and increased resistance to

certain pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract14.

Lactobacillus

sporogenes
In a study at the G.B. Pant hospital in New Delhi, India,

Lactobacillus sporogenes was able to lower cholesterol levels by 104 points. It

produced a highly significant reduction in LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol)

levels and a small but significant increase in HDL cholesterol ('good

cholesterol'). This study offers the prospect of using L.sporogenes as a

side-effect free alternative to drug therapy in the treatment of high

cholesterol and heart disease. In a multi-centre double-blind placebo

controlled trial, L.sporogenes was found to be nearly twice as effective as

placebo in reducing the number of episodes and duration of diarrhea following

antibiotic treatment in children15. As well as being used to lower cholesterol,

Alternative Medical Review reports that L.sporogenes has been used in the

treatment of gut dysbiosis, vaginitis and aphthous stomatitis16.

Bifidobacteria

bifidum
This bacteria is one of the major constituents of the normal flora

in the colon and is the most common Bifidobacteria species found in probiotic

products. It is reportedly well tolerated, reduces the inflammatory response in

the colon and stimulates the body's fluid immunity. A study carried out at the

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, NY showed that B.bifidum can

significantly reduce the intestinal concentration of endotoxin, which is made

up of the cell walls of dead bacteria and is toxic if allowed to build up17. In

another study B.bifidum of human origin was found to adhere well to the intestinal

wall and significantly reduce the ability of pathogenic E.coli to do the

same18. Research carried out by the Yakult company who manufacture probiotic

drinks showed that their patented strain of B.bifidum had significant

anti-oxidant action and was able to protect the intestinal lining from lipid

peroxidation in iron overloaded mice19.

Bifidobacteria longum
B.longum

is another species of Bifidobacteria commonly found in probiotic products. It

is reportedly able to eliminate the nitrates commonly found in foods ingested

by humans. Levels of nitrate commonly ingested by humans are unable to kill

this species. B.longum has been shown to inhibit the action of vero cytotoxin

produced by some strains of E.coli which can cause hemorrhagic colitis and

hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. It achieves this by producing substances

that bind to the vero cytotoxins20. B.longum has also been shown to have a

protective effect against infection with Salmonella Typhimurium, possibly due

to an anti-inflammatory action21.

Bifidobacteria infantis
B.infantis is

known to have an inhibitory action on invasive pathogenic bacteria such as

E.coli. Research has shown that it achieves this inhibition through more than

one mechanism which explains why it is effective against a range of pathogens.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to be caused by organisms called

bacteroides which are a normal component of the gut flora. B.infantis has the

ability to highly reduce the growth of bacteroides and also significantly

inhibit the inflammatory response caused by them in the gut lining22. Other

research using formulations containing B.infantis has found it to useful for

treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. Of all the strains of

bacteria in the formulation B.infantis was found be one of the species that had

colonized the intestines of patients to the highest degree23.

Streptococcus

thermophilus
Like L.casei, this bacteria has been shown to aid recovery

from malnutrition due to short-term fasting and reduce the associated

intestinal atrophy in animal studies24. S.thermophilus is also known to have

powerful antioxidant activity, protecting the body from dangerous free radicals

which increase in the body due to aging, stress, sugar, antibiotics and other

chemicals and toxins. It has also been shown to have anti-tumour activity which

is especially effective against colon cancer cells.

Homeostatic Soil

Organisms (HSO's)
In recent years a different sort of probiotics have

become available known as homeostatic soil organisms. These are organisms that

live naturally in the soil and used to be ingested regularly by humans before

intensive farming methods removed them from the food supply. Most of the

organisms found in HSO supplements are transient bacteria meaning they don't colonize

the intestines but pass through, providing a number of benefits to us as they

do so. Some of these benefits include aggressively killing pathogens, producing

specific antigens that act to stimulate the immune system, create superoxide

dismutase (SOD) a powerful antioxidant enzyme and help the body to metabolize

proteins and eliminate toxins. Some of the benefits over traditional probiotic

supplements that HSO's are said to have are there superior ability to survive

stomach acid, ability to survive in any intestinal pH and their powerful

ability to fight off infections in the GI tract. Many doctors and patients have

reportedly had very good results using HSO's but as yet there is little good

scientific research regarding their use.

Probiotic Research

Some

studies have found that probiotic bacteria work best alone, suggesting that

buying a probiotic supplement that contains only a single type of probiotic

bacteria might be most effective. In one study, Finnish researchers tested the

effects that 11 strains of bacteria (including lactobacillus and

bifodobacterium) had on the production of cytokines by the immune system.

Cytokines are chemical messengers which in healthy individuals control immune

cells, coordinating the response to pathogens and keeping immune activity in

check to avoid allergic reactions. The researchers found that all 11 probiotic

bacteria strains had an effect on cytokine production when administered alone

but had little or no effect when given in combination. So at least in terms of immune

function it may be best to choose single strain probiotic products.

Interestingly, the most effective probiotic in this study was Streptococcus

thermophilus, a strain often found in combination probiotic products but rarely

alone.

Choosing a Probiotic Product

Unfortunately choosing a probiotic

supplement is not as simple as just picking up the first bottle you find and

assuming it will do the job. Some products contain bacteria that are not even

known to be normal inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract and the

bacteria in many have not undergone any testing with regards to their ability

to colonize once they reach the intestines. There are a number of factors that

will determine the effectiveness of a certain bacteria as a probiotic. Some of

these are:

* Ability to survive the manufacturing process.
* Ability to

survive heat, light, moisture etc during the time from packaging to use.
*

Ability to survive stomach acid
* Ability to attach to the intestinal wall
*

Ability to fend off other organisms, survive in the current intestinal

environment and successfully colonize.

As you can see, the fragile probiotic

bacteria have a lot to deal with if they are to eventually colonize your

intestines. It would be naive to assume that every species and strain of

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria would be equally effective as probiotics. As a

result it is best to research a product before you buy. Look out for the

species of bacteria covered on this page but if you see a species that isn't

covered listed on a supplement bottle then do some research on that bacteria

online yourself to make sure it will be effective. As a rule it is best to look

for products that state the specific strains of the bacteria they contain such

as L.acidophilus DDS-1 and L.rhamnosus GG, where the DDS-1 and GG respectively

are the strains. You can then look for research carried out with that

particular strain to assess its effectiveness. The best place online to look

for scientific research on probiotic bacteria, or any subject, is the PubMed

database which can be found here.

Also of importance is the ability of a

products packaging to protect the bacteria from environmental factors such as

light, heat, moisture and oxygen. Dark coloured glass bottles protect well from

light and heat. Some products use rubber caps under the screw top of the

bottle, this offers added protection from oxygen and moisture by providing an

airtight seal. However the best protection is offered by products where each

dose is individually packaged in a foil sachet. This avoids the situation with

a bottle where all the capsules/tablets are exposed to the environment every

time you take the top off. Also of importance is how the product is stored in

the store. If a product says it needs to be refrigerated, make sure this is the

case in the store.

Following these guidelines should increase your chances of

purchasing an effective probiotic supplement.

Prebiotics

Where

probiotics are the beneficial bacteria found in the intestines 'prebiotics' are

special indigestible carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides that feed

probiotic bacteria and encourage their growth. Oligosaccharides are found

naturally in certain fruit and vegetables, including bananas, asparagus,

garlic, wheat, tomatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, onions and chicory. Because of

the ability of prebiotics to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria it is

worth considering a supplement when there is a need to improve the gut flora.

Prebiotics can be taken on their own or with a probiotic supplement. They have

an advantage over probiotic supplements in that there is no concern about

oligosaccharides being destroyed while in storage or en route to the intestines

through the stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

The most common types of

prebiotics available in supplements are fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin

and galactooligosaccharides. As well as, or perhaps due to, encouraging the

growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, prebiotics have been shown to

have a number of other benefits.

[Guest guest]

Thank u Sent from my iPod

Hi Everyone,I just came across this in my files. May be helpful to others.all the best,megan

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009

Probiotics and Prebiotics

The Environmental Illness

Resource Store
http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-options/treatment-information/probiotics-and-prebiotics/

During

treatment for intestinal yeast and/or bacterial overgrowth it is essential that

probiotic bacteria are consumed concurrently to restore the proper balance of

organisms in the gut. When you undergo anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial

therapy when the pathogenic organisms are killed off space within the

intestines and along the intestinal wall becomes available for colonization by

other organisms. Taking probiotic supplements enhances the chances of these new

colonies being made up of beneficial bacteria rather than more pathogenic

types. Also of importance to sufferers of environmental illnesses is the fact

that recent research has shown that the gut flora is directly linked to the

development of allergies to both food and airborne allergens and that improving

gut flora could potentially reduce the number and severity of allergies1,

2.

At first the range of probiotic products on the market will likely seem overwhelming

and you won't know whether you are getting a good product or not until you

learn a little bit more about the subject. The information below will explain a

bit about probiotic bacteria, otherwise known as 'beneficial bacteria' or

'friendly bacteria', and provide some basic pointers on what to look for in a

probiotic product.

Types of Probiotic Bacteria

The most numerous

probiotic bacteria normally inhabiting the small intestine are species of

Lactobacilli. In the colon the majority are mainly Bifidobacteria. Most

probiotic products consist of one or more species of bacteria from one or both

of these types. Some products available mainly in europe may also contain

certain beneficial species of E.coli but these are rare at this time.



General

Benefits of Lactobacilli:

* Prevent overgrowth of disease-causing

microbes: Candida species, E. coli, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and

salmonella.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea
* Aid digestion

of lactose and dairy products
* Improve nutrient absorption
* Maintain

integrity of intestinal tract and protect against macromolecules entering

bloodstream and causing antigenic response.
* Lessen intestinal stress from

food poisoning
* Acidify intestinal tract. Low pH provides a hostile environment

for pathogens and yeast.
* Helps prevent vaginal and urinary tract

infections.

General Benefits of Bifidobacteria:

* Prevent colonization

of the intestine by pathogenic bacteria and yeasts by protecting the integrity

of the intestinal lining.
* Produce acids that keep the pH balance in the

intestine. This acid environment prevents disease-producing microbes from

getting a foothold.
* Decrease the side-effects of antibiotic therapy.
*

Primary bacteria in infants, which help them grow.
* Inhibit growth of bacteria

that produce nitrates in the bowel. Nitrates are bowel toxic and can cause

cancer.
* Help prevent production and absorption of toxins produced by

disease-causing bacteria, which reduces the toxic load on the liver.
*

Manufacture B-complex vitamins.
* Help regulate peristalsis and bowel

movements.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

(Source:

Digestive Wellness by Liz Lipski, Ph.D., CCN)

Let's take a closer look at some

of the most well researched probiotic bacteria and those found most commonly in

probiotic supplements.

Lactobacillus acidophilus
By far the most well

known species of probiotic bacteria is Lactobacillus acidophilus which has led

many people to refer to probiotics simply as "acidophilus". This

status is not without reason as the acidophilus species is the most prevalent

in the human intestine and has been the most widely studied probiotic bacteria

with research starting on L.acidophilus as long ago as 1925. The best

researched single strain of acidophilus is probably the DDS-1 strain. This

strain amongst other benefits has been shown to stimulate the immune system,

increasing levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis

factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) which suppress cancerous tumour growth3. Other research

has shown that L.acidophilus DDS-1 also alleviates lactose intolerance by

producing significant amounts of the lactose digesting enzyme lactase, inhibits

gastrointestinal pathogens by producing antimicrobial substances such as

acidophilin and helps alleviate dermatitis and other skin conditions by

altering gut flora amongst other things.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus

rhamnosus is a probiotic bacteria that has been receiving a growing amount of

attention as a treatment for many illnesses in the form of the GG strain.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) now has a wealth of research backing its use,

particularly for infectious and allergic conditions. A 2001 study reviewing

information regarding probiotics and infectious diseases found that there is a

large amount of data showing that Lactobacillus GG is an effective treatment

for diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection4. Another study testing

the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing allergic illness found that

Lactobacillus GG given prenatally to mothers with at least 1 first-degree

relative and postnatally for 6 months to their infants reduced the incidence of

atopic eczema by half compared to controls5.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus
This

organism is slightly different to most probiotic bacteria in that it is a

'transient bacteria'. It is referred to in this way because unlike most

probiotic bacteria it doesn't adhere to the intestinal wall and form colonies,

rather it simply passes through the digestive system and leaves the body in the

stool. It has many beneficial effects as it passes through the digestive tract,

however. These include enhancing the digestibility of milk products and other

proteins and producing natural antibiotic substances that specifically target

pathogenic bacteria whilst sparing friendly species. In this sense L.bulgaricus

can be thought of as a helper to colonizing bacteria just as the immune system

has T helper cells to support other immune cells. A study published in the

World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that L.bulgaricus could suppress

inflammatory immune reactions in the intestinal wall thus preventing tissue

damage6. In another study a substance produced by L.bulgaricus was shown to

stimulate activity in part of the gut immune system called the Peyer's patches

which provide defense against pathogenic organisms within the gut7.

Lactobacillus

salivarius
L.salivarius has been repeatedly shown to inhibit the bacteria

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) which is responsible for the creation of peptic

ulcers8. H.pylori interferes with stomach acid production and/or produces a

toxin that directly contributes to ulcer formation. The usual treatment

involves taking antibiotics but H.pylori may become resistant to them and there

are side effects of prolonged antibiotic use due to the eradication of

beneficial bacteria along with the pathogenic bacteria. It has been discovered

that L.salivarius produces large amounts of lactic acid that completely

inhibits the growth of H.pylori and reduces the associated inflammatory response.

The first bacteriocin (natural antibiotic substance) to be isolated and studied

at the genetic level was taken from a strain of L.salivarius.

Lactobacillus

plantarum
This bacteria is the most prevalent species in most naturally

fermented foods. It has the ability to block receptor sites for gram negative

bacteria and so is effective as an antibiotic. It is an important player in

antimicrobial defense and is effective against both extra and intracellular

pathogens. L.plantarum is also capable of digesting semi-digestible fibres such

as those found in onions, garlic, wheat, oats, rye and yeast. It may therefore

help with digestive problems like gas and bloating. Recent research has shown

that L.plantarum has the ability to break down bile acids and lower cholesterol10

and is extremely resistant to stress conditions including high temperature and

concentrations of ethanol, extremes of pH and the freeze drying process that

would normally kill lactic acid bacteria11.

Lactobacillus casei
This

species is commonly found in probiotic dairy foods such as 'live yoghurt',

hence the name 'casei' which relates to the milk protein casein. It was

reported in Microbiology and Immunology to have the most potent protective

activity against the Listeria bacteria. Listeria is potentially lethal with

about 30% of victims dying. It is most commonly transmitted through consumption

of dairy products and raw vegetables. Like L.salivarius, L.casei, in the form

of the shirota strain found in Yakult probiotic yoghurt drinks, has been shown

to significantly inhibit the growth of the peptic ulcer causing bacteria

H.pylori12. A probiotic drink containing the shirota strain has also been shown

to reduce the severity of constipation as evidenced by both patient response to

questionnaires and physical examinations13. Finally, a study with malnourished

mice showed that L.casei (combined with FOS), when given along with a

re-nutrition diet, enhanced the immune response and increased resistance to

certain pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract14.

Lactobacillus

sporogenes
In a study at the G.B. Pant hospital in New Delhi, India,

Lactobacillus sporogenes was able to lower cholesterol levels by 104 points. It

produced a highly significant reduction in LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol)

levels and a small but significant increase in HDL cholesterol ('good

cholesterol'). This study offers the prospect of using L.sporogenes as a

side-effect free alternative to drug therapy in the treatment of high

cholesterol and heart disease. In a multi-centre double-blind placebo

controlled trial, L.sporogenes was found to be nearly twice as effective as

placebo in reducing the number of episodes and duration of diarrhea following

antibiotic treatment in children15. As well as being used to lower cholesterol,

Alternative Medical Review reports that L.sporogenes has been used in the

treatment of gut dysbiosis, vaginitis and aphthous stomatitis16.

Bifidobacteria

bifidum
This bacteria is one of the major constituents of the normal flora

in the colon and is the most common Bifidobacteria species found in probiotic

products. It is reportedly well tolerated, reduces the inflammatory response in

the colon and stimulates the body's fluid immunity. A study carried out at the

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, NY showed that B.bifidum can

significantly reduce the intestinal concentration of endotoxin, which is made

up of the cell walls of dead bacteria and is toxic if allowed to build up17. In

another study B.bifidum of human origin was found to adhere well to the intestinal

wall and significantly reduce the ability of pathogenic E.coli to do the

same18. Research carried out by the Yakult company who manufacture probiotic

drinks showed that their patented strain of B.bifidum had significant

anti-oxidant action and was able to protect the intestinal lining from lipid

peroxidation in iron overloaded mice19.

Bifidobacteria longum
B.longum

is another species of Bifidobacteria commonly found in probiotic products. It

is reportedly able to eliminate the nitrates commonly found in foods ingested

by humans. Levels of nitrate commonly ingested by humans are unable to kill

this species. B.longum has been shown to inhibit the action of vero cytotoxin

produced by some strains of E.coli which can cause hemorrhagic colitis and

hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. It achieves this by producing substances

that bind to the vero cytotoxins20. B.longum has also been shown to have a

protective effect against infection with Salmonella Typhimurium, possibly due

to an anti-inflammatory action21.

Bifidobacteria infantis
B.infantis is

known to have an inhibitory action on invasive pathogenic bacteria such as

E.coli. Research has shown that it achieves this inhibition through more than

one mechanism which explains why it is effective against a range of pathogens.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to be caused by organisms called

bacteroides which are a normal component of the gut flora. B.infantis has the

ability to highly reduce the growth of bacteroides and also significantly

inhibit the inflammatory response caused by them in the gut lining22. Other

research using formulations containing B.infantis has found it to useful for

treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. Of all the strains of

bacteria in the formulation B.infantis was found be one of the species that had

colonized the intestines of patients to the highest degree23.

Streptococcus

thermophilus
Like L.casei, this bacteria has been shown to aid recovery

from malnutrition due to short-term fasting and reduce the associated

intestinal atrophy in animal studies24. S.thermophilus is also known to have

powerful antioxidant activity, protecting the body from dangerous free radicals

which increase in the body due to aging, stress, sugar, antibiotics and other

chemicals and toxins. It has also been shown to have anti-tumour activity which

is especially effective against colon cancer cells.

Homeostatic Soil

Organisms (HSO's)
In recent years a different sort of probiotics have

become available known as homeostatic soil organisms. These are organisms that

live naturally in the soil and used to be ingested regularly by humans before

intensive farming methods removed them from the food supply. Most of the

organisms found in HSO supplements are transient bacteria meaning they don't colonize

the intestines but pass through, providing a number of benefits to us as they

do so. Some of these benefits include aggressively killing pathogens, producing

specific antigens that act to stimulate the immune system, create superoxide

dismutase (SOD) a powerful antioxidant enzyme and help the body to metabolize

proteins and eliminate toxins. Some of the benefits over traditional probiotic

supplements that HSO's are said to have are there superior ability to survive

stomach acid, ability to survive in any intestinal pH and their powerful

ability to fight off infections in the GI tract. Many doctors and patients have

reportedly had very good results using HSO's but as yet there is little good

scientific research regarding their use.

Probiotic Research

Some

studies have found that probiotic bacteria work best alone, suggesting that

buying a probiotic supplement that contains only a single type of probiotic

bacteria might be most effective. In one study, Finnish researchers tested the

effects that 11 strains of bacteria (including lactobacillus and

bifodobacterium) had on the production of cytokines by the immune system.

Cytokines are chemical messengers which in healthy individuals control immune

cells, coordinating the response to pathogens and keeping immune activity in

check to avoid allergic reactions. The researchers found that all 11 probiotic

bacteria strains had an effect on cytokine production when administered alone

but had little or no effect when given in combination. So at least in terms of immune

function it may be best to choose single strain probiotic products.

Interestingly, the most effective probiotic in this study was Streptococcus

thermophilus, a strain often found in combination probiotic products but rarely

alone.

Choosing a Probiotic Product

Unfortunately choosing a probiotic

supplement is not as simple as just picking up the first bottle you find and

assuming it will do the job. Some products contain bacteria that are not even

known to be normal inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract and the

bacteria in many have not undergone any testing with regards to their ability

to colonize once they reach the intestines. There are a number of factors that

will determine the effectiveness of a certain bacteria as a probiotic. Some of

these are:

* Ability to survive the manufacturing process.
* Ability to

survive heat, light, moisture etc during the time from packaging to use.
*

Ability to survive stomach acid
* Ability to attach to the intestinal wall
*

Ability to fend off other organisms, survive in the current intestinal

environment and successfully colonize.

As you can see, the fragile probiotic

bacteria have a lot to deal with if they are to eventually colonize your

intestines. It would be naive to assume that every species and strain of

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria would be equally effective as probiotics. As a

result it is best to research a product before you buy. Look out for the

species of bacteria covered on this page but if you see a species that isn't

covered listed on a supplement bottle then do some research on that bacteria

online yourself to make sure it will be effective. As a rule it is best to look

for products that state the specific strains of the bacteria they contain such

as L.acidophilus DDS-1 and L.rhamnosus GG, where the DDS-1 and GG respectively

are the strains. You can then look for research carried out with that

particular strain to assess its effectiveness. The best place online to look

for scientific research on probiotic bacteria, or any subject, is the PubMed

database which can be found here.

Also of importance is the ability of a

products packaging to protect the bacteria from environmental factors such as

light, heat, moisture and oxygen. Dark coloured glass bottles protect well from

light and heat. Some products use rubber caps under the screw top of the

bottle, this offers added protection from oxygen and moisture by providing an

airtight seal. However the best protection is offered by products where each

dose is individually packaged in a foil sachet. This avoids the situation with

a bottle where all the capsules/tablets are exposed to the environment every

time you take the top off. Also of importance is how the product is stored in

the store. If a product says it needs to be refrigerated, make sure this is the

case in the store.

Following these guidelines should increase your chances of

purchasing an effective probiotic supplement.

Prebiotics

Where

probiotics are the beneficial bacteria found in the intestines 'prebiotics' are

special indigestible carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides that feed

probiotic bacteria and encourage their growth. Oligosaccharides are found

naturally in certain fruit and vegetables, including bananas, asparagus,

garlic, wheat, tomatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, onions and chicory. Because of

the ability of prebiotics to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria it is

worth considering a supplement when there is a need to improve the gut flora.

Prebiotics can be taken on their own or with a probiotic supplement. They have

an advantage over probiotic supplements in that there is no concern about

oligosaccharides being destroyed while in storage or en route to the intestines

through the stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

The most common types of

prebiotics available in supplements are fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin

and galactooligosaccharides. As well as, or perhaps due to, encouraging the

growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, prebiotics have been shown to

have a number of other benefits.

[Guest guest]

Really good info.  Thanks, .

 

Hi Everyone,I just came across this in my files.  May be helpful to others.

all the best,megan

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009

Probiotics and Prebiotics

The Environmental Illness

Resource Store
http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-options/treatment-information/probiotics-and-prebiotics/

During

treatment for intestinal yeast and/or bacterial overgrowth it is essential that

probiotic bacteria are consumed concurrently to restore the proper balance of

organisms in the gut. When you undergo anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial

therapy when the pathogenic organisms are killed off space within the

intestines and along the intestinal wall becomes available for colonization by

other organisms. Taking probiotic supplements enhances the chances of these new

colonies being made up of beneficial bacteria rather than more pathogenic

types. Also of importance to sufferers of environmental illnesses is the fact

that recent research has shown that the gut flora is directly linked to the

development of allergies to both food and airborne allergens and that improving

gut flora could potentially reduce the number and severity of allergies1,

2.

At first the range of probiotic products on the market will likely seem overwhelming

and you won't know whether you are getting a good product or not until you

learn a little bit more about the subject. The information below will explain a

bit about probiotic bacteria, otherwise known as 'beneficial bacteria' or

'friendly bacteria', and provide some basic pointers on what to look for in a

probiotic product.

Types of Probiotic Bacteria

The most numerous

probiotic bacteria normally inhabiting the small intestine are species of

Lactobacilli. In the colon the majority are mainly Bifidobacteria. Most

probiotic products consist of one or more species of bacteria from one or both

of these types. Some products available mainly in europe may also contain

certain beneficial species of E.coli but these are rare at this time.



General

Benefits of Lactobacilli:

* Prevent overgrowth of disease-causing

microbes: Candida species, E. coli, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and

salmonella.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea
* Aid digestion

of lactose and dairy products
* Improve nutrient absorption
* Maintain

integrity of intestinal tract and protect against macromolecules entering

bloodstream and causing antigenic response.
* Lessen intestinal stress from

food poisoning
* Acidify intestinal tract. Low pH provides a hostile environment

for pathogens and yeast.
* Helps prevent vaginal and urinary tract

infections.

General Benefits of Bifidobacteria:

* Prevent colonization

of the intestine by pathogenic bacteria and yeasts by protecting the integrity

of the intestinal lining.
* Produce acids that keep the pH balance in the

intestine. This acid environment prevents disease-producing microbes from

getting a foothold.
* Decrease the side-effects of antibiotic therapy.
*

Primary bacteria in infants, which help them grow.
* Inhibit growth of bacteria

that produce nitrates in the bowel. Nitrates are bowel toxic and can cause

cancer.
* Help prevent production and absorption of toxins produced by

disease-causing bacteria, which reduces the toxic load on the liver.
*

Manufacture B-complex vitamins.
* Help regulate peristalsis and bowel

movements.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

(Source:

Digestive Wellness by Liz Lipski, Ph.D., CCN)

Let's take a closer look at some

of the most well researched probiotic bacteria and those found most commonly in

probiotic supplements.

Lactobacillus acidophilus
By far the most well

known species of probiotic bacteria is Lactobacillus acidophilus which has led

many people to refer to probiotics simply as " acidophilus " . This

status is not without reason as the acidophilus species is the most prevalent

in the human intestine and has been the most widely studied probiotic bacteria

with research starting on L.acidophilus as long ago as 1925. The best

researched single strain of acidophilus is probably the DDS-1 strain. This

strain amongst other benefits has been shown to stimulate the immune system,

increasing levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis

factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) which suppress cancerous tumour growth3. Other research

has shown that L.acidophilus DDS-1 also alleviates lactose intolerance by

producing significant amounts of the lactose digesting enzyme lactase, inhibits

gastrointestinal pathogens by producing antimicrobial substances such as

acidophilin and helps alleviate dermatitis and other skin conditions by

altering gut flora amongst other things.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus

rhamnosus is a probiotic bacteria that has been receiving a growing amount of

attention as a treatment for many illnesses in the form of the GG strain.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) now has a wealth of research backing its use,

particularly for infectious and allergic conditions. A 2001 study reviewing

information regarding probiotics and infectious diseases found that there is a

large amount of data showing that Lactobacillus GG is an effective treatment

for diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection4. Another study testing

the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing allergic illness found that

Lactobacillus GG given prenatally to mothers with at least 1 first-degree

relative and postnatally for 6 months to their infants reduced the incidence of

atopic eczema by half compared to controls5.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus
This

organism is slightly different to most probiotic bacteria in that it is a

'transient bacteria'. It is referred to in this way because unlike most

probiotic bacteria it doesn't adhere to the intestinal wall and form colonies,

rather it simply passes through the digestive system and leaves the body in the

stool. It has many beneficial effects as it passes through the digestive tract,

however. These include enhancing the digestibility of milk products and other

proteins and producing natural antibiotic substances that specifically target

pathogenic bacteria whilst sparing friendly species. In this sense L.bulgaricus

can be thought of as a helper to colonizing bacteria just as the immune system

has T helper cells to support other immune cells. A study published in the

World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that L.bulgaricus could suppress

inflammatory immune reactions in the intestinal wall thus preventing tissue

damage6. In another study a substance produced by L.bulgaricus was shown to

stimulate activity in part of the gut immune system called the Peyer's patches

which provide defense against pathogenic organisms within the gut7.

Lactobacillus

salivarius
L.salivarius has been repeatedly shown to inhibit the bacteria

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) which is responsible for the creation of peptic

ulcers8. H.pylori interferes with stomach acid production and/or produces a

toxin that directly contributes to ulcer formation. The usual treatment

involves taking antibiotics but H.pylori may become resistant to them and there

are side effects of prolonged antibiotic use due to the eradication of

beneficial bacteria along with the pathogenic bacteria. It has been discovered

that L.salivarius produces large amounts of lactic acid that completely

inhibits the growth of H.pylori and reduces the associated inflammatory response.

The first bacteriocin (natural antibiotic substance) to be isolated and studied

at the genetic level was taken from a strain of L.salivarius.

Lactobacillus

plantarum
This bacteria is the most prevalent species in most naturally

fermented foods. It has the ability to block receptor sites for gram negative

bacteria and so is effective as an antibiotic. It is an important player in

antimicrobial defense and is effective against both extra and intracellular

pathogens. L.plantarum is also capable of digesting semi-digestible fibres such

as those found in onions, garlic, wheat, oats, rye and yeast. It may therefore

help with digestive problems like gas and bloating. Recent research has shown

that L.plantarum has the ability to break down bile acids and lower cholesterol10

and is extremely resistant to stress conditions including high temperature and

concentrations of ethanol, extremes of pH and the freeze drying process that

would normally kill lactic acid bacteria11.

Lactobacillus casei
This

species is commonly found in probiotic dairy foods such as 'live yoghurt',

hence the name 'casei' which relates to the milk protein casein. It was

reported in Microbiology and Immunology to have the most potent protective

activity against the Listeria bacteria. Listeria is potentially lethal with

about 30% of victims dying. It is most commonly transmitted through consumption

of dairy products and raw vegetables. Like L.salivarius, L.casei, in the form

of the shirota strain found in Yakult probiotic yoghurt drinks, has been shown

to significantly inhibit the growth of the peptic ulcer causing bacteria

H.pylori12. A probiotic drink containing the shirota strain has also been shown

to reduce the severity of constipation as evidenced by both patient response to

questionnaires and physical examinations13. Finally, a study with malnourished

mice showed that L.casei (combined with FOS), when given along with a

re-nutrition diet, enhanced the immune response and increased resistance to

certain pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract14.

Lactobacillus

sporogenes
In a study at the G.B. Pant hospital in New Delhi, India,

Lactobacillus sporogenes was able to lower cholesterol levels by 104 points. It

produced a highly significant reduction in LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol)

levels and a small but significant increase in HDL cholesterol ('good

cholesterol'). This study offers the prospect of using L.sporogenes as a

side-effect free alternative to drug therapy in the treatment of high

cholesterol and heart disease. In a multi-centre double-blind placebo

controlled trial, L.sporogenes was found to be nearly twice as effective as

placebo in reducing the number of episodes and duration of diarrhea following

antibiotic treatment in children15. As well as being used to lower cholesterol,

Alternative Medical Review reports that L.sporogenes has been used in the

treatment of gut dysbiosis, vaginitis and aphthous stomatitis16.

Bifidobacteria

bifidum
This bacteria is one of the major constituents of the normal flora

in the colon and is the most common Bifidobacteria species found in probiotic

products. It is reportedly well tolerated, reduces the inflammatory response in

the colon and stimulates the body's fluid immunity. A study carried out at the

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, NY showed that B.bifidum can

significantly reduce the intestinal concentration of endotoxin, which is made

up of the cell walls of dead bacteria and is toxic if allowed to build up17. In

another study B.bifidum of human origin was found to adhere well to the intestinal

wall and significantly reduce the ability of pathogenic E.coli to do the

same18. Research carried out by the Yakult company who manufacture probiotic

drinks showed that their patented strain of B.bifidum had significant

anti-oxidant action and was able to protect the intestinal lining from lipid

peroxidation in iron overloaded mice19.

Bifidobacteria longum
B.longum

is another species of Bifidobacteria commonly found in probiotic products. It

is reportedly able to eliminate the nitrates commonly found in foods ingested

by humans. Levels of nitrate commonly ingested by humans are unable to kill

this species. B.longum has been shown to inhibit the action of vero cytotoxin

produced by some strains of E.coli which can cause hemorrhagic colitis and

hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. It achieves this by producing substances

that bind to the vero cytotoxins20. B.longum has also been shown to have a

protective effect against infection with Salmonella Typhimurium, possibly due

to an anti-inflammatory action21.

Bifidobacteria infantis
B.infantis is

known to have an inhibitory action on invasive pathogenic bacteria such as

E.coli. Research has shown that it achieves this inhibition through more than

one mechanism which explains why it is effective against a range of pathogens.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to be caused by organisms called

bacteroides which are a normal component of the gut flora. B.infantis has the

ability to highly reduce the growth of bacteroides and also significantly

inhibit the inflammatory response caused by them in the gut lining22. Other

research using formulations containing B.infantis has found it to useful for

treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. Of all the strains of

bacteria in the formulation B.infantis was found be one of the species that had

colonized the intestines of patients to the highest degree23.

Streptococcus

thermophilus
Like L.casei, this bacteria has been shown to aid recovery

from malnutrition due to short-term fasting and reduce the associated

intestinal atrophy in animal studies24. S.thermophilus is also known to have

powerful antioxidant activity, protecting the body from dangerous free radicals

which increase in the body due to aging, stress, sugar, antibiotics and other

chemicals and toxins. It has also been shown to have anti-tumour activity which

is especially effective against colon cancer cells.

Homeostatic Soil

Organisms (HSO's)
In recent years a different sort of probiotics have

become available known as homeostatic soil organisms. These are organisms that

live naturally in the soil and used to be ingested regularly by humans before

intensive farming methods removed them from the food supply. Most of the

organisms found in HSO supplements are transient bacteria meaning they don't colonize

the intestines but pass through, providing a number of benefits to us as they

do so. Some of these benefits include aggressively killing pathogens, producing

specific antigens that act to stimulate the immune system, create superoxide

dismutase (SOD) a powerful antioxidant enzyme and help the body to metabolize

proteins and eliminate toxins. Some of the benefits over traditional probiotic

supplements that HSO's are said to have are there superior ability to survive

stomach acid, ability to survive in any intestinal pH and their powerful

ability to fight off infections in the GI tract. Many doctors and patients have

reportedly had very good results using HSO's but as yet there is little good

scientific research regarding their use.

Probiotic Research

Some

studies have found that probiotic bacteria work best alone, suggesting that

buying a probiotic supplement that contains only a single type of probiotic

bacteria might be most effective. In one study, Finnish researchers tested the

effects that 11 strains of bacteria (including lactobacillus and

bifodobacterium) had on the production of cytokines by the immune system.

Cytokines are chemical messengers which in healthy individuals control immune

cells, coordinating the response to pathogens and keeping immune activity in

check to avoid allergic reactions. The researchers found that all 11 probiotic

bacteria strains had an effect on cytokine production when administered alone

but had little or no effect when given in combination. So at least in terms of immune

function it may be best to choose single strain probiotic products.

Interestingly, the most effective probiotic in this study was Streptococcus

thermophilus, a strain often found in combination probiotic products but rarely

alone.

Choosing a Probiotic Product

Unfortunately choosing a probiotic

supplement is not as simple as just picking up the first bottle you find and

assuming it will do the job. Some products contain bacteria that are not even

known to be normal inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract and the

bacteria in many have not undergone any testing with regards to their ability

to colonize once they reach the intestines. There are a number of factors that

will determine the effectiveness of a certain bacteria as a probiotic. Some of

these are:

* Ability to survive the manufacturing process.
* Ability to

survive heat, light, moisture etc during the time from packaging to use.
*

Ability to survive stomach acid
* Ability to attach to the intestinal wall
*

Ability to fend off other organisms, survive in the current intestinal

environment and successfully colonize.

As you can see, the fragile probiotic

bacteria have a lot to deal with if they are to eventually colonize your

intestines. It would be naive to assume that every species and strain of

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria would be equally effective as probiotics. As a

result it is best to research a product before you buy. Look out for the

species of bacteria covered on this page but if you see a species that isn't

covered listed on a supplement bottle then do some research on that bacteria

online yourself to make sure it will be effective. As a rule it is best to look

for products that state the specific strains of the bacteria they contain such

as L.acidophilus DDS-1 and L.rhamnosus GG, where the DDS-1 and GG respectively

are the strains. You can then look for research carried out with that

particular strain to assess its effectiveness. The best place online to look

for scientific research on probiotic bacteria, or any subject, is the PubMed

database which can be found here.

Also of importance is the ability of a

products packaging to protect the bacteria from environmental factors such as

light, heat, moisture and oxygen. Dark coloured glass bottles protect well from

light and heat. Some products use rubber caps under the screw top of the

bottle, this offers added protection from oxygen and moisture by providing an

airtight seal. However the best protection is offered by products where each

dose is individually packaged in a foil sachet. This avoids the situation with

a bottle where all the capsules/tablets are exposed to the environment every

time you take the top off. Also of importance is how the product is stored in

the store. If a product says it needs to be refrigerated, make sure this is the

case in the store.

Following these guidelines should increase your chances of

purchasing an effective probiotic supplement.

Prebiotics

Where

probiotics are the beneficial bacteria found in the intestines 'prebiotics' are

special indigestible carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides that feed

probiotic bacteria and encourage their growth. Oligosaccharides are found

naturally in certain fruit and vegetables, including bananas, asparagus,

garlic, wheat, tomatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, onions and chicory. Because of

the ability of prebiotics to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria it is

worth considering a supplement when there is a need to improve the gut flora.

Prebiotics can be taken on their own or with a probiotic supplement. They have

an advantage over probiotic supplements in that there is no concern about

oligosaccharides being destroyed while in storage or en route to the intestines

through the stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

The most common types of

prebiotics available in supplements are fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin

and galactooligosaccharides. As well as, or perhaps due to, encouraging the

growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, prebiotics have been shown to

have a number of other benefits.