Probiotics Short Course

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Probiotics short course and strains

Compiled from several sources. June 2001. Kd.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/enzymesandautism

1. Trillions of microorganisms live on and inside us. Most are good,

some are harmful. The beneficial ones are called " probiotic

microorganisms. " They improve the environment of the intestinal

tract.The use of good probiotics is important in healing many chronic

gastrointestinal problems that are so often associated in those with

ASD. Some experts feel that ASD children need several times the

amount of probiotics than those without GI problems, due to the

frequency of dysbiosis (overgrowth of yeast, bacteria, etc.)

and " Leaky Gut " (intestinal permeability problems).

2 Scientific studies over the last 50 years show that probiotic

organisms can improve the nutritional quality of foods, produce

antibiotics, anticarcinogens, and substances that break down and

recycle toxins for their human host.

3. The major benefits of adding probiotic organisms to the diet:

boosts immune system, inhibits disease causing organisms, improved

digestion, vitamin synthesis, detoxification and protection from

toxins, prevents diarrhea from various causes, reduced risk of

irritable bowel syndromes, cancer-protective effects, increased

nutrient absorption, improves resistance to allergies, reduces yeast

and other infections.

4. Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria reside mostly in the small

intestine, and Bifidobacterium bifidum are found in the large

intestine (colon). Whether taking a mixed-species product or a single

species is better has not been determined. There are mixed opinions.

Some will decide to choose a single strain of friendly flora because

of the proven effectiveness of that particular probiotic strain.

Taking this strain for its specific properties can be very

helpful. However, over an extended period of time, you may want to

include a variety of strains.

5. Capsules are the preferred way to take probiotics because there is

more protection from contamination, oxygen, and moisture, and

capsules maintain organism integrity. Dairy products that contain

added organisms like lactobacillus provide a mild dose of probiotics,

if you can have it.

6. Generally higher more therapeutic doses of probiotics are need

when first addressing GI symptoms. Probiotic strength is measured in

CFUs (colony forming units) per capsule. You may want to take one or

several daily. For therapeutic benefits, references varied widely

from 250 million – 20 billion viable organisms/day. It is best to

check with your doctor, or you can start slowly and build-up to a

level you feel is most beneficial.

7. Talk to others and about quality issues, and what works best.

Choose a probiotic that has been extensively researched with a great

deal of scientific support behind it. Don't buy any product unless it

has the manufacture date right on the bottle. Probiotic products,

especially lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, lose a lot of potency

after 4-10 months. Products last longer when they are refrigerated,

although some product do not require refrigeration.

8. When to take probiotics varies by brand. Always check the label

and follow the recommendation of the manufacturer. Some say to take

on an empty stomach; some say with food so the food can buffer the

organisms; some say in the morning because of stomach acid content;

some can be taken anytime. The acid and salts in the gut will harm

certain probiotics. Manufacturers take this into account when

designing a formulation and preparing the capsules. Some capsules are

specially coated so the microorganisms will safely reach their

destination. Others need to be taken at certain times for optimum

performance for that product. Probiotics are not adversely affected

by the use of enzymes. They can both be taken during at mealtime.

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Probiotic Strains

This is a list of most strains of probiotics used. The * indicates

the most prevalent ones in products. You can do a search by

Probiotics or the species you are in terested in to find out more. Kd

Lactobacillus acidophilus *

Lactobacillus brevis

Lactobacillus bulgaricus

Lactobacillus casei subspecies casei

Lactobacillus casei, subspecies paracasei

Lactobacillus casei, subspecies rhamnosus *

Lactobacillus fermentum

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (casei) *

Lactobacillus caucasicus

Lactobacillus helveticus

Lactobacillus lactis

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus reuteri

Bifidobacterium bifidum (lactis) *

Bifidobacterium breve subspecies breve

Bifidobacterium infantis

Bifidobacterium licheniformis

Bifidobacterium longum *

Bifidobacterium subtilus

Enterococcus faecium

Fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) -feeds the friendly bacteria

Streptococcus cremoris

Streptococcus faecium

Streptococcus infantis

Streptococcus thermophilus