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probiotics 101 for dummies...?

post #1 of 13
Thread Starter 
Can anyone help to point me in the right direction. I would like to start them in our house- but don't know where to start researching them. We do cows milk and sheep milk yogurt right now- but it is my understanding aside from yogurt we'd have to take a supplement because there are no other foods which contain live probiotics? Not sure

this is all new and I have so many questions and I am not even sure what to use for search words and probiotics pulls up a million hits....

Thanks for any help you might have.
~am
post #2 of 13
These are the probiotics I take:
http://products.mercola.com/probiotics/

They do improve my health but they are expensive.
post #3 of 13
All live fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria such as yogurt, kefir, miso, kimchee, sauerkraut, pickles (only if not heat treated), kombucha and other fermented beverages to name a few.

The book Nourishing Traditions is the best at explaining it with many different recipes for all of the above and unusual ones such as fermented salsa and sodas:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...592631-6806458

Personally I saw a lot of benefit from homemade raw milk kefir. My DS couldn't handle the fermented foods and needed high dose supplements with bifidobacterium. Most ferments contain only lactobacillus for the small intestine. Bifidobacterium is for large intestine/colon and is higher in children and dominates the gut flora of a healthy baby. Some yogurts can contain it, but since most yogurts also contain lactobacillus, they compete for space and food while they grow together and the counts might not be sufficient to colonize the intestines. Kefir contains beneficial yeasts for colon too.

Specific probiotic supplements can be beneficial for certain conditions but they vary widely in potency and effectiveness.

You could start with our legendary thread "The Power of Probiotics"
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ad.php?t=96009

See post #20 of the Healing the Gut Cheat Sheet sticky for infant information.
post #4 of 13
Thread Starter 
:

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
post #5 of 13

Everything Probiotics

Whole food probiotics are one of the MOST important foods for a healthy body, we are learning, especially in this age of multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Here are extensive references regarding the benefits of probiotics.


There are some 400-600 microbials which inhabit and reproduce in the gut. Some are only there transiently and therefore, to have a "healthy" gut (based upon our historical traditional cultures), we need to consume beneficial microbials regularly. Whole food probiotics more effectively remain viable until they reach the large intestine. Most bottled probiotics are denatured during transportation (ie. trucked across the country, shelf-life, heat damaged), and don't survive the stomach acid to make it to the gut.

Also, the regular consumption of probiotics alters the ph in the gut, which impacts which microbials can survive and reproduce there. By consuming whole food probiotics (proper ph medium for surviving until they reach the large intestine, more microbial balance, etc.), we create an environment which is less hospitable for pathological bacteria. Btw, antibiotics DAMAGE the gut microbial balance by killing off the beneficial bacteria, which often leads to candida overgrowth and disrupted gut ph, and thus fewer beneficial bacteria and more pathological bacteria repopulating the gut.


Here is an informative article "Selection Criteria for Probiotics": http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...g=artBody;col1 Basically, most probiotics are not viable all the way to the gut, due to heat destruction during transportation and storage, acidity in the stomach, and low viability powders and capsules, and yogurts without billions of "Active Live Cultures".

This link objectively discusses specific brands of different probiotics: http://www.usprobiotics.org/products.asp

Also, it is important to rotate probiotics otherwise "probiotic resistance" could develop, I've read. Don't use single strain probiotics exclusively; and DO rotate them every 4-7 days. The Probiotic Solution champions the "pulsing and rotating probiotics". http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...2/ai_n6112818/

Sacchromyces boulardii is a "good" yeast which lives in the gut longer and displaces candida. It is in kombucha.

I prefer whole foods which are naturally cultured or fermented: kefir or yogurt from cow, goat, coconut, almond, hemp seed milk, etc. And fermented foods. Bubbies brand sauerkraut and dill pickles are easy to add to the diet. Plus, kombucha, which actually displaces and replaces candida albicans in the large intestines.


"Homemade yogurt that is fermented for 24 hours, will have an average concentration of 3 billion cfu/mL of yogurt. If you were to eat a small bowl (500 ml) of 24 hour fermented homemade yogurt, you would receive 1.5 trillion beneficial bacteria - 100 times more bacteria than a 15 billion capsule.

Furthermore, freshly made kefir can have an average microbial count as high as 10 billion cfu/ml. This includes a mixture of various bacteria and yeast strains. This means that a 500 ml glass of homemade kefir could contain as many as 5 trillion beneficial microorganisms or even more!"
http://www.healingcrow.com/ferfun/co...onspiracy.html

"Both kefir and yogurt are cultured milk products... ...but they contain different types of beneficial bacteria. Yogurt contains transient beneficial bacteria that keep the digestive system clean and provide food for the friendly bacteria that reside there. But kefir can actually colonize the intestinal tract, a feat that yogurt cannot match.

Kefir contains several major strains of friendly bacteria not commonly found in yogurt, Lactobacillus Caucasus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter species, and Streptococcus species. Dom's Kefir in-site is the most informed source about everything Kefir. http://users.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html

Kefir also contains beneficial yeasts, such as Saccharomyces kefir and Torula kefir, which dominate, control and eliminate destructive pathogenic yeasts in the body. They do so by penetrating the mucosal lining where unhealthy yeast and bacteria reside, forming a virtual SWAT team that housecleans and strengthens the intestines. Hence, the body becomes more efficient in resisting such pathogens as E. coli and intestinal parasites.

Kefir's active yeast and bacteria provide more nutritive value than yogurt by helping digest the foods that you eat and by keeping the colon environment clean and healthy.

Because the curd size of kefir is smaller than yogurt, it is also easier to digest, which makes it a particularly excellent, nutritious food for babies, invalids and the elderly, as well as a remedy for digestive disorders."
http://www.kefir.net/kefiryogurt.htm


Oral administration of milk kefir and soymilk kefir for 28 days significantly increased the fecal populations of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while it significantly decreased those of Clostridium perfringens.

Milk kefir and soymilk kefir also significantly decreased the serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels for both groups, but not those of the IgG2a analogues. Consumption of milk kefir and soymilk kefir suppressed the IgE and IgG1 responses and altered the intestinal microflora in our supplemented group, suggesting that milk kefir and soymilk kefir may be considered among the more promising food components in terms of preventing food allergy and enhancement of mucosal resistance to gastrointestinal pathogen infection.

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/j...TRY=1&SRETRY=0


Research published by the Society of Chemical Industry reports kefir contains bacteria which could help reduce allergic responses. The research indicated that feeding babies kefir may help to protect against some food allergies.
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/diges...lergies/370766

Probiotics

An Introduction to Probiotics
Keywords: microorganisms, bacteria, yogurt, bladder cancer, eczema, urinary tract infections
On this page:
• Introduction
• Key Points
• What Probiotics Are
• Uses for Health Purposes
• What the Science Says
• Side Effects and Risks
• Some Other Points To Consider
• NCCAM-Sponsored Research on Probiotics
• References
• For More Information
• Acknowledgments

Introduction
Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria." Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods. They can be used as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.. To find out more about topics and resources mentioned in this fact sheet, see "For More Information."


Key Points
• People use probiotic products as CAM to prevent and treat certain illnesses and support general wellness.
• There is limited evidence supporting some uses of probiotics. Much more scientific knowledge is needed about probiotics, including about their safety and appropriate use.
• Effects found from one species or strain of probiotics do not necessarily hold true for others, or even for different preparations of the same species or strain.
• Tell your health care providers about any CAM practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips for talking with your health care providers about CAM, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
Top


What Probiotics Are
Experts have debated how to define probiotics. One widely used definition, developed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is that probiotics are "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts—that can be seen only under a microscope.)

Probiotics are not the same thing as prebiotics—nondigestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms already in people's colons. When probiotics and prebiotics are mixed together, they form a synbiotic.

Probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements (for example, capsules, tablets, and powders) and in some other forms as well. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation.

Most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in people's guts, especially in those of breastfed infants (who have natural protection against many diseases). Most often, the bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species (for example, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus), and within each species, different strains (or varieties). A few common probiotics, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, are yeasts, which are different from bacteria.
Some probiotic foods date back to ancient times, such as fermented foods and cultured milk products. Interest in probiotics in general has been growing; Americans' spending on probiotic supplements, for example, nearly tripled from 1994 to 2003.


Uses for Health Purposes
There are several reasons that people are interested in probiotics for health purposes.

First, the world is full of microorganisms (including bacteria), and so are people's bodies—in and on the skin, in the gut, and in other orifices. Friendly bacteria are vital to proper development of the immune system, to protection against microorganisms that could cause disease, and to the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Each person's mix of bacteria varies. Interactions between a person and the microorganisms in his body, and among the microorganisms themselves, can be crucial to the person's health and well-being.

This bacterial "balancing act" can be thrown off in two major ways:

1. By antibiotics, when they kill friendly bacteria in the gut along with unfriendly bacteria. Some people use probiotics to try to offset side effects from antibiotics like gas, cramping, or diarrhea. Similarly, some use them to ease symptoms of lactose intolerance—a condition in which the gut lacks the enzyme needed to digest significant amounts of the major sugar in milk, and which also causes gastrointestinal symptoms.

2. "Unfriendly" microorganisms such as disease-causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites can also upset the balance. Researchers are exploring whether probiotics could halt these unfriendly agents in the first place and/or suppress their growth and activity in conditions like:
o Infectious diarrhea
o Irritable bowel syndrome
o Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)
o Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that causes most ulcers and many types of chronic stomach inflammation
o Tooth decay and periodontal disease
o Vaginal infections
o Stomach and respiratory infections that children acquire in daycare
o Skin infections

Another part of the interest in probiotics stems from the fact there are cells in the digestive tract connected with the immune system. One theory is that if you alter the microorganisms in a person's intestinal tract (as by introducing probiotic bacteria), you can affect the immune system's defenses.


What the Science Says
Scientific understanding of probiotics and their potential for preventing and treating health conditions is at an early stage, but moving ahead. In November 2005, a conference that was cofunded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and convened by the American Society for Microbiology explored this topic.

According to the conference report, some uses of probiotics for which there is some encouraging evidence from the study of specific probiotic
formulations are as follows:
• To treat diarrhea (this is the strongest area of evidence, especially for diarrhea from rotavirus)
• To prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract or female genital tract
• To treat irritable bowel syndrome
• To reduce recurrence of bladder cancer
• To shorten how long an intestinal infection lasts that is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium difficile
• To prevent and treat pouchitis (a condition that can follow surgery to remove the colon)
• To prevent and manage atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children
The conference panel also noted that in studies of probiotics as cures, any beneficial effect was usually low; a strong placebo effect often occurs; and more research (especially in the form of large, carefully designed clinical trials) is needed in order to draw firmer conclusions.

Some other areas of interest to researchers on probiotics are
• What is going on at the molecular level with the bacteria themselves and how they may interact with the body (such as the gut and its bacteria) to prevent and treat diseases. Advances in technology and medicine are making it possible to study these areas much better than in the past.

• Issues of quality. For example, what happens when probiotic bacteria are treated or are added to foods—is their ability to survive, grow, and have a therapeutic effect altered?
• The best ways to administer probiotics for therapeutic purposes, as well as the best doses and schedules.
• Probiotics' potential to help with the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut.
• Whether they can prevent unfriendly bacteria from getting through the skin or mucous membranes and traveling through the body (e.g., which can happen with burns, shock, trauma, or suppressed immunity).


Side Effects and Risks
Some live microorganisms have a long history of use as probiotics without causing illness in people. Probiotics' safety has not been thoroughly studied scientifically, however. More information is especially needed on how safe they are for young children, elderly people, and people with compromised immune systems.

Probiotics' side effects, if they occur, tend to be mild and digestive (such as gas or bloating). More serious effects have been seen in some people. Probiotics might theoretically cause infections that need to be treated with antibiotics, especially in people with underlying health conditions. They could also cause unhealthy metabolic activities, too much stimulation of the immune system, or gene transfer (insertion of genetic material into a cell).

Probiotic products taken by mouth as a dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements. are manufactured and regulated as foods, not drugs.
Top

Saccharomyces boulardi (large cells) found along with bacteria in fermented fruit juice.


Some Other Points To Consider
• If you are thinking about using a probiotic product as CAM, consult your health care provider first. No CAM therapy should be used in place of conventional medical care or to delay seeking that care.
• Effects from one species or strain of probiotics do not necessarily hold true for others, or even for different preparations of the same species or strain.
• If you use a probiotic product and experience an effect that concerns you, contact your health care provider.
• You can locate research reports in peer-reviewed journals on probiotics' effectiveness and safety through the resources PubMed and CAM on PubMed.


NCCAM-Sponsored Research on Probiotics
Among recent NCCAM-sponsored research are the following projects:
• Investigators at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine are studying the effectiveness of selected probiotic agents to treat diarrhea in undernourished children in a developing country.
• At the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, researchers have been examining probiotics for possibly decreasing the levels of certain substances in the urine that can cause problems such as kidney stones.
• A team at Tufts-New England Medical Center is studying probiotics for treating an antibiotic-resistant type of bacteria that causes severe infections in people who are hospitalized, live in nursing homes, or have weakened immune systems.


References
Sources are primarily recent reviews on the general topic of probiotics in the peer-reviewed medical and scientific literature in English in the PubMed database, selected evidence-based databases, and Federal Government sources.
• 1994–2004 U.S. specialty/other supplement sales. Nutrition Business Journal. 2005. Accessed on December 7, 2006.
• Alvarez-Olmos MI, Oberhelman RA. Probiotic agents and infectious diseases: a modern perspective on a traditional therapy. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2001;32(11):1567–1576.
• Bifidobacteria. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on December 7, 2006.
• Bifidus. Thomson MICROMEDEX AltMedDex System. Web site Accessed on December 7, 2006.
• Cabana MD, Shane AL, Chao C, et al. Probiotics in primary care pediatrics. Clinical Pediatrics. 2006;45(5):405–410.
• Doron S, Gorbach SL. Probiotics: their role in the treatment and prevention of disease. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy. 2006;4(2):261–275.
• Ezendam J, van Loveren H. Probiotics: immunomodulation and evaluation of safety and efficacy. Nutrition Reviews. 2006;64(1):1–14.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO). Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Working Group on Drafting Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. Accessed on December 7, 2006.
• Gill HS, Guarner F. Probiotics and human health: a clinical perspective. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2004;80(947):516–526.
• Hammerman C, Bin-Nun A, Kaplan M. Safety of probiotics: comparison of two popular strains. BMJ. 2006;333(7576):1006–1008.
• Huebner ES, Surawicz CM. Probiotics in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal infections. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2006;35(2):355–365.
• Lactobacillus. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on December 7, 2006.
• Lactobacillus. Thomson MICROMEDEX AltMedDex System Web site. Accessed on December 7, 2006.
• Probiotics: Bottom Line Monograph. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on December 7, 2006.
• Reid G, Hammond JA. Probiotics: some evidence of their effectiveness. Canadian Family Physician. 2005;51:1487–1493.
• Salminen SJ, Gueimonde M, Isolauri E. Probiotics that modify disease risk. Journal of Nutrition. 2005;135(5):1294–1298.
• Vanderhoof JA, Young RJ. Current and potential uses of probiotics. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. 2004; 93(5 suppl 3):S33–S37.
• Walker R, Buckley M. Probiotic Microbes: The Scientific Basis. Report of an American Society for Microbiology colloquium; November 5–7, 2005; Baltimore, Maryland. American Society for Microbiology Web site. Accessed on December 7, 2006.



The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
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PubMed®

A service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), PubMed contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. CAM on PubMed, developed jointly by NCCAM and NLM, is a subset of the PubMed system and focuses on the topic of CAM.
Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
CAM on PubMed: nccam.nih.gov/research/camonpubmed/

Acknowledgments
NCCAM thanks the following people for their technical expertise and review of this publication: Carol Wells, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Medical School; Richard Oberhelman, M.D., Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine; Patricia Hibberd, M.D., Ph.D., Tufts-New England Medical Center; Richard Walker, Ph.D., U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and Marguerite Klein, M.S., R.D., and Jonathan (Josh) Berman, M.D., Ph.D., NCCAM.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
NCCAM Publication No. D345
Created January 2007
Updated August 2008
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/



Probiotics are dietary supplements of live bacteria or yeasts thought to be healthy for the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: ‘Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host’.[1]
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of microbes used. LAB have been used in the food industry for many years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This not only provides the characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, but also, by lowering the pH, may create fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow, hence creating possible health benefits by preventing gastrointestinal infections.[2] Strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are the most widely used probiotic bacteria.[3][4]

Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to assist the body's naturally occurring gut flora, an ecology of microbes, to re-establish themselves. They are sometimes recommended by doctors, and, more frequently, by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, or as part of the treatment for gut related candidiasis. In these cases, the bacteria that work well with our bodies (see symbiosis) may decrease in number, an event which allows harmful competitors to thrive, to the detriment of our health. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system to combat allergies, excessive alcohol intake, stress, exposure to toxic substances, and other diseases.[2][5]

Maintenance of a healthy gut flora is, however, dependent on many factors, especially the quality of food intake.


Potential benefits
Experiments into the benefits of probiotic therapies suggest a range of potentially beneficial medicinal uses for probiotics. For many of the potential benefits, research is limited and only preliminary results are available. It should be noted that the effects described are not general effects of probiotics. Recent research on the molecular biology and genomics of Lactobacillus has focused on the interaction with the immune system, anti-cancer potential, and potential as a biotherapeutic agent in cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, travellers' diarrhoea, pediatric diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.[4]
All effects can only be attributed to the individual strain(s) tested. Testing of a supplement does not indicate benefit from any other strain of the same species, and testing does not indicate benefit from the whole group of LAB (or other probiotics).[19]

Managing lactose intolerance
As lactic acid bacteria actively convert lactose into lactic acid, ingestion of certain active strains may help lactose intolerant individuals tolerate more lactose than what they would have otherwise.[5] In practice probiotics are not specifically targeted for this purpose, as most are relatively low in lactase activity as compared to the normal yogurt bacteria.

Prevention of colon cancer
In laboratory investigations, some strains of LAB (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) have demonstrated anti-mutagenic effects thought to be due to their ability to bind with heterocyclic amines, which are carcinogenic substances formed in cooked meat.[20] Animal studies have demonstrated that some LAB can protect against colon cancer in rodents, though human data is limited and conflicting.[21] Most human trials have found that the strains tested may exert anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the activity of an enzyme called β-glucuronidase[21] (which can generate carcinogens in the digestive system). Lower rates of colon cancer among higher consumers of fermented dairy products have been observed in some population studies.[5]

Lowering cholesterol
Animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a range of LAB to be able to lower serum cholesterol levels, presumably by breaking down bile in the gut, thus inhibiting its reabsorption (which enters the blood as cholesterol). Some, but not all human trials have shown that dairy foods fermented with specific LAB can produce modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels in those with normal levels to begin with, however trials in hyperlipidemic subjects are needed.[5]

Lowering blood pressure
Several small clinical trials have shown that consumption of milk fermented with various strains of LAB can result in modest reductions in blood pressure. It is thought that this is due to the ACE inhibitor-like peptides produced during fermentation.[5]

Improving immune function and preventing infections
LAB are thought to have several presumably beneficial effects on immune function. They may protect against pathogens by means of competitive inhibition (i.e., by competing for growth) and there is evidence to suggest that they may improve immune function by increasing the number of IgA-producing plasma cells, increasing or improving phagocytosis as well as increasing the proportion of T lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells.[22][23] Clinical trials have demonstrated that probiotics may decrease the incidence of respiratory tract infections[24] and dental caries in children.[25] LAB foods and supplements have been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of acute diarrhea, and in decreasing the severity and duration of rotavirus infections in children and travelers' diarrhea in adults.[22][23] Recently, clear immune enhancing effect of probiotics is demonstrated in the gut of healthy subjects. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study, healthy volunteers ingested either live probiotic cells (Lactobacillus plantarum), inactivated cells of the same probiotic, or a placebo. Gene expression analysis of biopsies from the duodenum has shown clearly the effect of the live probiotic on cellular processes. These processes activate the immune system enabling it to play its protective role (the immune response). Research Top Institute Food and Nutrition


Helicobacter pylori
LAB are also thought to aid in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections (which cause peptic ulcers) in adults when used in combination with standard medical treatments. However more studies are required into this area.[26]

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
A meta-analysis suggested probiotics may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.[27] A subsequent randomized controlled trial also found benefit in elderly patients.[28]
In a randomized clinical trial, published in 2007, a University of Montreal team of pharmacologists demonstrated that lactobacilli-fermented solution can be effective in AAD prevention in hospitalized patients”.[29]
In 2009 Encap Drug Delivery announced that they had entered into a collaboration with Probac AB to develop a novel probiotic capsule product aimed at treating antibiotic associated diarrhoea.

Reducing inflammation
LAB foods and supplements have been found to modulate inflammatory and hypersensitivity responses, an observation thought to be at least in part due to the regulation of cytokine function.[22] Clinical studies suggest that they can prevent reoccurrences of inflammatory bowel disease in adults,[22] as well as improve milk allergies.[30] They are not effective for treating eczema, a persistent skin inflammation.[31]

Improving mineral absorption
It is hypothesized that probiotic lactobacilli may help correct malabsorption of trace minerals, found particularly in those with diets high in phytate content from whole grains, nuts, and legumes.[32]

Prevents harmful bacterial growth under stress
In a study done to see the effects of stress on intestinal flora, rats that were fed probiotics had little occurrence of harmful bacteria latched onto their intestines compared to rats that were fed sterile water.[33]

Irritable bowel syndrome and colitis
B. infantis 35624, sold as Align, was found to improve some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women in a recent study.[34] Another probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, was also found to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms.[35] Additionally, a probiotic formulation, VSL#3, was found to be safe in treating ulcerative colitis, though efficacy in the study was uncertain.[36] Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 may help.[37]

Synbiotics
As probiotics are mainly active in the small intestine and prebiotics are only effective in the large intestine,[38] the combination of the two may give a synergistic effect. Appropriate combinations of pre- and probiotics are synbiotics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic

1. ^ FAO/WHO (2001) Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Evaluation of Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food Including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria.
2. ^ a b Nichols, Andrew W. (2007). "Probiotics and athletic performance: A systematic review" ([dead link] – Scholar search). Current Sports Medicine Reports (Current Medicine Group LLC) 6 (4): 269–273. doi:10.1007/s11932-007-0044-5. http://www.springerlink.com/content/x363q11g7878m4tj/. Retrieved on 6 November.
3. ^ a b Tannock G (editor). (2005). Probiotics and Prebiotics: Scientific Aspects (1st ed.). Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-904455-01-8 . http://www.horizonpress.com/pro3.
4. ^ a b Ljungh A, Wadstrom T (editors) (2009). Lactobacillus Molecular Biology: From Genomics to Probiotics. Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-904455-41-7.
5. ^ a b c d e Sanders ME (February 2000). "Considerations for use of probiotic bacteria to modulate human health". J. Nutr. 130 (2S Suppl): 384S–390S. PMID 10721912. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlook...&pmid=10721912.
6. ^ Metchnikoff, E. 1907. Essais optimistes. Paris. The prolongation of life. Optimistic studies. Translated and edited by P. Chalmers Mitchell. London: Heinemann, 1907.
7. ^ Vaughan RB (July 1965). "The romantic rationalist: A study of Elie Metchnikoff". Med Hist 9: 201–15. PMID 14321564.
8. ^ Tissier, H. 1900. Recherchers sur la flora intestinale normale et pathologique du nourisson. Thesis, University of Paris, Paris, France.
9. ^ Die antagonistische Behandlung chronischer Darmstörungen mit Colibakterien (1918). Med Klin 2: 29–30.
10. ^ Cheplin HA, Rettger LF (December 1920). "Studies on the transformation of the intestinal flora, with special reference to the implantation of Bacillus acidophilus: II. Feeding Experiments on Man". Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 6 (12): 704–5. doi:10.1073/pnas.6.12.704. PMID 16576567.
11. ^ Rettger, L.F., W.N. Levy, L. Weinstein, and J.E. Weiss. 1935. Lactobacillus acidophilus and its therapeutic application. Yale University Press, New Haven.
12. ^ Fuller R (May 1989). "Probiotics in man and animals". J. Appl. Bacteriol. 66 (5): 365–78. PMID 2666378.
13. ^ Gut Reactions programme 3
14. ^ Besselink MG, van Santvoort HC, Buskens E, et al. (February 2008). "Probiotic prophylaxis in predicted severe acute pancreatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Lancet 371 (9613): 651–9. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(08)60207-X. PMID 18279948.
15. ^ Hickson M, D'Souza AL, Muthu N, et al. (July 2007). "Use of probiotic Lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhoea associated with antibiotics: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial". BMJ 335 (7610): 80. doi:10.1136/bmj.39231.599815.55. PMID 17604300. PMC: 1914504. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/...31.599815.55v1.
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17. ^ a b http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/lif...cle5109777.ece Probiotics, Not so friendly after all]
18. ^ So-Called Friendly Bacteria may be dangerous
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25. ^ Näse L, Hatakka K, Savilahti E, et al. (2001). "Effect of long-term consumption of a probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in milk on dental caries and caries risk in children". Caries Res. 35 (6): 412–20. doi:10.1159/000047484. PMID 11799281. http://content.karger.com/produktedb...&file=cre35412.
26. ^ Hamilton-Miller JM (October 2003). "The role of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection". Int. J. Antimicrob. Agents 22 (4): 360–6. doi:10.1016/S0924-8579(03)00153-5. PMID 14522098. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retri...24857903001535.
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28. ^ a b Hickson M, D'Souza AL, Muthu N, et al. (2007). "Use of probiotic Lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotics: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial". BMJ 335 (7610): 80. doi:10.1136/bmj.39231.599815.55. PMID 17604300.
29. ^ a b c Beausoleil M, Fortier N, Guénette S, L'ecuyer A, Savoie M, Franco M, Lachaine J, Weiss K., Department of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada (December 2007). "[“http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18026577” Effect of a fermented milk combining Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285® and Lactobacillus casei in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial]". Canadian. Journal of. Gastroenterology 21 (11): 732–736. PMID 18026577. “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18026577”.
30. ^ Kirjavainen PV, Salminen SJ, Isolauri E (February 2003). "Probiotic bacteria in the management of atopic disease: underscoring the importance of viability". J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 36 (2): 223–7. doi:10.1097/00005176-200302000-00012. PMID 12548058. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/...ue=2&spage=223.
31. ^ Boyle RJ, Bath-Hextall FJ, Leonardi-Bee J, Murrell DF, Tang ML (2008). "Probiotics for treating eczema". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4): CD006135. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006135.pub2. PMID 18843705.
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33. ^ Hitti, Miranda (April 25, 2006). "Probiotics May Help Stressed Gut". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/121/114283.htm. Retrieved on 2006-10-24.
34. ^ Whorwell PJ, Altringer L, Morel J, et al. (July 2006). "Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with irritable bowel syndrome". Am. J. Gastroenterol. 101 (7): 1581–90. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2006.00734.x. PMID 16863564.
35. ^ Niedzielin K, Kordecki H, Birkenfeld B (2001). "A controlled, double-blind, randomized study on the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299V in patients with irritable bowel syndrome". Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 13 (10): 1143–7. doi:10.1097/00042737-200110000-00004. PMID 11711768. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/...=10&spage=1143.
36. ^ Kerr, Martha (May 21, 2003). "Probiotics Significantly Reduce Symptoms of IBS, Ulcerative Colitis". http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/455964. Retrieved on 2006-06-12.
37. ^ Guyonnet D, Chassany O, Ducrotte P, et al. (2007). "Effect of a fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 on the health-related quality of life and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome in adults in primary care: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial". Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 26 (3): 475–86. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03362.x (inactive 2008-06-21). PMID 17635382.
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39. ^ Sanders ME. Probiotics, strains matter. Functional foods & nutraceuticals magazine (2007); June; pp. 36–41
40. ^ Beyko S. Note: I have provided the data and corresponding citations ONLY for the row on Lactobacillus Acidophilus CL1285 and Lactobacillus Casei of Bio-K Plus.
41. ^ Hun, Larysa MD, FAAP. "Bacillus coagulans Significantly Improved Abdominal Pain and Bloating in Patients with IBS". Postgraduate Medicine 121 (2): 119-124. http://www.postgradmed.com/index.php...9?article=1984.
42. ^ Baron, Mira MD. "A patented A Strain of Bacillus coagulans Increased Immune Response to Viral Challenge". Postgraduate Medicine 121 (2): 114-118. http://www.postgradmed.com/index.php...9?article=1971.
43. ^ "About us". Nebraska Cultures. http://nebraskacultures.com/htmls/ab..._cultures.html. Retrieved on 2009-02-16.
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45. ^ Sarker SA, Sultana S, Fuchs GJ, Alam NH, Azim T, Brüssow H, Hammarström L. Lactobacillus paracasei strain ST11 has no effect on rotavirus but ameliorates the outcome of nonrotavirus diarrhea in children from Bangladesh. Pediatrics. 2005 Aug;116(2):e221-8. Epub 2005 Jul 1.
46. ^ a b "Nyttiga bakterier bringar ordning i oroliga sommarmagar" (in Swedish). Norrmejerier. 2003-07-01. http://www.verum.se/default0.asp?var...3D3EB9&redir=1. Retrieved on 2007-08-25.
47. ^ Ruiz-Palacios G, Guerrero ML, Hilty M. Feeding of a probiotic for the prevention of community-acquired diarrhea in young Mexican children. (1996) Pediatr Res 39(4) part 2:184A, abstract 1089.
48. ^ Shornikova AV, Casas IA, Mykkanen H, Salo E, Vesikari T. Bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus reuteri in rotavirus gastroenteritis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1997; 16: 1103-7. Entrez Pubmed 9427453
49. ^ Saggioro A, Caroli M, Pasini M, Bortoluzzi F, Girardi L, Pilone G. Helicobacter pylori eradication with Lactobacillus reuteri. A double blind placebo-controlled study. (2005) Dig Liver Dis 37(suppl 1): S88, abstr. PO1.49.
50. ^ Krasse P, Carlsson B, Dahl C, Paulsson A, Nilsson Å, Sinkiewicz G. Decreased gum bleeding and reduced gingivitis by the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri. (2006) Swed Dent J 30:55-60. Entrez Pubmed 16878680
51. ^ Weizman Z, Asli G, Alsheikh A. Effect of a probiotic infant formula on infections in child care centers: Comparison of two probiotic agents. (2005) Pediatrics 115:5-9. Entrez Pubmed 15629974
52. ^ Tubelius P, Stan V, Zachrisson A. Increasing work-place healthiness with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: A randomised, double blind placebo-controlled study. (2005) Environmental Health 4:25. Entrez Pubmed 16274475
53. ^ Hochter, W. et al.. "Saccharomyces boulardii in acute adult diarrhea. Efficacy and tolerance of treatment" (PDF). Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift 132 (12): 188–192. http://www.dtecta.co.uk/casestudies/Hochter_(1990)_Saccharomyces_boulardii_in_acute_ad ult_diarrhoea_Efficacy_and_tolerance_of_treatment_ DiarSafe_DTECTA_Probiotics_www.dtecta.co.uk.pdf.
54. ^ Cetina-Sauri, G. & Basto, S.. "Therapeutic evaluation of Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute diarrhea" (PDF). Annales de Pediatrie 41 (6): 397–400. http://www.dtecta.co.uk/casestudies/Cetina_Sauri_&_Basto_(1994)_Therapeutic_Evaluation _of_Saccharomyces_boulardii_in_children_with_acute _diarrhoea_DiarSafe_DTECTA_Probiotics_www.dtecta.c o.uk.pdf.
55. ^ Kurugöl Z, Koturoğlu G (January 2005). "Effects of Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute diarrhoea". Acta Paediatr. 94 (1): 44–7. doi:10.1080/08035250410022521. PMID 15858959. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/ope...sue=1&spage=44.
56. ^ Anukam K, Osazuwa E, Ahonkhai I, et al. (May 2006). "Augmentation of antimicrobial metronidazole therapy of bacterial vaginosis with oral probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial". Microbes Infect. 8 (6): 1450–4. doi:10.1016/j.micinf.2006.01.003. PMID 16697231.
57. ^ Millette M., Luquet F.M., Lacroix M. (March 2007). ""In vitro growth control of selected pathogens by Lactobacillus acidophilus- and Lactobacillus casei-fermented milk". Letters of Applied Microbiology 44 (3): 314–9. doi:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2006.02060.x.
58. ^ Robinson, R.K., ed. (2007), "Sellars, R.L.", "Acidophilus Products (Therapeutic Properties of Fermented Milks)", Chapman & Hall, London, pp. 81–116
59. ^ Seseña, S.; M.Ll. Palop (2007). "An ecological study of lactic acid bacteria from Almagro eggplant fermentation brines". Journal of Applied Microbiology (Blackwell Publishing) 103 (5): 1553–1561. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03387.x. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi...2.2007.03387.x. Retrieved on 7 November.
60. ^ a b Breidt, Jr, Frederick et al. (2007). "Fermented Vegetables" (PDF). ASM Press. http://fsweb2.schaub.ncsu.edu/USDAar...9-350/P345.pdf. Retrieved on 7 November 2007.
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63. ^ Oh, Chang-Kyung et al. (2004). "The Depletion of Sodium Nitrite by Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Kimchi". Journal of Medicinal Food (Mary Ann Liebert) 7 (1): 38–44. doi:10.1089/109662004322984680. http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs...ournalCode=jmf. Retrieved on 7 November.
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66. ^ [1]
67. ^ Probiotics may protect against food poisoning
68. ^ 24 Doden bij Nederlands wetenschappelijk onderzoek (24 dead in Dutch scientific research). Nu.nl, 23 January 2008.
69. ^ Probiotics, not so friendly after all?
70. ^ Probiotics, not so friendly after all?


Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth or activity of bacteria in the digestive system which are beneficial to the health of the body.[1] They are considered a functional food.
Typically, prebiotics are carbohydrates (such as oligosaccharides), but the definition does not preclude non-carbohydrates. The most prevalent forms of prebiotics are nutritionally classed as soluble fiber. To some extent, many forms of dietary fiber exhibit some level of prebiotic effect.
Roberfroid offered a refined definition in the 2007 Journal of Nutrutrition (J. Ntr. 137:830S) stating:
"A prebiotic is a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host well-being and health."

• International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics
• Probiotics: Considerations for Human Health
• Getting To Know "Friendly Bacteria"
• GutFlora.org: New developments and general information on probiotics
• Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria With a Host of Benefits
• International Food Information Council
• National Yogurt Association


Healing with Probiotics: http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxifi...probiotics.htm

Mayo Clinic, Probiotics: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/probiotics/AN00389

MedincineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/probiotics/article.htm

USProbiotics.org:http://www.usprobiotics.org/

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disor...topic-overview






Pat Robinson
post #6 of 13
wuwei
post #7 of 13
Just learned this!

"The beneficial yeast and friendly bacteria in the kefir culture consume most of the lactose." http://www.kefir.net/ and

"Researchers think that microbes in this fermented milk – called kefir – possess the enzyme that is necessary to digest lactose. " http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/kefir.htm


Pat
post #8 of 13
If I remember correctly, to elminate lactose in kefir, Dom says to give it a secondary fermentation? 24 hours with grains, strain them out, then 24 hours more without.
post #9 of 13
I live in Germany where kefir is widely available...is store bought ok or do I need to make my own? ALso, how much??? My dd is 6
post #10 of 13

 

 

Quote:
but it is my understanding aside from yogurt we'd have to take a supplement because there are no other foods which contain live probiotics? Not sure

 

 

I must say this is the first time I've heard of this. So if I'm supplementing what brands would you guys recommend? Found this probiotics, seems good, after some googling. Any suggestions would be appreciated.


joy.gif

 

 

post #11 of 13

http://www.vitacost.com/Garden-of-Life-RAW-Probiotics-Kids-3-4-oz   I got this for DD although I just recieved it so I have not tried it yet.  Anyone know anything about this, what do you think?

post #12 of 13

Hello,

I've been using aquasource's probiotics for a while and have been happy: http://www.aquasourceproducts.co.uk

But I'm from Europe and don't know about USA.

I plan to never be on antibiotics again!!!

 

Cheers!

post #13 of 13

We have recently started drinking kombucha, (home made) kefir (the store bought is not made with real kefir grains!), and eating home made fermented veggies.  I like them a lot more than the probiotic capsules and powders that we had been taking, and after doing some research, I have learned that oftentimes the capsules and powders are dead by the time you take them, and/or they do not survive in your body long enough to make it to your intestines where they are used and needed, whereas food-based probiotics, those I mentioned above, will survive and you know they are active when you eat them!  I bough the book Wild Fermentation, it has really helped!  And best of all, its WAY CHEAPER!!  Lol

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