Benefits of Probiotics

As we become a more and more germ phobic society, we need to remember that not all bacteria are bad.  As they say in the commercial, “not all bugs need drugs.”  In fact, the friendly flora that reside in our gut, benefit us in a great number of ways.  The following three clinical pearls highlight a few of these benefits.

Probiotics and Diarhea

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 215 patients at least 65 years old or older, supplementation with probiotics for at least 45 days found a lessening of diarrhea in this population.  Paradoxically, the use of laxatives was also reduced in those that used probiotics regularly, as compared to those that did not. 

Probiotics and Colorectal cancer

Another study showed that the use of Lactobacillus gasseri decreased the incidence of colorectal cancer by improving the environment of colon.  Subjects supplementing with probiotics had a higher level of friendly bacteria, had lower levels of unfriendly organisms such as Clostridium perfringens, higher levels of butyric acid (a short-chain fatty acid important for colon health), synthesis of bowel putrefaction products were reduced (some of these can be cancer causing), and finally blood levels of natural killer cell activity was higher (immunity is stronger).  All of these things result in a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Probiotics and Upper Respiratory Infections

Finally, athletes taking Lactobacillus casei Shirota for 16 weeks showed a decreased incidence of upper respiratory infections.  Probiotics confer protection from viral infections by increasing salivary immunoglobin A (sIgA).  This antibody kills viruses that try to infect us via the mucous membranes.

Dr. Yim's Prescription 

My suggestion is for everyone to take a broad-spectrum probiotic product on a periodic basis.  This ensures that we get a range of different strains of healthy bacteria for both the small and large intestine.  Learn to love your friendly bacteria; they are working hard for you.