Probiotics?

Question

Does anyone know how well Probiotics works for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?

Answer 1

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, including Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species and yeasts, that may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora.

The dietary use of live microorganisms has a long history. Mention of cultured dairy products is found in the Bible and the sacred books of Hinduism. Soured milks and cultured dairy products, such as kefir, koumiss, leben and dahi, were often used therapeutically before the existence of microorganisms was recognized.

The gastrointestinal tract represents a complex ecosystem in which a delicate balance exists between the intestinal microflora and the host. The microflora are principally comprised of facultative anaerobes and obligate anaerobes. Approximately 95% of the intestinal bacterial population in humans is comprised of obligate anaerobes, including Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Eubacterium, Fusobacterium, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus and Bacteroides. Approximately 1% to 10% of the intestinal population is comprised of facultative anaerobes, including Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Bacillus. Aerobic organisms are not present in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals with the exception of Pseudomonas, which is present in very small amounts. Most of the bacteria are present in the colon where the bacterial concentration ranges between 1011 to 1012 colony-forming units (CPU) per milliliter.

The intestinal microflora are important for maturation of the immune system, the development of normal intestinal morphology and in order to maintain a chronic and immunologically balanced inflammatory response. The microflora reinforce the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, helping in the prevention of the attachment of pathogenic microorganisms and the entry of allergens. Some members of the microflora may contribute to the body's requirements for certain vitamins, including biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B12. Alteration of the microbial flora of the intestine, such as may occur with antibiotic use, disease and aging, can negatively affect its beneficial role.

The probiotics that are marketed as nutritional supplements and in functional foods, such as yogurts, are principally the Bifidobacterium species and the Lactobacillus species. Probiotics are sometimes called colonic foods. Most of the presently available probiotics are bacteria. Saccharomyces boulardii is an example of a probiotic yeast

Answer 2

I would do everything possible before using a steroid. If you do your research steroids used on infants is very risky. I have gone to a couple doctors and a dermatologists for my sons eczema. I have been prescribed a couple steroid creams (never used), and I was even given protopic by the dermatologist (this is a black box drug - never used). However, the dermatologist did help me out a bit. He said to give the baby two 30 minute long lukewarm baths, as soon as you take your baby out - dab him dry and apply plain Vaseline in a downward motion. This has helped my baby big time. I have also received information from a nurse that probiotics is something that I should look into. I may still have to go that route as his eczema does still flare up at times. Good luck with everything and good for you for not just jumping to steroids right away (those will only cause problems in the future).

Answer 3

not sure - BUT - they can only help - here's why
IMHO
When we drink chlorinated water from the city - it has enough
chlorine to kill all the bacteria - and by the time it gets to your
house - it's still powerful enough to kill it in your digestive
system - just like any antibiotic -

then ANYTHING can grow in the most important system we have

a Probiotic will put the good stuff into your system - which will
push any bad stuff out! and that is from your esophagus to your
colon

I would do it, myself!( PS also some good yogurts have great
bacilli in them, too!)( I also drink filtered water, too!)

best of luck

Answer 4

i use kefir that is already prepare and comes in 32 oz. smoothies
they come in plain towhich you can add a little juice or fruit on your own,strawberry and raspberry
it works wonders for my ibs and also for my husband who is handicapped with limited mobility and constipated due to all the medications he takes
it also may aid in weight loss and help with insomnia in some people
you can buy it in a powder form and make your own but i find it easier to buy it in the prepared smoothie form and it is deliciousand cleanses your system naturally

Answer 5

http://knowledgeparadiseee.blogspot.com/2014/01/probiotics-how-does-it-work-benefits.html