Probiotics for Digestion & Stomach Problems – How do they Help?

The use of probiotics for digestive conditions is well supported by research. Probiotics improve digestion by helping to break down food, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and by improving the synthesis and absorption of nutrients.

The digestive tract is populated by over 400 different species of bacteria, collectively referred to as the “gut microflora”. When bad bacteria gain a foothold in the intestines, it can result in disruption of normal digestive function, causing symptoms like gas, bloating, irritation, diarrhea or constipation.

Prolonged imbalance in the microflora of the gut can cause chronic health conditions such as candida (yeast infection), leaky gut syndrome, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD, (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Celiac disease, diabetes and obesity also have associations with impaired microflora conditions.

Taking probiotics helps to restore the healthy bacteria ratio in the gut and can also support the immune system and the neuroendocrine system. What are the best probiotics for digestion and how do they work?

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Benefits of Probiotics for Digestion

A study published in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology in March 2015 showed probiotics provided metabolic, nutritional, trophic (nerves) and protective elements within the digestive, immune and neuroendocrine systems.

The study concluded that probiotics provided preventative as well as treatment options for gastrointestinal as well as extraintestinal conditions.

Clinical studies have shown probiotics can provide relief from the diarrhea to constipation cycle for those with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) by restoring the flora balance of the intestine and regulating the consistency and frequency of the stool.

For people with IBS with diarrhea and constipation or both conditions, the probiotics Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii, or combination probiotics are used to reduce bloating and help regulate the consistency and frequency of bowel movements.

A study published in the International of Medical Microbiology in 2010 showed that probiotics were helpful for the treatment of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). This disease is characterized by chronic inflammation throughout the digestive tract, such as in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Probiotics can improve this digestive system by exerting immunomodulatory effects. They also help to bring about immune homeostasis in the gut. The study recommended probiotics as a treatment for mild to moderate IBD.

For premature babies, probiotics are used to treat necrotizing enterocolitis. This condition causes tissue in the intestines to die. The probiotics Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus are used to prevent this condition.

Probiotics for Intestinal Function

The intestinal barrier has an important role to play in both digestion and the immune system. It helps to prevent harmful substances from crossing over from the gut into the circulating blood, while allowing beneficial nutrients to be absorbed.

Leaky gut syndrome has been proposed as a condition that occurs when the intestinal wall becomes too permeable. This is believed to be the result of inflammation or irritation. Come medical doctors have theorized that this could result in harmful bacteria or toxins leaking into the bloodstream.

Probiotics have been proposed as one way to prevent excessive intestinal permeability, by reducing inflammation in the gut and preventing pathogenic bacteria from spreading.

A study published in the Frontiers of Cellular and Infection Microbiology in March 2015 showed the probiotic Lactobacillus was protective of the intestinal epithelial barrier that may be damaged by pathological bacteria.

The bad bacteria try to damage the cell junction between epithelial cells and aims to use the paracellular pathway to make its way into the blood stream and other parts of the body.

The probiotic Lactobacillus prevents the bad bacteria from being able to attach and damage the cells. This keeps the cell junction and mucosal barrier intact. The probiotic Lactobacillus fructosus C2 strain was used in this study.

Probiotics for Gastritis

Taking Lactobacillus johnsonni or Lactobacillus gasseri strains helped reduce inflammation and the digestive condition gastritis that were caused by a Helicobacter (H pylori) infection.

Taking the Lactobacillus culture on its own or in combination with the probiotic Bifidobacteria and the probiotic yeast Saccharmomyces boulardii also reduced the complications of Helicobacter therapy.

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium is responsible for chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. This infection is also associated with cancer of the stomach.

A study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology states the em>Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium infection rate is declining in developed countries, but remains high in other countries. This infection is usually contracted as child and the infection can remain lifelong unless treated.

Probiotics help reduce the symptoms of the infection and helps with any diarrhea caused by the antibiotics. This can also improve digestive function and nutrient absorption.

Negative Effects of Probiotics

The most common side effect when taking probiotics is intestinal gas. This is usually a short term side effect that goes away after the first few initial doses.

Probiotics are taken to restore digestive function after a course of antibiotics. However, these two substances do interact with each other and they should be taken at least two hours apart for healthy people.

Probiotics should not be taken by those with impaired immune systems, such as organ donors or those using a catheter. This is because live cultures are used and they present a risk as a source of infection in impaired immune individuals.

Fatal Lactobacillus rhamnosus septicemia occurred when an immune impaired patient took yogurt and was also taking a long course of multiple broad spectrum antibiotics.

Unless otherwise directed, probiotics should not be used in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some probiotic strains have been researched for treating digestive conditions associated with pregnancy. But you should check with your doctor before using these supplements.

People with short bowel disease (SBS) should not use probiotics. A reported case of an 11-month-old infant with SBS developed bacteremia after receiving Lactobacillus rhamnosus for 5 weeks through a gastrostomy tube for rotaviral diarrhea.

Some probiotics can help alleviate digestive side effects from lactose intolerance. However, if the probiotic is milk-based, it might not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Probiotics play a role in digestion and can help to improve both digestive and immune conditions. To improve digestive function, probiotic bacteria are often combined with digestive enzymes.

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