Monday, Oct 10 2011 02:58 PM
HEALTH BEAT: Who benefits from probiotics?
I recently received several emails promoting probiotics, new strains and trends. I was curious what all of this meant, especially since I wasn’t quite sure what probiotics even were. I turned to local dieticians Emily Wortiska and Kathleen Janzen, who work at Bakersfield's TERRIO Therapy Fitness, and who have agreed to answer health questions for this blog.
Q: So, what’s the story with probiotics?
A: Probiotics (aka: “good bacteria”) are essentially living microorganisms that are similar to the ones that already reside in our digestive tract. The word probiotic refers to anything (bacteria, virus, or yeast) that is shown to have a health benefit for the individual. Along with the “good bacteria” our digestive tracts also have “bad bacteria”. By taking probiotics you are adding to the existing “good bacteria” that is already there. By doing so you are allowing the “good bacteria” to flourish and in turn making it more difficult for the bad bacteria to reside. Prebiotics are portions of food that are non-digestible by us but that feed the “good bacteria.”
Q: Are there any health benefits?
A: There has been a lot research done on the benefits of probiotics. Much of the research suggests that there are certain disorders that can benefit from the use of specific strains of probiotics. These include antibiotic-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Other studies have suggested that probiotics may have beneficial effects on the immune system and cancer prevention. The health benefits of each strain are different and should be studied to identify if beneficial properties exist.
Q: Are they safe?
A: Health professionals are split when it comes to the use and effectiveness of probiotics but all agree that the use for adults is generally considered safe. More research on specific strains is necessary. As a registered dietitian, I would recommend patients on antibiotics consume yogurt containing probiotics or a probiotic supplement in conjunction. I may also recommend probiotics for individuals experiencing gastrointestinal distress caused by various factors. A yogurt a day has been known to decrease constipation, bloating and stomach discomfort. People with the occasionally “upset” stomach or constipation can sufficiently receive probiotics through foods, like yogurt, instead of using supplements.
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