Probiotics hold the key not just for better health and a stronger immune system, but also for healing digestive issues, mental health illness, and neurological disorders.
New research is continuing to prove that probiotic benefits go far beyond what we previously thought. As our knowledge of the importance of the microbes in our bodies grows, it’s important to give our flora a helping hand. But given the myriad of probiotic strains, it is always worth checking with your Naturopath or health care practitioner.
If you missed Part 1 or Part 2 of this popular series, makes sure you read them too!
Constipation
Constipation is a frustrating and common problem. Probiotics can play a key role in helping to relieve constipation, but it can be confusing trying to choose the correct and most effective one.
Several studies have showed positive effects on constipation symptoms. 1
In one study published in the “Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology” in September 2010, a team of Italian researchers found that artichokes enriched with the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei strain helped to treat constipation, reducing abdominal distension and the feeling of incomplete elimination.
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 is a very well researched probiotic strain which has repeatedly demonstrated effectiveness at reducing constipation. This particular probiotic strain of B.lactis BB-12, has been investigated in several trials for constipation. 2
Oral Health
Lactobacillus. rhamnosus GG and two different Lactobacillus reuteri strains have been reported to colonize the oral cavity of 48–100% of volunteers consuming products containing them. 3 In addition, Streptococcus salivarius K12, used for treating oral malodor, temporarily colonizes the oral cavity for a short time after use.4
Travellers Diarrhea
There is increasing evidence that the gastrointestinal microflora is a major regulator of the immune system, not only in the gut, but also in other organs.
Research has shown use of the specific strain Saccharomyces boulardii can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of traveler’s diarrhea when such probiotics are taken. However due to the limited studies so far, it appears probiotics may be more effective in preventing traveler’s, rather than treating it once it becomes symptomatic. 5
References
- The role of a probiotics mixture in the treatment of childhood constipation: a pilot study.
Noor-L-Houda Bekkali, Marloes EJ Bongers, Maartje M Van den Berg, Olivia Liem, Marc A Benninga
Nutr J. 2007; 6: 17. Published online 2007 August 4. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-6-17
- Eskesen, D., Jespersen, L., Michelsen, B., Whorwell, P., Müller-Lissner, S., and Morberg, C. (2015). Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. British Journal Of Nutrition 114, 1638-1646.
- 44. Krasse P, Carlsson B, Dahl C, Paulsson A, Nilsson A, Sinkiewicz G. Decreased gum bleeding and reduced gingivitis by the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri. Swed Dent J. 2006;30:55–60. [PubMed]
- 61. Horz HP, Meinelt A, Houben B, Conrads G. Distribution and persistence of probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in the human oral cavity as determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2007;22:126–130. [PubMed]
- Kelesidis, Theodoros, and Charalabos Pothoulakis. “Efficacy and Safety of the Probiotic Saccharomyces Boulardii for the Prevention and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Disorders.” Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology 5.2 (2012): 111–125. PMC. Web. 22 June 2016.
