Probiotics effective in combating antibiotic-associated diarrhea

American College of Gastroenterology ^ | October 31, 2011

[decimon]

'Good bugs' look promising as anti-inflammatory agent for patients with ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome

Washington, DC -- In four different studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 76th Annual Scientific meeting in Washington, DC, researchers explored the effectiveness of probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea; as an anti-inflammatory agent for patients with ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome; and for people with abdominal discomfort and bloating who have not been diagnosed with a functional bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

These four studies will be featured during an ACG press briefing on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 entitled: "Good, Bad and Ugly Bugs: Mother Nature as a Treatment for Better Health in the GI Tract," which will highlight new clinical science that explores the role of the "gut microbiota" –the bacterial composition of the GI tract – and the efficacy of probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation in treating various GI conditions.

Probiotics are considered "good bacteria" that help maintain the natural balance of microflora in the digestive tract where trillions of bacteria live. While most of the more than 400 different species in the gut are healthy bacteria, others, "bad bugs" have the potential to cause damage to the digestive system. At times, an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria can lead to uncomfortable symptoms or illnesses. Probiotics are bacteria, or even sometimes yeast, which may alleviate common GI symptoms and are found in many commercial products including yogurt, juices, soy products, fermented milk, tempeh and other dietary supplements. They also come in capsule, tablet or powder formulations.

[vetvetdoug]

Anytime I have an animal on certain antibiotics, I use probiotics concurrently. I learned a long time ago that much of the diarrhea with some diseases were caused by the diminished number of symbiotic gut flora due to the antibiotics I had to use to save the animal. The Parvo puppies I treat get probiotics automatically.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Sauerkraut helped me - I like Bubbies. Kimchee might work too but I hear it’s hard to eat unless you’re used to it. I also drink kombucha.