With the increase in proliferation of broad spectrum
antibiotics, there has been an equivalent increase in chronic GI
distress and yeast infections. As a result, it is now well-understood
and recommended to take a supplement of Probiotics. Probiotics offer
the following four benefits:
- Prevents diarrhea
- Prevents yeast infections
- Reduces symptoms of IBS
- Reduces frequency of antibiotics
Oral antibiotic therapy can alter gastrointestinal (GI) microflora
and result in troublesome gastrointestinal complaints and vaginal
yeast infections (1,2). The bacterial flora of the GI tract plays an
important role in maintaining the health of the GI tract and protects
against colonization by invasive pathogens (2). Supplementing with the
"good" bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium has been
shown to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and prevent
antibiotic–associated diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, infectious
diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections (3). This is not only beneficial
for adults but can also help children who are constantly on
antibiotics (4). Supplementing with probiotics may help reduce the
frequency of antibiotics by up-regulating immune response (5).
Additional research continues to show the relationship of systemic
yeast infections (Candida Albicans) with complaints about Chronic
Fatigue Symptom (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Epstein Barr Virus, Lupus, M.S.,
Alzheimer's, Crohn's disease, as well as other chronic conditions.
In summary, antibiotics are certainly one of the greatest medical
discoveries, saving countless lives when there was no other option.
But the indiscriminant use that has become prevalent for minor
infections has serious consequences that years later can develop into
chronic symptoms that could have been minimized, if not alleviated
entirely, if the recipient had simply supplemented with a high quality
Probiotic.
(1) Witsell et al, Effect of lactobacillus acidophilus on
antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal morbidity, J Otolaryngol 1995
Aug; 24(4):230-3
(2) Levy, The effects of antibiotic use on gastrointestinal function,
Am J Gastroenterol 2000 Jan;95(1 suppl):s8-10
(3) Elmer et al, Biotherapeutic agents. A neglected modality for the
treatment and prevention of selected intestinal and vaginal
infections, JAMA 1996 Mar 20;275(11):870-6
(4) Vanderpool et al, Use of probiotics in childhood gastrointestinal
disorders, J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1998 Sep;27(3):323-32
(5) Erickson et al, Probiotic immunomodulation in health and disease,
J Nutr 2000 Feb; 130(2S Suppl): 403s-409s
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bill Evans is President of
Applied Health
Solutions, suppliers of high-end nutritional supplements and
antiaging products. For more information on pharmacist-preferred
Probiotics, visit:
Applied ProLine ProBiotics (http://www.appliedhealth.com/proline_probiotics.html) |
