Recent Probiotic Research Studies (November 2007)

This is the first monthly newsletter on the health benefits of probiotics. Each month I will bring you the latest scientific studies dealing with probiotics. There is a lot of active research in mainstream medicine about how probiotics can improve gastrointestinal problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, traveler’s diarrhea, antibiotic induced diarrhea, and Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease/Ulcerative Colitis). Probiotics provide three main health benefits. They aid in our digestion, act as a barrier against harmful bacteria and enhance our immunity. Thanks for your interest in EndoMune probiotic. Eat healthy and live well! Lawrence J. Hoberman, MD Recent Probiotics Research Studies This month I want to discuss a study that was recently published in the British Medical Journal. The study was to determine if taking a probiotic would prevent antibiotic related diarrhea. Most of us have experienced the situation of taking an antibiotic for a sinus infection or urinary tract infection and then developing GI upset from the antibiotic. It has been known that antibiotics will eradicate bacteria causing infections and will also destroy the good bacteria in our GI tract. There are 100 trillion bacteria in our intestines. Most of them are good guys, but some are harmful and can produce toxins when allowed to grow. Fortunately, the good bacteria out number the bad ones and keep them contained. The study involved giving a probiotic to half a group of 119 patients in a hospital who were receiving antibiotics. The investigation found that taking a probiotic while taking an antibiotic reduced the risk of developing diarrhea by 75% when compared to the group just receiving the antibiotic. If you need to take an antibiotic, be aware that you are at risk of developing diarrhea which can be severe. Fortunately, there is a medication that can reverse the problem. Take Home Message Call your doctor if you develop diarrhea while taking an antibiotic. Don’t ignore the diarrhea. It may not go away. Also, you may not develop the diarrhea for one or two weeks until after stopping the antibiotic.