Acidophilus and
Pre/Probiotics

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

If there are terms in these articles you don't understand, you can get a definition from the Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary.   If you want information about a specific disease, you can access the Merck Manual.   You can also search Pub Med for more abstracts on this topic.

Jump to:    Probiotic Articles       Probiotic Abstracts

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Probiotic Articles

   What is Acidophilus?
           A nice review by students from the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy


   A Nutritional Approach to Immunity
           Many studies show that immune function depends on nutrients found primarily in whole, unprocessed foods. [2] Researchers have also confirmed that physical activity and a healthy emotional state are essential for proper immune function. [3,4 ] A healthy diet and lifestyle may be the cornerstones of a strong immune system, but what specific measures can be taken when a person is faced with an immune challenge such as the annual cold and flu season?


   Probiotics Effective Against Viral Infections
           A recent study on the prevention of gastrointestinal infections suggests that probiotics may also be effective against viral infections. In this study, a group of 81 children was randomized to receive either a strain of lactobacillus (Lactobacillus GG) or placebo after hospital admission. Because many infections are acquired in the hospital (termed nosocomial infections), the researchers decided to test the protective effects of probiotics in this setting.


   The Probiotic Solution for Colitis
            Colitis, or irritable bowel disease (IBD), is a group of conditions characterized by gut–wall inflammation. Conventional medicine generally addresses IBD symptoms with steroids and other drugs. Probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, address the root cause, most importantly by acting antagonistically toward pathogenic bacteria that cause intestinal inflammation. Valuable probiotics include various species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page for more on this topic.


   Bacteria That Strengthen The Immune System
           Richard N. Podell, M.D. writes: "As a practicing physician and nutritionist, I hear that question at least three times a day. The good news is we can strengthen the immune system's resistance to infection by taking supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum, two breeds of "friendly" bacteria that normally live in the human gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract."


   The Yeast Within
           The predominant organisms normally found in the vagina are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Corynebacterium vaginale. [2] These organisms maintain an acidic vaginal environment with a pH of 4 to 4.5. [3] Since lactobacillus and corynebacterium are responsible for metabolizing the sugars glycogen and glucose, which are favorite foods for candida and other yeasts, a healthy amount of these organisms can stave off candida overgrowth. [4]


   Factors Involved in the Increased Intestinal Permeability Found With Irritable Bowel Disease
Stress, sugar, alcohol and previous exposure to Antibiotics head the list of items which kill off beneficial intestinal flora, setting the stage for yeast and other patogenic bacteria from disturbing intestinal permeability.


   A Probiotics Primer
           Ever since Louis Pasteur formulated the germ theory of disease in the late 1800s, humans have been locked in mortal combat with microorganisms. The zealous use of antibiotics, disinfectant chemicals and sanitary packaging attests to our fear and loathing of all things microbial. In this age of antisepsis, it seems ironic that each of our intestinal tracts harbors tens of trillions of bacteria. This number, by some estimates, exceeds the total number of cells making up the human body. Even more ironic is that many of these bacteria are beneficial. Probiotic– – or life–enhancing organisms within the intestinal tract perform such a wide variety of physiological functions that they have been likened to an accessory organ.

Probiotic Abstracts

   Increasing Work-place Healthiness with the Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomised, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study
Environ Health 2005 (Nov 7);   4:   25 ~ FULL TEXT
A total of 181 workers completed the study. More than 26 percent of the workers taking the placebo drink reported sick during the course of the study, compared to just 11 percent of workers who took the probiotic drink. The probiotic appeared even more effective in employees who worked the night shift; no night-shift workers taking the probiotic drink called in sick during the study, compared to 33 percent of those given the placebo.


   The Causes of Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Review
           Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Jun);   9 (2):   180–197 ~ FULL TEXT
           Alterations in the bowel flora and its activities are now believed to be contributing factors to many chronic and degenerative diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis have all been linked to alterations in the intestinal microflora. The intestinal dysbiosis hypothesis suggests a number of factors associated with modern Western living have a detrimental impact on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful.


   Inflammatory Bowel Disease
          Ulcerative colitis (UC), a subcategory of inflammatory bowel disease, afflicts 1-2 million people in the United States, and many more worldwide. Crohn's disease, a subcategory of inflammatory bowel disease, contributes to significant morbidity, particularly in industrialized nations. It can affect people of any age, but is more commonly diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood. Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful.

   Part 1: Ulcerative Colitis–Pathophysiology and Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options
Alternative Medicine Review 2003 (Aug);   8 (3):   247–283 ~ FULL TEXT
While conventional treatments can be effective in maintaining remission and decreasing the length of active disease periods, the treatments are not without side effects, and a significant number of people suffering from UC fail to respond to even the strongest drugs. This article reviews potential unconventional treatments - transdermal nicotine, heparin, melatonin, DHEA, probiotics, fiber, dietary changes, botanicals, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients - that may be considered in conjunction with conventional approaches or as part of a comprehensive alternative treatment protocol. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page for more on this topic.


   Part 2: Crohn's Disease–Pathophysiology and Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options
Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Dec);   9 (4):   360–401 ~ FULL TEXT
Conventional medications are not curative but can contribute to resolution of acute flare-ups and help maintain remission. Because significant side effects are associated with many these medications, more natural interventions to help maintain remission should be considered. Associated nutrient deficiencies, dietary interventions, and nutrient and botanical supplementation are discussed.

   Probiotics in Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention
           Alternative Medicine Review 2003 (May);   8 (2):   143-155 ~ FULL TEXT
           Probiotic microflora display numerous health benefits beyond providing basic nutritional value. They cooperatively maintain a delicate balance between the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. When this balance is disrupted, disease and inflammation result. A healthy gastrointestinal tract, with adequate mucus production and appropriate bacterial colonization, prevents the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, modulates disease processes, and prevents widespread inflammatory disorders. Probiotics may be commonly used as a therapeutic tool by health care practitioners in the not-too-distant future.


   Essential Fatty Acids as Possible Enhancers of the Beneficial Actions of Probiotics
Nutrition 2002 (Sep);   18 (9):   786
I investigated whether there is a common link between essential fatty acids and probiotics, which have similar actions and benefits in atopy. I made a critical review of the literature pertaining to the actions of essential fatty acids and probiotics on immune response and the interaction between them with particular reference to atopy. A significant reduction in the risk of childhood asthma and other atopic conditions was reported in children who were exclusively breast-fed for at least 4 mo after birth. This beneficial action can be attributed to the immunomodulatory, nutritional, or other components of human milk Human breast milk is rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), which have immunomodulatory actions. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page for more on this topic.


   Enhancement of Immunity in the Elderly by Dietary Supplementation with the Probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN0191
Amer J Clin Nutrit 2001 (Dec);   74 (6):   833–839
B. lactis HN019 could be an effective probiotic dietary supplement for enhancing some aspects of cellular immunity in the elderly.


   Probiotics in Human Disease
          Western civilization is facing a progressive increase in immune-mediated, gut-related health problems, such as allergies and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and genetic factors are an unlikely explanation for these rapid increases in disease incidence. Two environmental factors that relate to the modern lifestyle in Western societies are hygiene and nutrition. There has been a decline in the incidence of microbial stimulation by infectious diseases as a result of improved hygiene, vaccination, and antimicrobial medication.

   Probiotics in Human Disease - Part I
          Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Jun);   73 (6):   1142S–1146S
         These data show that probiotics promote endogenous host defense mechanisms. Thus, modification of gut microflora by probiotic therapy may offer a therapeutic potential in clinical conditions associated with gut-barrier dysfunction and inflammatory response.


   Probiotics in Human Disease - Part II
          Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Jun);   73 (6):   1142S–1146S
         Western civilization is facing a progressive increase in immune-mediated, gut-related health problems, such as allergies and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and genetic factors are an unlikely explanation for these rapid increases in disease incidence. Two environmental factors that relate to the modern lifestyle in Western societies are hygiene and nutrition.

   Probiotics in Primary Prevention of Atopic Disease:
A Randomised Placebo-controlled Trial
Lancet 2001 (Apr 7);   357 (9262):   1076–1079
Lactobacillus GG was effective in prevention of early atopic disease in children at high risk. Thus, gut microflora might be a hitherto unexplored source of natural immunomodulators and probiotics, for prevention of atopic disease.


   Efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in Prevention of Nosocomial Diarrhea in Infants
J Pediatr 2001 (Mar);   138 (3):   361–365
Prophylactic use of LGG significantly reduced the risk of nosocomial diarrhea in infants, particularly nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis.


   Probiotics: Effects on Immunity
           Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Feb);   73 (2 Suppl):   444S–450S
          The gastrointestinal tract functions as a barrier against antigens from microorganisms and food. The generation of immunophysiologic regulation in the gut depends on the establishment of indigenous microflora. This has led to the introduction of novel therapeutic interventions based on the consumption of cultures of beneficial live microorganisms that act as probiotics.


   Probiotics in the Management of Atopic Eczema
          Clin Exp Allergy 2000 (Nov);   30 (11):   1604–1610
         The results provide the first clinical demonstration of specific probiotic strains modifying the changes related to allergic inflammation. The data further indicate that probiotics may counteract inflammatory responses beyond the intestinal milieu.


   Lactobacillus GG in the Prevention of Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Children
J Pediatr 1999 (Nov);   135 (5):   564–568
Lactobacillus GG reduces the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children treated with oral antibiotics for common childhood infections.


   Immune Modulation of Blood Leukocytes in Humans by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Criteria for Strain Selection
Am J Clin Nutr 1997 (Aug 1);   66 (2):   515S–520S
Bacterial adhesion to enterocytes, fecal colonization, or both seem to be valuable selection criteria for immunomodulation. Antiinfective mechanisms of defense can be enhanced after ingestion of specific lactic acid bacteria strains.


   Probiotics:
A Novel Approach in the Management of Food Allergy
J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997 (Feb);   99 (2):   179–185
Human intestinal floral strain, Lactobacillus GG (ATCC 53103), promotes local antigen-specific immune responses (particularly in the IgA class), prevents permeability defects, and confers controlled antigen absorption.

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