The term "probiotics" is frequently thrown around in health circles, but for many, the true depth and range of their benefits remain a mystery. At their core, probiotics are live microorganisms believed to provide health advantages when consumed in adequate amounts. While the concept of ingesting live bacteria might initially raise eyebrows, the truth is that our bodies have been coexisting with these microorganisms for eons. The balance—or imbalance—of these bacteria in our system can affect everything from our digestive health to other unexpected aspects of our wellbeing. This article delves into the science and research behind probiotics, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in our health.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for our health, especially our digestive system. While bacteria often have negative associations, our body is actually full of both good and bad bacteria.Probiotics have been extensively studied because they repopulate the beneficial bacteria which can help kill pathogenic bacteria and fight infection (Kedar S et al. 2010).
Probiotic supplements exist, but they can also be added to your diet via food. Foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut are popular examples of foods that contain probiotics. Due to the existence of good bacteria already in your system, probiotics are considered safe with a low chance of side effects.
Can probiotics be used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea?
Traveller’s diarrhoea is an unwelcome guest that many encounter when journeying abroad, often resulting from pathogens in consumed food, notably the Escherichia coli. Upon entering the intestine, these pesky organisms release toxins, targeting the stomach lining. This causes an unpleasant surge of water and electrolytes into the bowel, leading to fluid imbalance.
Recent research onprobiotics have shown potential in helping travellers manage these uncomfortable symptoms. But how exactly do they assist? When taken in the right quantities, probiotics assert their positive influence by competing with harmful bacteria for essential nutrients and space in our gut. Moreover, they engage with our intestinal cells and fine-tune the immune responses within our digestive system. One significant advantage of introducing probiotics during travel is their ability to adapt the gut flora without hampering the natural protective microbial balance.
In particular, S. boulardii is a unique probiotic yeast proven safe and naturally able to supports optimal digestive health and a healthy digestive balance. Numerous studies have underscored its effectiveness, especially for travellers. Incorporating S. boulardii into one's regimen five days before and throughout travel has been linked with a notable reduction in the incidence of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Can probiotics be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It leads to a chronic set of symptoms, ultimately reducing the quality of life.
IBS is typically diagnosed through a process of exclusion, and its exact cause remains elusive. Nonetheless, research suggests that an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and a compromised intestinal barrier might contribute to IBS's onset.Good digestive health depends on a healthy gut populated with diverse bacteria. When this bacterial balance is disrupted, it can trigger various gastrointestinal problems. Disturbances in the gut microflora can manifest as common symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Probiotics have emerged as a solution to restore this bacterial balance, presenting a promising avenue for managing gastrointestinal ailments like IBS. They are believed to fortify the balance and diversity of the gut microbiota and assist in eliminating detrimental bacteria. Research indicates that probiotics offer a safe and effective remedy for IBS patients, enhancing stool frequency, gut transit time, and stool consistency (Gupta and Maity, 2021). Specific strains, such as the Bacillus coagulans strain LBSC, have been effective in mitigating IBS symptoms like bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and constipation (Le Morvan de Sequeira et al., 2021). Importantly, probiotics also appear to have fewer side effects than other IBS treatments, such as antispasmodics and antidepressants (Niu and Xiao, 2020).
Can probiotics be used to manage the side effects of antibiotics?
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is common side effect of antibiotic treatment, characterised by the passing of loose, watery stools at least three times a day. This condition often arises when antibiotics disturb the delicate balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract.
While many antibiotics have the potential to cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea, some are more commonly implicated than others, including:
- Macrolides, such as clarithromycin
- Cephalosporins, like cefdinir and cefpodoxime
- Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin
- Penicillins, including amoxicillin and ampicillin
Probiotics, which are live organisms, are believed to enhance the host's microbial balance. They may mitigate the risk of disruptions in gut flora due to antibiotic use and subsequent colonization by harmful bacteria. Studies have indicated that probiotics can decrease the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in both adults and children across various medical settings. These findings remain consistent across different probiotic species, dosage levels, and in research with both high and low risk of bias. As an intervention, probiotics offer a cost-effective and low-risk solution, especially for individuals more susceptible to antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Mellinkoff 1954).
Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are both touted for their health benefits, but they serve different purposes. So, what are the advantages of prebiotics, and how do they differ from probiotics?
The term "prebiotics" was coined by Gibson and Roberfroid in 1995. These are typically defined as non-digestible fibre compounds that positively influence the host by selectively promoting the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria already present in the colon, ultimately benefiting the host's overall health (de Roos& Katan, 2000). Delving deeper, prebiotics such as fructo oligosaccharides, gluco oligosaccharides, and inulin are specific short-chain carbohydrates. They bypass digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and, upon reaching the colon, undergo fermentation. This process results in the production of short-chain fatty acids like acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which are beneficial for colonic cell growth and stability. In other words, think of prebiotics as a fertiliser for probiotics (Faujdar et al., 2016).
There are instances when both probiotics and prebiotics are paired in a single ingredient or supplement,also known as "synbiotics." The rationale behind this is that the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) will flourish more robustly and competitively when nourished by their specific food (prebiotics), ensuring they maintain a dominant presence in the gut (Schrezenmeir J et al., 2001).
What is the role of probioticsin maintaining the gut-health axis?
The gut is more than a digestive organ; it intertwines with aspects of our health,such as our skin, mental well-being, and immune functions. This interplay, termed the "gut-health axis," underscores the extensive influence of proper digestive health on our overall well-being. Let's explore some of these specific connections and the role of probiotics in these intricate relationships.
Gut-Skin Axis: Digestive health plays a pivotal role in the health and appearance of our skin. This relationship, known as the gut-skin axis, shows how an imbalance in the gut can lead to skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. One reason for this connection is that harmful bacteria from an unhealthy gut can infiltrate the bloodstream and affect the skin. Conversely, a balanced gut, aided by the presence of probiotics, can help manage skin issues by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy bacterial diversity.
Gut-Brain Axis: Our mental well-being and digestive health are deeply interconnected. This relationship, termed the gut-brain axis, highlights how our gut bacteria can influence psychological aspects like mood and anxiety levels. Research has observed patterns linking gut health disturbances with mental health issues. By ensuring a balanced gut microbiome with the help of probiotics, there's potential to positively influence mental health outcomes, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Gut-Immune Axis: The gut is not just responsible for digestion; it's also a crucial part of our immune system. This gut-immune connection underscores how gut microbes play a role in our immune response, from producing essential cytokines to maintaining the balance of immune cells in our system. A well-maintained gut flora, supported by probiotics, can aid in enhancing our immune responses and reducing inflammation.
Probiotics' influence stretches beyond just improving digestive health. They play a role in various systems and processes within our body, from our skin's appearance to our mental well-being and immune response. To delve deeper into these intricate connections and the comprehensive role of probiotics in health, we invite you to explore our previous article that delves into the wider impact of probiotics on our overall health.
Conclusion:
As we've journeyed through the realm of probiotics, it's evident that these microorganisms hold significant potential in influencing various aspects of our health. Their interaction with our gut doesn't just stop at aiding digestion; it extends to potential roles in skin health, mental wellbeing, and even our immune response. As with all health supplements and interventions, it's crucial to approach probiotics with a well-researched and informed perspective. As studies continue and our understanding deepens, it's hoped that the potential of probiotics will be harnessed to its fullest, offering more tools in the ever-evolving toolkit of human health.
References:
Niu, H.-L., & Xiao, J.-Y. (2020). The efficacy and safety of probiotics in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Evidence based on 35 randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Surgery (London, England), 75, 116–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.01.142
Le Morvan de Sequeira, C., Kaeber, M., Cekin, S. E., Enck, P., & Mack, I. (2021). The Effect of Probiotics on Quality of Life, Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(16), 3497. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163497
Gupta, A. K., &Maity, C. (2021). Efficacy and safety of Bacillus coagulans LBSC in irritable bowel syndrome. Medicine, 100(3). https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000023641
Mellinkoff S. M. (1954). Gastrointestinal complications of antibiotic therapy. The American journal of gastroenterology, 22(4), 295–300.
de Roos, N. M., & Katan, M. B. (2000). Effects of probiotic bacteria on diarrhea, lipid metabolism, and carcinogenesis: a review of papers published between 1988 and 1998. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 71(2), 405–411. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/71.2.405
Pradeep K, Kuttapa MA, PrassanaRao (2012). Probiotics and oral health: An update. Bio Med Rep; 2:246-252.
Schrezenmeir, J., & de Vrese, M. (2001). Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics--approaching a definition. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 73(2 Suppl), 361S–364S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/73.2.361s
Faujdar, S. S., Mehrishi, P., Bishnoi, S., & Sharma, A. (2016). Role of Probiotics in human health and disease: An update. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 5(3), 328–344. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2016.503.040