Probiotics+-+Do+you+want+some+bacteria+with+that?


 * Probiotics ** // "Would you like some bacteria with that?" //

Author: Katie Kraemer Date: December 9, 2010
[] **ABSTRACT:** Several aspects of probiotics are discussed with a focus on the health benefits that they provide when consumed on a daily basis. The paper first gives an overview of probiotics. Mechanism of action, commonly used probiotic strains, foods containing probiotics, and several potential health benefits are discussed. Two specific health benefits are focused on, including the effect of probiotics on urogenital health, primarily on recurrent urinary tract infections, and on the nervous system/mental health. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of possible side effects and safety issues concerning the use of probiotics. **INTRODUCTION:** Probiotics are an important area of study for many researchers as a possible method of preventing and treating various diseases by maintaining and restoring the body’s balance of microflora. Probiotics have been shown to provide the host with numerous health benefits (National Institutes of Health, 2008). For example, in today’s demanding, fast paced world, mental illness is on the rise. However, studies have shown that the regular consumption of probiotics in a healthy diet may alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain (Knaresboro, 2010). In addition, probiotics have been implicated in urogenital health, and can be used in the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections (Falagas, 2006). As a future health professional, an awareness of probiotics is important, as its usage can contribute to a patient’s overall health, well being, and quality of life. [|Suffering from a case of BAD BACTERIA?]

[]


 * DISCUSSION: **


 * PROBITOICS - AN OVERVIEW: **

The human intestines, skin, eyes, nose, throat, and urinary and reproductive systems are the home to numerous bacteria, known as our normal microflora (Grosvenor, 2010). These microorganisms and the human host exhibit a phenomenon known as mutualism, in which each organism receives some kind of benefit from the other (Tortora, 2010). An estimated 400 different strains of bacteria inhabit the intestines (approximately four pounds of body weight), and carry out important functions, such as producing nutrients (B vitamins, vitamin K, digestive enzymes), shielding the body against pathogens, such as viruses, yeast, and other bacteria, and regulation of bowel function and health (Global Healing Center, 2010). In return, the bacteria are supplied with an abundance of nutrients from the host’s large intestine, which enables them to grow and reproduce (Tortora, 2010). A delicate balance exists between the beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and other body surfaces and those that are harmful. When this balance is upset, which can be the result of a variety of factors, including the use of antibiotics, stress, and excessive consumption of carbonated beverages or alcohol, health problems may ensue (Global Healing Center, 2010).

 []

**Probiotics** are **“live microbial cultures applied to or ingested that are intended to exert a beneficial effect”** (Tortora, 2010). Products containing probiotics have been in existence since ancient times. However, recent interest in probiotics in the United States caused spending on probiotic supplements to triple between the years of 1994 and 2003 (National Institutes of Health, 2008). Products that include probiotics include yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. They are also available as supplements. The regular consumption of probiotics in a healthy diet has been shown to have a wide variety of health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, vaginal infections and urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Probiotic use has also demonstrated a reduction in the recurrence of bladder cancer, and may help to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain. In addition, probiotics are thought to improve immune function due to the presence of immune cells in the digestive tract (National Institutes of Health, 2008). Probiotics exert their effects by restoring and promoting the normal balance of microflora in the body, leading to optimum health and well being (Grosvenor, 2010).

The majority of probiotics resemble beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the human body. Each strain of bacteria exerts a specific effect, and therefore, not all strains can be used in the prevention or treatment of a specific condition or disease. The most commonly used probiotics come from two groups of bacteria – Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus – each of which contain multiple species and strains (National Institutes of Health, 2008). The best known probiotic is //Lactobacillus acidophilus//, also referred to as lactic acid bacteria, which is commonly present in the large intestine. These bacteria synthesize and release several potent antimicrobial compounds which neutralize the effects of pathogenic microbes. It has also been shown to prevent the growth of pathogenic microbes, reduce the growth of tumors, and protect the body against carcinogens (Global Healing Center, 2010).

 []


 * PROBIOTICS AND UROGENITAL HEALTH: **

The vagina is another area of the body that is inhabited by the body’s microflora. A healthy vagina and urethra consists of mostly non-disease causing bacteria, primarily lactobacilli, in comparison to potentially pathogenic bacteria. Potential disease-causing bacteria in the vagina include //E. coli//, which can cause urinary tract and bladder infections, and //Gardner vaginalis//, the cause of bacterial vaginosis. An imbalance of the normal microflora of the vagina, especially a decrease in the amount of lactobacilli, can lead to infection. A correlation has been observed relating low amounts of lactobacilli in the vagina and recurrent urinary tract infections. High lactobacilli counts are frequently found in healthy women (Reid, 2002).

Many women worldwide, especially those who are postmenopausal and sexually active, suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections, which can have a negative effect on one’s quality of life (Falagas, 2006). Urinary tract infections cause painful symptoms such as pain during urination and soreness in the lower abdomen and back. Women may experience a frequent urge to urinate, but are often unable to completely empty the bladder. Physicians often prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections. However, the over usage of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance, and because of this, alternative methods of prevention and treatment are important and are currently being researched. Probiotics can be used as a therapeutic option to restore the balance of normal microflora, including lactobacilli, in the vagina. Certain strains of bacteria, including //Lactobacillus rhamnosus// GR-1 prevent uropathogens such as //E. coli// from adhering and growing in the vagina (Reid, 2002). Potential prevention and treatment options for recurrent urinary tract infections include the insertion of lactobacilli into the vagina to reestablish the balance of microflora. In addition, doctors may recommend the use of over-the-counter probiotics with the goal being to prevent the recurrence of infection, as well as to prevent antibiotic-related yeast infections. The vaginal microflora tends to fluctuate daily for reasons that are unknown, and more research is needed to establish treatments to help restore the normal balance of microorganisms in the vagina. However, there is evidence to believe that the use of commercial probiotics may aid in vaginal health (Reid 2002).


 * PROBIOTICS AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: **

Currently, scientists are researching the effect of variations of intestinal microorganisms on the nervous system and mental health. Although the research is still in its early stages, it appears as though specific bacterial strains may be useful in alleviating the symptoms of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and pain. The basis of the research involves the fact that impaired mood is often a symptom of gastrointestinal disease. An imbalance in the intestinal microflora has been implicated as the cause of this mood dysfunction, and researchers suggest that these microorganisms are an important factor in both neural and intestinal function (Knaresboro, 2010).

Depression and other mood disturbances are often associated with inflammation, which indicates that immune dysfunction plays a role in depressive symptoms. Since the digestive tract contains immune cells, an imbalance of the intestinal microflora may cause this immune dysfunction. A study involving animals treated with the probiotic //Bifidobacterium infantis// resulted in increased levels of tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin, in the amygdala and frontal lobe of the brain, both of which are involved in emotion and mood. In addition, treatment with this probiotic strain improved neurochemical function. //Bifidobacterium infantis// has also shown to be useful in treating pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (Knaresboro, 2010).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 276.75pt; tabstops: 276.75pt;"> []

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 276.75pt; tabstops: 276.75pt;">Anxiety is also associated with gastrointestinal distress. To study the link between probiotics and anxiety, researchers infected animals with an intestinal parasite, which disrupted the normal microflora of the intestine. This caused both inflammation and anxiety-like symptoms in the animal. It also decreased the amount of brain growth factor (BDNF) in a region of the brain called the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and mood. The probiotic //B. longum// was then administered to the animal to restore the normal microflora in the intestine. This caused both the brain growth factor levels and animal behavior to return to normal (Knaresboro, 2010).


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 276.75pt; tabstops: 276.75pt;">CONCLUSION: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 276.75pt; tabstops: 276.75pt;">Many microorganisms have been used for centuries without resulting in illness. However, probiotic use is controversial and requires additional research regarding safety, primarily for immune compromised individuals, the elderly, and very young children. If side effects occur they are often mild, and may include bloating or gas. In theory, probiotics may cause infections requiring antibiotic therapy, particularly in individuals with preexisting medical conditions. Probiotics may also result in overstimulation of the immune system, gene transfer, or unhealthy metabolic activity (National Institutes of Health, 2008). Probiotics that are consumed by mouth are regulated as food, not as drugs, which also raises questions regarding safety. Finally, the placebo effect may play a role in the benefits provided by probiotic supplements.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 276.75pt; tabstops: 276.75pt;">Microorganisms are vital to human health, and they make important contributions to our well being. Current research suggests that probiotics can be consumed safely as part of a healthy diet. Probiotic usage is an important strategy recommended increasingly by professionals in holistic health for both the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases, as well as to improve overall health (Global Healing Center, 2010).


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 276.75pt; tabstops: 276.75pt;">LITERATURE CITED: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 276.75pt; tabstops: 276.75pt;">Falagas, Matthew E. "Probiotics for Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women." //Drugs// 66.9 (2006). Print.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 125%;">Tortora, Gerard J., Berdell R. Funke, and Christine L. Case. "Normal Microbiota." //Microbiology: An Introduction//. 10th ed. San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2010. 400-04. Print.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 125%;">Global Healing Center. "Probiotic Bacteria and Your Health." Global Healing Center: //Natural Health and Organic Living//. 2010. Web. 03 Dec. 2010. <[].>

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 125%;">Reid, Gregor. "Probiotics for Urogenital Health." //Nutrition in Clinical Care// 5.1 (2002): 3-8. Print.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 125%;">Grosvenor, Mary B., and Lori A. Smolin. "Bacteria on the Menu." //Visualizing Nutrition//. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2010. 70. Print.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 125%;">Knaresboro, T. "The Pros of Probiotics: What's Good for the Belly Benefits the Brain." //Psychology Today// 43.6 (2010). EBSCOhost. Web 13 Nov. 2010.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 125%;">National Institutes of Health. "An Introduction to Probiotics." //National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine// [NCCAM]. NCCAM, 2008. Web. 15 Nov. 2010. <[].>