How to improve the digestive tract robustness using probiotic

Some gastrointestinal (GI) problems may be caused by a disruption in the intestinal microbial microflora of the GI tract, which may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these conditions. For more than a century, doctors have been turning to probiotics as a kind of treatment. Several strategies exist by which they could help restore a healthy bacterial microflora and improve gastrointestinal function. There are currently no regulations in place for probiotics, and there have been very few randomised controlled trials conducted on their effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal (GI) problems1.

It's already challenging to understand and compare studies regarding them because they come in so many different forms and methods of administration. Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile colitis, viral diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, pouchitis, and irritable bowel syndrome are only a few of the conditions where the effectiveness of probiotics, either as a bacterial isolate or a combination, has been evaluated2.

Benefits of Probiotics for GI Tract2-4:

Antibiotics-induced diarrhoea: Mild to severe diarrhoea is a common side effect of antibiotic therapy because the natural microbiota is suppressed, allowing opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria to proliferate. The spectrum includes pseudomembranous colitis and diarrhoea without mucosal abnormalities. Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea is severe in the latter (caused by Clostridium difficile). The condition is characterised by dysentery, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever if left untreated.  The probiotics L. rhamnosus and S. boulardii have been used successfully in clinical practice for treatment. A recent meta-analysis of probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea found that L. rhamnosus, L. casei, and S. boulardii (the most often used probiotics) lower the risk of the disease. The optimal probiotic dose and the efficacy of diverse probiotic therapies are research topics5.

Childhood diarrhoea: Rotavirus causes most acute infantile diarrhoea and newborn death worldwide. The replication occurs in the small intestine epithelium's highly specialised absorptive columnar cells, and the normal microflora appears to play a crucial role in the host reaction to the infection, since absorption of antigens is significantly improved in germ-free compared to normal mice. Rotaviral infections can be prevented and treated by adding probiotics to newborn feeds. L. rhamnosus GG, L. reuteri, L. casei Shirota, and B. animalis Bb12 have been proven to shorten severe rotavirus diarrhoea in well-controlled clinical investigations6.

Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance is caused by a hereditary beta-galactosidase defect that prevents hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose. Bacterial enzymes breakdown lactose in the large bowel, causing osmotic diarrhoea. Milk and milk products cause diarrhoea, stomach pain, and gas in lactose intolerant people. Improvement of lactose metabolism is a stated health advantage linked to probiotics, and tends to involve particular strains more than others and at specific dosages. However, typical yoghurt preparations utilising S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii ssp. Bulgaricus are much more effective in this regard, in part because of increased beta-galactosidase activity3.

How to Utilize Probiotics for Gastroenterology:

Increasing your daily intake of probiotics is the first step towards reaping their advantages. Foods and dietary supplements both work for this purpose. Natural probiotics are found in many commonly consumed traditional foods from all over the world. Greek yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut are all examples of such foods.

You should gradually increase your probiotic intake while keeping an eye on any changes in your health. Since probiotics come in a wide variety of strains, it's important to pay attention to how each one influences you specifically. Keeping track of what you eat and any supplements you take might be quite beneficial during this transitional phase7.

Reference:

  1. Veen, H. van B. de, Bron, P. A. & Kleerebezem, M. Improving the Digestive Tract Robustness of Probiotic Lactobacilli. Probiotics and Prebiotics: Current Research and Future Trends (2015).
  2. Verna, E. C. & Lucak, S. Use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders: what to recommend? Therap Adv Gastroenterol 3, 307–319 (2010).
  3. Kechagia, M. et al. Health Benefits of Probiotics: A Review. ISRN Nutr 2013, 481651 (2013).
  4. Vieira, A., Teixeira, M. & Martins, F. The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Inducing Gut Immunity. Frontiers in Immunology 4, (2013).
  5. Sazawal, S. et al. Efficacy of probiotics in prevention of acute diarrhoea: a meta-analysis of masked, randomised, placebo-controlled trials. Lancet Infect Dis 6, 374–382 (2006).
  6. Isolauri, E., Kirjavainen, P. & Salminen, S. Probiotics: a role in the treatment of intestinal infection and inflammation? Gut 50, iii54–iii59 (2002).
  7. Probiotics and Digestive Health: Benefits, Risks, and More. Healthline Learn more (2018).