The generation time of a bacterium is defined as the time taken by it to double its numbers. Whether a bacterial species can work very fast has to do largely to its generation time. One of the proposed modes of action of the probiotic bacteria to exert its beneficial effects is to have a rate of proliferation greater than that of its colonial competitors. Once that is done it can easily achieve its goal to flourish rapidly and outnumber the undesirable or pathogenic bacteria, the so called ‘bad bugs’ of the body. Generally, there are many strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that have a very short generation time. The average doubling time of the species of most of these bacteria is mostly in the range of 2-3 hours in the intestinal tract. This is a short enough time to get growth within the food as it moves along through the digestive system. However, there are strains that have a comparatively large generation time in vivo and consequently they are unable to show such colonization of food during its movement. Nonetheless, the bacteria with smaller doubling time can eventually aid in the digestion of the food and even prevent food poisoning. The trait can be put to use in patients with digestive malfunction. But before that a precise characterization of the growth characteristics of the probiotics in use has to be done. [Read more…]
Can Probiotics Help With Constipation?
Constipation can be referred to as a condition of the digestive system wherein bowel movements are not frequent resulting in painful defecation. In most cases this might be a result of slower bowel movements as a result of which the colon absorbs too much of water from the food and turn it dry and difficult to pass out. Constipation may be a result of a low fibre diet, low liquid intake or dieting. Probiotics have been used as a remedy against constipation. Doctors at University of Maryland Medical Center suggest use of probiotics in combating constipation.
History of Probiotic Use In Constipation:
The use of probiotics in the treatment and relief of constipation has a long history. Some of the first clinical trials carried out with lactobacilli were related to their effect on constipation. In 1922, Rettger & Cheplin were amongst the first to recommend the use of acidophilus milk to adults with constipation problem. Similar results were found in 1933 and 1935 by a group of researchers including Weinstein, Weiss, Rettger and Levy. The results were substantiated by the works of Graf and Alm et al. (1983). [Read more…]
Probiotics for Children: What You Need to Know
If you could find a way to help cut down on the number of colds your child has, prevent your baby from getting eczema, ease the symptoms of colic, and help prevent or treat diarrhea and other intestinal ailments, would you give it to your child? Well, the good news is, probiotics may do all that and more when used as a supplement for children. A number of physicians and researchers have weighed in on the subject, including the head of the gastroenterology department at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dan W. Thomas, M.D., who is the coauthor of American Association of Pediatrics report on probiotics and kids. He recommends checking with your child’s doctor before administering probiotics, but it is important to note that many doctors may be poorly informed about probiotics. Some of Dr. Thomas’ research will appear later in our discussion. [Read more…]
Can Probiotics Work In The Small Intestine?
Great question so let’s tackle it step by step.
Hostile Environment Within The Small Intestine:
The small intestine offers varying degrees of environmental difficulties such as a differential pH to the growth and survival of microbial life. After the stomach the food reaches the small intestine in the form of partially digested lump of food called acid chyme. As a result, the pH gets lowered in the small intestine in region with close proximity to the stomach. However, the enzymes in the small intestine responsible for digestion are only active at alkaline condition. As a result to neutralize this acidic condition and to facilitate proper digestion a variety of factors including bile juices, pancreatic juices, secretin, and certain enzymes are released into the lumen of the small intestine which brings the pH in this region to around 8. [Read more…]
Probiotics for Women: What You Need to Know
Urinary tract infections are one of the primary reasons women turn to probiotics, but our report today will explore other applications, including boosting immunity, helping emotions, preventing high blood pressure, and reducing recurrent vaginal infections. Like our recent article on men and probiotics, this article focuses on specific ways that probiotic supplementation can benefit women. If you think probiotics are only included in yogurt for their taste, you will want to read the rest of the story here.
Higher Immunity
While probiotics are commonly thought of to help gastrointestinal issues, they are beneficial for a number of other things as well. In fact, Dr. Julia Chen wrote in the Huffington Post (October 3, 2012) about a patient who came to her for gastrointestinal issues. After supplementing with probiotics, the woman discovered that not only had her original issues been improved, she also suffered from far fewer colds than normal – a tribute to the effectiveness of probiotics to raise immune levels.
Those Crazy Emotions
Guess what, research says that taking probiotics can help improve your mood! No, seriously. Although the connection had previously been demonstrated in rats, the UCLA’s School of Medicine conducted research on women by giving probiotics and conducting MRIs. The results showed that the areas of the brain associated with pain and emotion showed less activity, while decision-making regions demonstrated greater activity. According to researchers, this effect indicates probiotics can improve women’s moods. [Read more…]
Probiotics for Men: What You Need to Know
Reaping the Benefits
So what’s all the hype about probiotics? Are they really good for me? What will I gain if I go to the trouble of including probiotics in my diet? According to Dr. Oz, probiotics can help those who are lactose intolerant, help build the body, reduce cholesterol, and help alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, excess gas, and constipation. But you do not have to take his word for it, a growing stack of evidence points to many benefits of taking probiotics, including better immunity, lower heart disease risk, and better endurance for athletes. For more specific benefits, check out the topics below.
Yeast Infections
If you think that yeast infections are just a plague for women, think again. Although male yeast infections are much less common than yeast infections, they do happen. According to Dr. Steckelberg at the Mayo Clinic, yeast infections can be spread to men through sexual intercourse. In addition, antibiotic use weakens the immune system and makes men more susceptible to many illnesses, including yeast infections. The use of Lactobillus acidolphilus, one of the more common forms of probiotics, is suggested by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) to help rebuild the body after antibiotics. According to the UMMC, some research suggests that taking L. acidolphilus may help to prevent yeast infections. [Read more…]