Benefits and Risks
Probiotics appear to exert benefits in a number of conditions. However, adequate studies are required to establish their benefit.
Science is yet to fully explore the healing potential of probiotics. Meanwhile some studies have ruled in favor of probiotics, at least marginally. The benefits include--
- Antibiotics usage destroys the bacteria that are naturally present in our gut along with the undesirable microorganisms that they are meant to destroy. Probiotics help in replacing this natural gut fauna.
- Probiotics are used to control side effects of antibiotics such as cramping and diarrhea.
- Those with lactose intolerance (LT) develop certain stomach-related symptoms; probiotics are used to ease those symptoms.
- Research is being carried out to explore the possibility of probiotics being able to cure or control several medical conditions. Early evidence points to positive impact of probiotics on the following conditions:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Infectious diarrhea
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal infections caused by bacterium Clostridium difficile
- Vaginal /urinary tract infections
- Bladder cancer recurrence
- Tooth diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Constipation
- Skin diseases, such as eczema
- Pouchitis - a condition that may occur after the surgical removal of the colon
Risks
The probiotic supplements currently available in the market are unregulated and there is actually no way for a common man to find out how much of what is written on the label is true. Some findings have revealed that the quantity of bacteria present in some supplements is not sufficient enough to make an impact.
Some of the side effects that may occur on using probiotics include bloating and gas formation in the stomach, infections and some unwelcome metabolic effects due to the introduction of certain species of bacteria.
There are also reports of probiotics causing death in people with severe pancreatitis, gastroenteritis and liver diseases.
There is limiting evidence to support the full fledged use of probiotics. More studies on a range of aspects pertaining to probiotic functioning is required before it can be widely and consistently used.
Whenever studies have been carried out using probiotics, a placebo-like effect has been noticed. Scientists are speculating over the nature of metabolic functioning of the probiotic bacteria when added to food, their method of functioning amongst themselves and their mode of interaction with their host (human). Scientists are also interested in finding out the best mode of administering probiotic bacteria to humans.
Over all there is a need for carefully - crafted clinical trials to reach a state of conclusiveness.
Consult with your physician before starting on probiotics. It is also important to remember that probiotics cannot replace the conventional medications that you are being treated with for any of your ailments. Yes, probiotics have immense potential but it is better to wait and watch before pledging your health on them..!
