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New Research on How Probiotics Help Intestinal Discomfort
by Roberta Gonzales
November  2009

Many digestive disorders are due to inflammation in the form of an abnormality in the chloride secretion by human intestinal epithelial cells.  Probiotic bacteria have been found to alleviate certain inflammatory pathways in the gut. 

More research published in November 2009 found that certain lactobacillus such as “Bifobacterium Breve” helps to relieve intestinal dysfunction—old news? Not quite, the impact of probiotics on the intestinal epithelial cells continues to be a mystery.  But, to further study the impact of probiotics on cells researchers analyzed the probiotic Bifobacterium breve and compared it to other bacteria to observe actions on intestinal cells.  With the other bacteria there were no effects on chloride secretion or inflammation.  Bifobacterium breve, on the otherhand, showed positive effects in blocking chloride secretion, thus promoting intestinal homeostasis or relief.

Probiotic bacteria have been shown to survive acidic conditions such as the stomach, intestines and even in yogurt.  In fact the acidic environment is most helpful to these live cultures.  It has been found to be essential in promoting a good balance in the normal flora of the intestines—keeping the bad bacteria in check as well.

Since probiotics help in maintaining the protective epithelial cell lining of the intestines, it can help prevent other pathogens from growing excessively.  But, with diarrhea causing conditions such as stress, illness, antibiotics, travel, and certain rotaviruses affecting children, the delicate lining may become damaged and diminished.  So far, it’s been found to help the immune system by protecting the cell lining. 

Probiotics may be found in yogurt and are also available through supplements.  Many manufacturers are also using the product to produce conjugated linoleic acid which have been found helpful in weight management, heart disease, lowering cholesterol—amongnst its many attributes.  Childhood eczema and allergies are always a concern for parents and studies have shown that probiotics can help.  Not to mention the latest on swine flue and influenza, it won’t hurt to include probiotics  into  your diet.


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RESOURCE:
Elise Heuvelin, Corinne Lebreton, Maurice Bichara, Nadine Cerf-Bensussan and Martine Heyman;Biochemical, Molecular, and Genetic Mechanisms: A Bifidobacterium Probiotic Strain and Its Soluble Factors Alleviate Chloride Secretion by Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells; J. Nutr. (November 4, 2009). doi:10.3945/jn.109.114553© 2009 American Society for Nutrition