How to Start on Probiotics

Most commonly used to aid in digestive problems--such as irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance--probiotics mimic the "good bacteria" that occur naturally in the human body. Researchers continue to study the possible health benefits of probiotics, long popular in Japan and other parts of the world. Probiotic treatments are gaining favor in America, with national spending on probiotic supplements nearly tripling from 1994 to 2003, according to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Instructions

Probiotic Treatments and Supplements

• 1

  Ask your doctor if probiotic treatment is right for your health issue. Though side effects are rare and usually mild, the use of probiotics could compound some health problems, especially for people with immune-system disorders, according to Harvard Medical School.

• 2

  Begin with probiotics that occur naturally in some foods, such as yogurt. Though research is inconclusive as to its effectiveness, many women consume yogurt to treat yeast infections or urinary-tract infections. Yogurt is also commonly recommended for those taking antibiotics, which kill the "good bacteria" in a person's system along with the bad.

• 3

  Try miso, a fermented Japanese paste concocted of soybeans, salt and grain. The substance can be added to numerous foods for flavoring, and it can be diluted with water or other liquids for those who find the taste too strong.

• 4

  Remember that not all probiotics are created equal, and different strains may work better for different conditions. Harvard Medical School notes that an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms from 500 different species exist in normal, healthy bowels. Supplement manufacturers cannot duplicate every naturally occurring bacteria.

• 5

  Choose the right probiotic treatment for your condition. Some Lactobacillus strains may aid with diarrhea in infants and children but not adults, while Bifidobacterium strains may be recommended for irritable bowel syndrome. "Effects found from one species or strain of probiotics do not necessarily hold true for others, or even for different preparations of the same species or strain," according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• 6

  Read labels on probiotic supplements and make sure ingredients are clearly marked. The label should include the genus, species and strain for each probiotic in the product. Avoid mixtures that don't include this information.

• 7

  Discontinue any supplements and see a doctor if your gastrointestinal problems or other health issues grow worse following probiotic treatment. Take the supplements with you to the doctor's appointment.