Reactions to Probiotics

The body is an ecosystem for thousands of bacteria and fungus. The bacteria and fungi balance each other and keep each other in check. When you're ill from a bacterial infection, it's because "bad" bacteria took over and their waste is toxic to your system. Good bacteria help prevent this. They're probiotics, a name used to indicate the difference between the medication, antibiotics, and the beneficial bacteria. Some people wonder if there's any negative reaction to probiotics.

History

• Probiotics started when a Russian Nobel prize-winning physiologist, Elie Mechnikoff, attributed the long life of those from the Balkan area of Eastern Europe, to their consumption of fermented dairy foods. He attributed this to the bacteria that produced an acidic condition that improved the functioning of the intestines. Since then, scientists found that not only are there friendly bacteria that help aid digestion; there are also bacteria that fend off fungus infection and invasion by bacteria that cause damage to the body. In 1965, Lilly and Stillwell coined the term probiotics to show how it contrasted antibiotics that kill even beneficial organisms.

Function

• There are close to 70 trillion cells in the body and over 100 trillion bacteria in the intestine. The bacteria perform important functions such as breaking down food to usable substances easily absorbed by the body, keeping fungi in check and stopping bad bacteria from growing. When you take antibiotics, it kills the beneficial bacteria. This causes yeast infections, diarrhea and other side effects. Probiotics help with these. There are studies now underway for other potential uses.

Decreased Immune Function

• Most probiotic products warn those with compromised immune systems to avoid their product. While there's no research indicating that probiotics are harmful, it's best not to introduce new bacteria into person with an already compromised immune system where there's a potential for opportunistic infection.

Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction

• Herxheimer, German dermatologist, receives credit for identifying the reaction created when too many bad bacteria die at once. The toxins released create an immune system reaction because the body can't release all of the toxins. Some of the systems are gas, bloating and headaches, but allergic reactions also occur. These may be uncomfortable, but they indicate that the probiotics are doing their job. Another term for this reaction is "die-off." Some doctors suggest that charcoal tablets given a few hours after the probiotics help to relieve symptoms by absorbing the toxins.

Filler

• Probiotics aren't pure strains of bacteria but come in handy pills that contain filler. Some people may have reactions to the fillers in the tablets. Check on the bottle to before you buy if you have any allergies. Soy products are often used, and some people can't tolerate the soy.

Damaged GI Tracts

• Those with damage in their gastrointestinal tract may not be candidates for some forms of probiotics. Even though there are indications that appropriate bacteria introduced helps, it's best to seek the advice of a physician trained in the administration of probiotics. Several studies show that specific probiotic strains of bacteria help those with Crohn's and irritable bowel syndrome.

Considerations

• The vast majority of text and results of study show that probiotics are safe for most people and easily self-administered with no contraindications. Considering many of the bacteria are those found in fermented milk products such as cheese and yogurt, humans introduced the probiotics into the body with few negative effects for hundreds of years.