Increasing Work-place Healthiness with the Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomised,
Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study
Environ Health 2005 (Nov 7); 4: 25 ~ FULL TEXT
A total of 181 workers completed the study. More than 26 percent of the workers taking the placebo drink reported sick during the course of the study, compared to just 11 percent of workers who took the probiotic drink. The probiotic appeared even more effective in employees who worked the night shift; no night-shift workers taking the probiotic drink called in sick during the study, compared to 33 percent of those given the placebo.
Probiotics in Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention
Alternative Medicine Review 2003 (May); 8 (2): 143-155 ~ FULL TEXT
Probiotic microflora display numerous health benefits beyond providing basic nutritional value. They cooperatively maintain a delicate balance between the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. When this balance is disrupted, disease and inflammation result. A healthy gastrointestinal tract, with adequate mucus production and appropriate bacterial colonization, prevents the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, modulates disease processes, and prevents widespread inflammatory disorders. Probiotics may be commonly used as a therapeutic tool by health care practitioners in the not-too-distant future.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Part 1: Ulcerative Colitis--Pathophysiology and Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options
Alternative Medicine Review 2003 (Aug); 8 (3): 247–283 ~ FULL TEXT
While conventional treatments can be effective in maintaining remission and decreasing the length of active disease periods, the treatments are not without side effects, and a significant number of people suffering from UC fail to respond to even the strongest drugs. This article reviews potential unconventional treatments - transdermal nicotine, heparin, melatonin, DHEA, probiotics, fiber, dietary changes, botanicals, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients - that may be considered in conjunction with conventional approaches or as part of a comprehensive alternative treatment protocol. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page for more on this topic.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Part 2: Crohn's Disease--Pathophysiology and Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options
Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Dec); 9 (4): 360–401 ~ FULL TEXT
Conventional medications are not curative but can contribute to resolution of acute flare-ups and help maintain remission. Because significant side effects are associated with many these medications, more natural interventions to help maintain remission should be considered. Associated nutrient deficiencies, dietary interventions, and nutrient and botanical supplementation are discussed.
The Causes of Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Review
Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Jun); 9 (2): 180–197 ~ FULL TEXT
Alterations in the bowel flora and its activities are now believed to be contributing factors to many chronic and degenerative diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis have all been linked to alterations in the intestinal microflora. The intestinal dysbiosis hypothesis suggests a number of factors associated with modern Western living have a detrimental impact on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful.
Probiotics: Effects on Immunity
Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Feb); 73 (2 Suppl): 444S–450S
The gastrointestinal tract functions as a barrier against antigens from microorganisms and food. The generation of immunophysiologic regulation in the gut depends on the establishment of indigenous microflora. This has led to the introduction of novel therapeutic interventions based on the consumption of cultures of beneficial live microorganisms that act as probiotics.
Essential Fatty Acids as Possible Enhancers of the Beneficial Actions of Probiotics
Nutrition 2002 (Sep); 18 (9): 786
I investigated whether there is a common link between essential fatty acids and probiotics, which have similar actions and benefits in atopy. I made a critical review of the literature pertaining to the actions of essential fatty acids and probiotics on immune response and the interaction between them with particular reference to atopy. A significant reduction in the risk of childhood asthma and other atopic conditions was reported in children who were exclusively breast-fed for at least 4 mo after birth. This beneficial action can be attributed to the immunomodulatory, nutritional, or other components of human milk Human breast milk is rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), which have immunomodulatory actions. You may also want to refer to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Essential Fatty Acids Page for more on this topic.
Enhancement of Immunity in the Elderly by Dietary Supplementation with the Probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN0191
Amer J Clin Nutrit 2001 (Dec); 74 (6): 833–839
B. lactis HN019 could be an effective probiotic dietary supplement for enhancing some aspects of cellular immunity in the elderly.
Efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in Prevention of Nosocomial Diarrhea in Infants
J Pediatr 2001 (Mar); 138 (3): 361–365
Prophylactic use of LGG significantly reduced the risk of nosocomial diarrhea in infants, particularly nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Lactobacillus GG in the Prevention of Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Children
J Pediatr 1999 (Nov); 135 (5): 564–568
Lactobacillus GG reduces the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children treated with oral antibiotics for common childhood infections.
Immune Modulation of Blood Leukocytes in Humans by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Criteria for Strain Selection
Am J Clin Nutr 1997 (Aug 1); 66 (2): 515S–520S
Bacterial adhesion to enterocytes, fecal colonization, or both seem to be valuable selection criteria for immunomodulation. Antiinfective mechanisms of defense can be enhanced after ingestion of specific lactic acid bacteria strains.
Probiotics in Human Disease - Part I
Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Jun); 73 (6): 1142S–1146S
These data show that probiotics promote endogenous host defense mechanisms. Thus, modification of gut microflora by probiotic therapy may offer a therapeutic potential in clinical conditions associated with gut-barrier dysfunction and inflammatory response.
Probiotics in Human Disease - Part II
Am J Clin Nutr 2001 (Jun); 73 (6): 1142S–1146S
Western civilization is facing a progressive increase in immune-mediated, gut-related health problems, such as allergies and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and genetic factors are an unlikely explanation for these rapid increases in disease incidence. Two environmental factors that relate to the modern lifestyle in Western societies are hygiene and nutrition.
Probiotics in Primary Prevention of Atopic Disease: A Randomised Placebo-controlled Trial
Lancet 2001 (Apr 7); 357 (9262): 1076–1079
Lactobacillus GG was effective in prevention of early atopic disease in children at high risk. Thus, gut microflora might be a hitherto unexplored source of natural immunomodulators and probiotics, for prevention of atopic disease.
Probiotics in the Management of Atopic Eczema
Clin Exp Allergy 2000 (Nov); 30 (11): 1604–1610
The results provide the first clinical demonstration of specific probiotic strains modifying the changes related to allergic inflammation. The data further indicate that probiotics may counteract inflammatory responses beyond the intestinal milieu.
Probiotics:
A Novel Approach in the Management of Food Allergy
J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997 (Feb); 99 (2): 179–185
Human intestinal floral strain, Lactobacillus GG (ATCC 53103), promotes local antigen-specific immune responses (particularly in the IgA class), prevents permeability defects, and confers controlled antigen absorption.
