Dr. Gary’s Nutritional Library

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host.” Probiotics are common supplements. It is believed that probiotics can reduce the inflammation of the intestine seen in diverticular disease (DD.)

DD of the intestine is very common in Western countries. The symptoms are inflammatory and consist of pain of the abdomen and fever. Variations of bowel bacteria are believed to be important in the development of DD. There can be either diarrhea or constipation as symptoms. The problem can progress to the point of bleeding. It is believed that inflammation of the intestine can lead to microperforation of the intestine.

Western populations develop DD on the left near the sigmoid colon. Asian populations tend to develop DD on the right. Abnormal flora of the intestine results from severe constipation and increased intestinal transit times (the amount of time required for contents to pass through the intestine.) Probiotics restore bacterial balance by eliminating pathologic bacteria. Probiotics are believed to be able to reduce inflammatory disease of DD.

Probiotic use is common in DD. In one study, patients were given an antibiotic, which remained in the intestine, followed by probiotics. Of all the patients, 88% remained free of symptoms for 1 year. Aminosalicylates, such as mesalamine, are anti-inflammatory and can be used with a probiotic for DD with good results.

There is some concern about the use of probiotics with seriously ill patients. Bacteria may be able to pass from the intestine to the blood stream because of poor intestinal barrier function allowing bacteria to pass through the intestinal wall.

CONCLUSION: There is evidence that probiotics are beneficial in the management of diverticular disease. More studies are needed of the specific bacteria that can be used for specific indications.

NOTE: Microperforation of the intestine may allow absorption of foreign proteins to enter the blood system and cause autoimmunity.

Read more about probiotics.

To read the author’s abstract of the article click on the link to the author’s title of the article above.

PMID: 19244147.

Summary #408.

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