Probiotics Fight Cold and Flu

Encouraging results from recent studies indicate that probiotics may be beneficial in the prevention of contracting colds and flu, reducing the severity if contracted and boosting the immune system. The word "probiotic" comes from the Greek, "for life."

These live microorganisms are "good" bacteria that promote growth of other microorganisms in the intestinal tract. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) define probiotics as: "Live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host"

Russian Nobel Prize winner Elie Metchnikoff noted during his work at the Pasteur Institute in the early twentieth century that particular microbes ingested with food helped to replace harmful bacteria with good bacteria in the gut. His study identified live-culture yoghurt as a vehicle for better health and longer life span in Balkan peasants. Other early researchers noted the presence of good bacteria in healthy people and the effect of good bacteria in assisting the treatment of diarrhoea.

More recent scientific studies suggest that the use of probiotics may be of benefit in promoting health, preventing disease and in strengthening the body's immune responses. A stronger immune system helps to maintain heath and reduce occurrence of illness. Several strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria available in food products such as yoghurt and as dietary supplements have been shown to have positive effects on immune strengthening.

Consumer demand for natural and safe remedies for ailments such as colds and flu has spurred research to evaluate the effectiveness of using probiotics as a preventative to these illnesses. A double-blind study in 2001 with children in day care centres in Finland demonstrated that consumption of probiotic milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus resulted in fewer cases of respiratory tract infections and subsequent need for antibiotic treatment.

Another double-blind study in Sweden in 2005 examined the effects of taking probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri protectis as a preventative for colds and diarrhoea in healthy adults in a work environment. The study showed that individuals taking probiotics took sixty percent fewer sick leave days for respiratory illness and diarrhoea.

A third double-blind study, conducted in 2009 by an international team of researchers, demonstrated that administration twice daily for six months of probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus, or a combination of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus reduced the incidence of fever, cough and rhinitis in young children.

A study in 2006 examined the effect on immune system health when fermented foods were removed from the diet of healthy adults. The results indicated that immune responses were lowered, affecting the body's ability to fight infection. The reintroduction of yogurt containing standard probiotic bacteria or non-food lactobacilli counteracted these effects. Researchers are encouraged by these results and recommend continued rigorous studies to substantiate the health benefits of probiotics indicated by these data.

The human intestines are host to more than 400 types of microorganisms. The different strains of probiotics interact with the natural flora of the intestinal tract in unique ways. Thus, no two strains will have the same effect in the body. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics has identified several species and strains that have proven probiotic microorganisms. They also list a set of guidelines for safe selection of commercial products that include probiotic ingredients. When considering taking alternative treatments such as probiotics, it is recommended to consult a medical practitioner, particularly when being treated for illness.

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