Interesting news report:

"Probiotics may not be that helpful--and could actually do harm"

The idea seems to be that, if you take antibiotics, then load up on probiotics, the new bacteria could become dominant and prevent the reestablishment of one's own bacteria.

"What it says is gut health is tremendously important. The data are right. It controls your brain, it controls your immune system, what you absorb from food, diabetes, all of those. But a simple pill isn't a quick fix to gut health."

Something to think about . . .

--Lance

Hi Lance - There is a lot of research that indicates probiotics are important and do work to balance out GI harmony but appropriate testing is an underlying factor that goes along with a treatment protocol.

Antibiotics are well known to cause GI bacteria disruption (both good and bad) and often, testing isn't done to make sure that the good bacteria are replenished after a/b treatment. Many times, leaky gut syndrome or intestinal permeability is present and goes undetected which eventually causes a variety of symptoms including autoimmune responses and often this is caused by antibiotic use that is not balanced out with testing and adding back the specific, appropriate probiotics that keep the intestinal mucosa functioning optimally. The doctors who have advanced education in functional medicine are typically very aware of the specific tests to help maintain and/or regain a healthy gut bacteria environment. It's well acknowledged that most GI doctors don't have a clue.

Jackie

Thanks, Jackie. Agreed, especially about the cluelessness. I do wonder, however, whether people taking probiotics randomly perhaps sometimes get themselves into difficulties . . .

Best wishes,

--Lance