Probiotics Prevent and Treat Diarrhea

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus are beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal flora. Probiotics are known to support GI (gastrointestinal) health and immunity. Now research reports that various probiotic strains are associated with reducing diarrhea. The most common causes of diarrhea include food intolerance (such as lactose intolerance), certain medications, bacteria, parasites, and intestinal and bowel disorders. 

The review, published in Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, investigated probiotic use in preventing and treating diarrhea.  Researchers at the University of Naples, Italy, analyzed randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses on probiotic prevention of gastroenteritis (GI inflammation and diarrhea). They appraised the effectiveness of specific probiotic strains on different causes of diarrhea.

The researchers found that Lactobacillus strains significantly prevented and treated diarrhea. The probiotic strain, Saccharomyces boulardii, was effective in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea such as Clostridium dfficile diarrhea. S. boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG effectively managed gastroenteritis in children. Furthermore, probiotics promoted anti-infectious action and immunity in the intestines.

"Probiotics have gained a role as adjunctive treatment of infantile gastroenteritis together with rehydration," the study authors conclude. "Their efficacy is less convincing in adults, but promising in antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, evidence of efficacy is limited to a few strains."

Advosis for Diarrhea Relief

Diarrhea is a common condition, second only to the common cold in the number of days missed at work. Diarrhea affects more than 100 million people in the US alone.

Progressive Health's Advosis is an anti-diarrhea supplement specifically formulated to relieve diarrhea, enhance intestinal absorption and restore intestinal tract health. It contains probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bifidus, bentonite clay, nutritional brewer's yeast, activated charcoal, and blond psyllium seed and husk.