Can Probiotics Prevent Colds

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Can Probiotics Prevent Colds?By Lisa Collier CoolDec 01, 2012

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byLisa Collier Cool

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Eating yogurt could be the key to staying healthy during the cold and flu season.

Probioticsthe good bacteria found in yogurt and supplementsmay help

stave off colds and other upper respiratory tract infections, according toa

Cochrane reviewpooling data from 10 randomized clinical studies involving
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3,451 participants. People who consumed probiotics for more than a week had

12 percent fewer respiratory infections than those who were treated for less than

a week or given a placebo, the researchers reported, in the first systematic

review to show this benefit of the immune-system boosters.

Upper respiratory tract infectionssuch as colds, sinus infections, pharyngitis,

croup, and ear infectionsare the #1 reason for doctor visits in the US. And most

patients get the wrong treatment, the researchers report, because doctors

typically prescribe an antibiotic, even though most respiratory infections,

including colds, are triggered by viruses, which dont respond to antibiotics.

These worthless prescriptions account for up to 75 percent of all antibiotic use in

countries like the US, the researchers report, and a major culprit in the growing

threat of antibiotic-resistance superbugs. Heres a closer look at the study.

Power your body with these immune-stregthening superfoods.

What are probiotics?

The most common definitioncomes from the World Health Organization: "live

microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health

benefit on the host." Also known as good bacteria or friendly bacteria,

probioticsare similar to healthy bacteria naturally found in the human gut. Most

probiotics come from two groups of bacteria, Lactobacillusor Bifidobacterium,

each of which includes different species, such asLactobacillus acidophilusand

Bifidobacterium bifidus.A few common probiotics, such as Saccharomyces

boulardii, are yeasts, not bacteria.

Where are probiotics found?

Foods containing probiotics include yogurt, fermented or non-fermented dairyproducts, and soy products like miso, tempeh, and soy drinks. Another product

thats rich in probiotics is kefir, a drink made with cultures flavored with fruit.

Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements.

What are they used for?
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/foods-that-help-you-heal?utm_medium=yahhphttp://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/foods-that-help-you-heal?utm_medium=yahhphttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htmhttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htmhttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htmhttp://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/foods-that-help-you-heal?utm_medium=yahhp


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People typically take probiotics to prevent gas, cramping and diarrhea sparked

by antibiotics. Naturally, the gut contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria

that promote healthy digestion, but taking antibiotics kills off both harmful and

helpful bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal side effects. The Cochrane Review

reports that probiotics can help reduce or prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea, by

replacing the beneficial bacteria. Limited scientific evidence suggests that friendly

bacteria may also be useful for combating other forms of diarrhea, irritable bowel

syndrome, vaginal infections, and eczema outbreaks, reports the National Center

for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Why do probiotics help prevent viral infections like

colds?

The Cochrane Review researchers theorize that probiotics may have twoimmune system-boosting benefits: fortifying the integrity of the gut wall andrevving up activity of phagocytes, disease-fighters, such as white blood cells, thatengulf and absorb bacteria and other foreign particles. While further research isneeded to confirm this theory, researchers do know that gut bacteria playa keyrole in the immune system,so it makes sense that probiotics could help bolsterthe bodys natural defenses.

Do probiotics bacteria have side effects?

Some of the studies reviewed found that the live microorganisms could spark

gassiness, belly pain, loose stools, or nausea. However, when the researchers

pooled all of the studies, they didnt find a statistically significant difference

between people who took probiotics and those who didnt.

What should I watch out when shopping for probiotics?

The FDA and Federal Trade Commission have cracked down on food and

supplement makers that overhype the health benefits of probiotics. Earlier this

year, under a settlement order with the FTC, a subsidiary of Nestl agreed to

stop claiming that its BOOST Kid Essentials probiotic product will reduce cold, flu

and other upper respiratory tract infections in kids, unless the FDA approves this

claim. Dannon settled a similar FTC case last year in connection with claims that

itsActiva yogurt and DanActive drink relives constipation and helps prevent colds
http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/11343http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/11343http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/11343http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/11343http://ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtmhttp://ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtmhttp://ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtmhttp://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/11343http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/11343


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and flu.To find the best probiotic products, check the label and look for yogurt

that says contains live cultures. If you have any medical conditions, ask your

doctor if probiotics are appropriate for you.

Do probiotics work for everybody?

While the new review suggests that eating yogurt or other foods that containfriendly bacteria could be a good way to prevent colds and other infections, theresearchers caution that their results may not be valid for older adults, since onlythree of the studies included older people, with varying results. One found ashorter duration of winter infections in elderly probiotic users, but no drop in thenumber of infections, and another reported a 3.4 times lower risk of coming downwith a cold or flu in older people who use probiotics. More research is needed tobetter understand the effects on seniors.
http://ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtmhttp://ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtmhttp://ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtm

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Can Probiotics Prevent Colds