Probiotics for the Prevention of Colds ?

This is good news!

But wait a minute … probiotics? Aren’t probiotics found in the intestine? How can they help prevent and/or treat colds?

Okay, so let’s talk about probiotics.

What Are Probiotics?

Do you remember being told to drink yogurt because it will do your stomach or intestines good? There is truth to this advice. Yogurt is very common and is probably the best example of a probiotic. Yogurt contains Lactic Acid bacteria, and it has been said that in general, the digestive system contains at least 400 different types of probiotics, of which lactic acid comprises the most number of all.

All of these probiotic bacteria present in the digestive tract helps reduce the growth of harmful bacteria. They also promote a healthy digestive system.

So how do these probiotics work in the digestive system? Basically, what probiotics such as yogurt, yeast, and the rest of the more or less 400 probiotics found in the intestine does is preserve the natural balance of organisms in the intestines.

In the past years and even until now, people use probiotics to avoid diarrhea, gas, as well as in treating stomach cramps caused by antibiotic intake. Not very many people know this but when antibiotics are taken, good or beneficial bacteria is also killed together with the bad bacteria that cause illness. This results to lesser good bacteria in the stomach which ultimately leads to digestive problems. For this reason, people are advised to take probiotics as they help replace the lost beneficial bacteria and avoiding intestinal diseases.

How About Probiotics and Colds?

The study was conducted by Bi Rong Dong, MD, of Sichuan University in Sichuan, China. It involved 10 randomized controlled trials was participated by 3,451 participants composed of infants, children, as well as middle-aged adults who are in their 40’s. The aim of the study was to prevent upper respiratory tract infection with the use of probiotics which will be taken for more than one week. A controlled group was given probiotics and another group was given a placebo. 

According to Dr. Bi Rong Dong and his colleagues, the result of the study showed that the intake of probiotics reduced the number of individuals who had at least one acute upper respiratory tract infection by 42%. The result of the study also showed that people who took probiotics had lower need of antibiotics in the treatment of infection as compared to people who did not take probiotics.

So if you want to prevent colds, try taking probiotics. Besides, they are also good for the digestive system. It’s still best, however, to see a doctor if have colds or when you don’t feel well. Self medication should be avoided. The doctor still knows what’s best for you.

Guest Post by:

Siena Lombardi is an established writer for edrugstore.md’s blog. She holds a degree in communication and has been a featured writer on edrugstore.md’s website, which promotes safe medications such as Zyban to quit smoking and Tamiflu for flu prevention.

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