Research shows why probiotics don't always work

[Rosie]

Many of us don't have much luck with probiotics, and sometimes even have bad results. The following article explains what sometimes happens.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 095213.htm

Probiotic use is a link between brain fogginess, severe bloating

While probiotics can be beneficial in some scenarios, like helping a patient restore his gut bacteria after taking antibiotics, the investigators advised caution against its excessive and indiscriminate use.

Normally there is not much D-lactic acid made in the small intestines, but probiotic use appears to change that. The acid gets absorbed in the blood and can reach the brain.

What we now know is that probiotic bacteria have the unique capacity to break down sugar and produce D-lactic acid. D-lactic acid is known to be temporarily toxic to brain cells, interfering with cognition, thinking and sense of time. They found some patients had two to three times the normal amount of D-lactic acid in their blood. So if you inadvertently colonize your small bowel with probiotic bacteria, then you have set the stage for potentially developing lactic acidosis and brain fogginess," Rao says.

Probiotic use may be particularly problematic for patients who have known problems with motility, as well as those taking opioids and proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid secretion and so the natural destruction of excessive bacteria.

Rosie

[tex]

Very interesting.

"Probiotics should be treated as a drug, not as a food supplement," Rao says, noting that many individuals self-prescribe the live bacteria, which are considered good for digestion and overall health.

That pretty well sums up the implications.

Thanks for sharing.

Tex

[starfire]

Wow, that is good to know. I've never used them except for short periods and not very often. Now I'm glad.