Nature's Solution: Probiotics for Diarrhea Management and Prevention

In addition to being found in supplements and certain foods, probiotics also live in our gut where they play many important roles, such as maintaining immunity and protecting the body from infection and disease.

The bacteria in the gut – known collectively as the gut microbiota – can be affected both negatively and positively by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and medication use.

When the bacterial composition in the gut becomes unbalanced and probiotics stop growing, it can have negative health effects, such as an increased risk of digestive symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.

Diarrhea is defined as "three or more loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period," according to the World Health Organization. Acute diarrhea lasts for less than 14 days while persistent diarrhea lasts for 14 days or more.

Supplementing with probiotics may help prevent some types of diarrhea and may help treat diarrhea by repopulating and maintaining beneficial gut bacteria and correcting imbalances. Research has shown that probiotic supplements prevent and treat some types of diarrhea in both children and adults.

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There are many different causes of diarrhea, including bacterial or viral infections, certain medications, and exposure to various microorganisms during travel. Research has shown that some types of diarrhea can be cured with probiotic supplements such as:

• Infectious Diarrhea

Infectious diarrhea is diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. More than 20 different bacteria, viruses and parasites cause infectious diarrhea, including rotavirus, E. coli and salmonella. Infectious diarrhea is more common in developing countries and can lead to death if not treated. Treatment includes providing adequate amounts of water, reducing the time a person is infectious, and shortening the duration of diarrhea.

According to 63 studies involving 8,014 people, probiotics safely shortened the duration of diarrhea in adults and children with infectious diarrhea.

• Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat many diseases caused by bacteria. Diarrhea is a common side effect due to the disruption of normal gut microbiota caused by these drugs. Taking probiotics may help prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic use by reactivating beneficial bacteria in the gut.

• Travel Diarrhea

Traveling exposes us to many types of microorganisms that do not normally exist inside the body and can cause diarrhea. Travelers' diarrhea is defined as "the passing of three or more loose stools per day", which may be accompanied by symptoms such as cramping or abdominal pain. A review of 11 studies found that taking probiotic supplements significantly reduced the incidence of traveler's diarrhea.

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Antibiotic-associated diarrhea and diseases that cause diarrhea occur most commonly in infants and children. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease of the intestines that occurs especially in infants. This disease causes inflammation in the intestines of children, which leads to excessive growth of bacteria, which seriously damages the intestinal cells. NEC is a serious condition with a mortality rate of 50%.

Antibiotics are used to treat NEC, which can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children that can worsen the patient's condition.

Studies have shown that consuming probiotics may help reduce the risk of NEC and mortality in premature infants. A review of 42 studies found that the use of probiotics reduced overall infant mortality.

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There are hundreds of types of probiotics available today, but research shows that a select few probiotic supplements are most beneficial in combating diarrhea.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG): This probiotic is most commonly found in supplement form. Research shows that LGG is one of the most effective probiotics for treating diarrhea in both adults and children.

Saccharomyces boulardii: S. boulardii is a beneficial form of yeast that is commonly used as a probiotic supplement. It is used to treat antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea.

Bifidobacterium lactis: This probiotic has immunity-boosting and gut-protecting properties and can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of diarrhea in children.

Lactobacillus casei: L. KC is another probiotic that has been studied to prevent diarrhea. Some studies show that it treats antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea in children and adults. Other types of probiotics may help treat diarrhea, but the probiotics mentioned above have only been fully researched. Consult a qualified doctor to choose the most effective probiotic.

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• kefir

• Curd

• cultured buttermilk

• fermented milk

• frozen yogurt

• miso

• sour cabbage

• kimchi

• Kombucha

• fermented fish

• Cheese

• Apple Cider Vinegar

• olive

• Pickled Onions

• Pickled Beetroot

Probiotics can be added to some foods even if they are not fermented. These include:

• Cereal

• Cheese

• Probiotic Drinks

Probiotics are living organisms. They can be found in foods that have undergone fermentation. Fermentation is a chemical process in which a microorganism converts starch or sugar into alcohol or acid.

Some foods are fermented to make them last longer. Others are fermented to improve their flavor or texture. Meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables, soybeans, beans, grains, and fruits are all types of food that can be fermented.

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Probiotics are generally considered safe for children and adults. Side effects are rare in people who are healthy, but some people may experience side effects, such as:

People who are prone to infections, those who have had surgery, seriously ill infants, and those who have indwelling catheters or are chronically ill are at higher risk of experiencing adverse reactions after taking probiotics. Side effects include infection, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea. Some people may also experience bloating, gas, hiccups, skin rashes and constipation.

While probiotics are generally considered safe for most people, it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your or your child's diet.

According to the latest research, certain types of probiotics may help treat and prevent different types of diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated, infectious, and traveler's diarrhea. If you are using probiotics to treat or prevent diarrhea, be sure to consult your doctor.