The Future of Medicine? Examining the Use of Probiotics in Disease Prevention and Treatment
The concept of probiotics has been around for centuries, with people consuming fermented foods like yoghurt and sauerkraut for their health benefits. However, it is in recent years that the use of probiotics has gained serious attention from the scientific and medical communities. Researchers have been exploring the potential for probiotics to prevent and treat a range of diseases, and the results are promising.
Firstly, let’s define what probiotics are. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The most commonly known probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but there are many different strains that have been studied for their health benefits.
Probiotics and Gut Health
The majority of our body’s microbiome (the community of microorganisms that live on and in our bodies) is located in our gut – this is known as the gut microbiota. Research has shown that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in our overall health and wellbeing, with imbalances or disruptions in the microbiota linked to a range of health problems.
Probiotics have been found to be effective in improving gut health by restoring the balance of the microbiota. This can be particularly helpful in treating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both of which have been linked to imbalances in the gut microbiota. Studies have shown that specific strains of probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can improve symptoms of IBS and IBD, including bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
Probiotics and Immune Function
The health benefits of probiotics aren’t limited to the gut – there is increasing evidence to suggest that probiotics can also have a positive impact on our immune function. The gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating the immune system, and imbalances in the microbiota have been linked to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Research has shown that probiotics can modulate the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation and improve immune function. Probiotics have been found to be helpful in preventing and treating respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza. A 2014 study found that a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium reduced the incidence and severity of cold and flu symptoms in healthy adults.
Probiotics and Mental Health
Perhaps surprisingly, there is growing evidence to suggest that probiotics can also have a positive impact on our mental health. The gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain’, as it is home to a complex network of neurons, neurotransmitters, and other molecules that are involved in regulating mood and other aspects of mental health.
A number of studies have found that probiotics can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improving overall mood. For example, a 2017 review of 10 clinical trials found that probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium had a moderate but significant effect in reducing symptoms of anxiety.
The Future of Probiotics in Medicine
Given the impressive health benefits of probiotics, it’s not surprising that there is growing interest in their potential as a therapeutic tool. Probiotics are already widely available as dietary supplements, and some are included in food products such as yoghurt and kefir.
However, there are challenges to be overcome in order to fully realise the potential of probiotics in medicine. One of the main challenges is developing probiotics that are effective across a range of individuals – the composition of the gut microbiota can vary greatly between individuals, so a probiotic that is effective for one person may not be effective for another. Additionally, there are regulatory challenges around the use of probiotics as a therapeutic tool.
Despite these challenges, there is growing interest in the potential of probiotics – some have even referred to them as the ‘future of medicine’. With ongoing research, we may see probiotics playing a more significant role in preventing and treating a range of diseases in the years to come.
