Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to our health, particularly to our digestive system. Until recently, probiotics were mostly associated with digestive health, but recent studies have indicated that these beneficial microbes could also provide relief in what is known as chronic diseases. In this article, we will examine the next frontier in medicine: how probiotics are revolutionizing treatment for chronic diseases.
The role of microbiota in chronic diseases
The human body is home to trillions of microbes that make up the microbiota. While most of these microbes are harmless to us, some of them are known pathogens, which cause diseases. But, what researchers have discovered recently is that many chronic diseases are associated with an imbalance in the microbiota. To give you an idea, the gut microbiota consists of around 500-1000 different bacterial species, and when that balance is disturbed, it can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a root cause of many chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.
Therefore, researchers have shifted their attention towards figuring out ways to restore the balance in the microbiota, which is where the role of probiotics comes in.
Probiotics and chronic diseases
A growing body of evidence is indicating that probiotics are an effective way to improve the microbial balance in our bodies, which could lead to improved health outcomes, particularly in chronic diseases. Here are some examples:
Cancer
Recent studies have shown that probiotics may have a role to play in the prevention of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. One study conducted on mice models showed that probiotics modulated the gut microbiome, which boosted immunity and reduced colorectal tumors’ incidence. Similarly, another study conducted in humans showed that probiotics reduced the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers suggest that probiotics might have an anti-carcinogenic effect by reducing inflammation in the body.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Some recent studies suggest that probiotics may be useful in preventing and treating diabetes. One study published in Diabetes Care found that probiotics showed significant improvement in blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Another study conducted on mice models showed that probiotics could reverse glucose intolerance, which is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes.
Heart disease
Heart disease is another chronic illness linked to an imbalanced microbiota. Recent studies showed that probiotics could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. One study conducted on overweight individuals found that probiotics significantly improved blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Similarly, another study conducted on rats showed that probiotics reduced cholesterol levels, which is a significant marker for heart disease.
Conclusion
Probiotics are undoubtedly the next frontier in medicine, and the potential benefits for chronic diseases are quite promising. Though the research is still ongoing, evidence suggests that probiotics could offer a safe and effective intervention for a range of chronic illnesses. However, it is important to note that probiotics are not a magic pill, and more research is needed to figure out how they work, what dosage is required, and what strains of beneficial bacteria are most effective. In the meantime, it is essential to eat a well-balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle to maintain a healthy microbiota.
