A study published in the journal Pediatrics has demonstrated exceptional benefits in children who were given probiotics. The double-blind, placebo controlled study carried out in China found that children taking probiotic supplements were less likely to contract fevers and coughs and recovered much faster from illnesses than children who had not received probiotics. Taking 2 different varieties of probiotics brought a greater benefit than using just one strain. The research was conducted in 2005-2006 and included over 300 children in the study sample. Children who received both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis exhibited 72% fewer fevers than the placebo group. They had 62% fewer coughs, and 59% fewer runny noses than the control group. The length of illnesses in the group administered two probiotics was 48% of that in the placebo group and they used 84% less antibiotics than the placebo group.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that assist in digestion and are found in the intestines. They grow naturally in cultured milk products and are available in a variety of supplements. Antibiotics typically destroy many of these beneficial bacteria, which means it is important to replenish one's probiotics with supplements if antibiotics have been consumed. Since our digestive health affects our overall health and well-being, probiotics benefit many aspects of health beyond their direct benefits for digestion. With increased absorption of nutrients and a clearing of toxin buildup in the digestive tract, our health naturally improves. We become more resistant to illness and have more resources to recover quickly if we do become sick. This study joins an impressive body of evidence showing how beneficial probiotics can be and how our digestive health affects our immune system and vulnerability to illness.
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