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Probiotics help ulcerative colitis
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Ulcerative colitis/fotosearch.com
A mixture of beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics, can be very effective in relieving symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Researchers at the University of Alberta found that a combination of eight species of helpful bacteria provided relief in 86 percent of people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
The mixture consisted of bacterial species that are normally found in the human gastrointestinal system. The species included Lactobacillus casei, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. delbrueckii sub sp. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum, B. breve, B. infantis, and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus.
When the numbers of these beneficial bacteria decline, it leaves an environment for bad bacteria to damage the intestinal lining, as seen in cases of ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
The 30 patients in the study were treated daily for six weeks with the probiotics. Sixty-three percent of the patients achieved remission and another 23 percent had improved symptoms and healing of the colon’s lining. No one had any adverse reactions to the probiotics.
Probiotics are available at local health and natural food stores and pharmacies. Consult with your health-care provider before starting a probiotics supplement program.
For more information on probiotics and prebiotics, which support the health and growth of probiotics, see:
The Wonder of Probiotics, by John Taylor, ND
Probiotics help irritable bowel syndrome
Benefits of prebiotics
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