Date: 9/13/2010

Lactobacillus and the Use of Antibiotics

Source: Pharmacotherapy

Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria found in the intestinal tract and genital systems and is also found in fermenting products such as yogurt and dietary supplements. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea and labtobacillus has been used to help restore normal balance of intestinal bacteria eliminating the diarrhea. It has also been used for vaginal and urinary tract infections. Lactobacillus should not be taken without a physician’s approval if the body’s immune system is weakened by diseases such as HIV/Aids or organ transplant recipients because they might already be taking supplements containing live bacteria.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of ten randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled studies to evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus probiotic in preventing antibiotic associated diarrhea. The studies were found in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The ten studies included a total of 1,862 patients where six of the studies were in patients 18 years or older and four of the studies in patients younger than 18 years of age. The overall results revealed that the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea was significantly lower with Lactobacillus as compared with placebo. After a subgroup analysis, it was determined that the probiotic did not significantly reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in pediatric patients. It appears that administration of Lactobacillus as a prophylactic agent during antibiotic treatment may reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults, but not in pediatric patients.1

1 Kale-Pradhan PB, Jassal HK, Wilhelm SM. Role of Lactobacillus in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a meta-analysis. Pharmacotherapy. 2010;30(2):119-26

This study illustrates the necessity of taking probiotics during and after the the use of antibiotics.

Q: MY COLONOSCOPY LAST MONTH, SHOWED NO POLYPS THIS TIME BUT IT WAS NOTED THAT INTESTINE WAS QUITE NARROW DUE TO DIVERTICULOSIS…I HAVE BEEN TAKING SUPER POWER ENZYMES, ONE PILL EACH MORNING AND HAVE HAD NO FLAREUPS IN LAST TWO YEARS WHILE TAKING THESE…..PRIOR COLONOSCOPIES (3) HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN POLYPS THAT WERE REMOVED…. IS THERE SOMETHING BETTER FOR MY DIGESTION THAT YOU COULD SUGGEST?

THANKS,
DALE FRANKENBERG

Dale,

A: I would add the Probiotic FloraHealth (1 per day) and a (1 Tbsp/day) of the Ultra Supreme Greens powder. If you want to cover every base, add an ounce of noni juice each day. It’s amazing for the stomach and intestines.

Let me know if you have any additional questions or need any help with ordering the products.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Question: Hello Dr. Ettinger,

I have used the California Academy of Health Products for many years.  I love them and will continue using them.

However, my question is about another company’s products.  Have you heard of Rain Nutrition?  They are selling products called Soul (antioxidant liquid) and Pure (probiotics with some special patented coating).  I am not sure these products are as great as they say.  They seem kind of expensive too.  I was just hoping that maybe you could tell me your opinion on them.  The website is www.rainnutrition.com

Thank you,

Cathy

Answer: Catherine,

Rain is a multi-level-marketing company.  I don’t need to look at the products because, as far as I am concerned all MLM’s are semi-legal pyramid schemes, with inflated prices and marginal products.  My recommendation is to stay away and tell your friend (just guessing) who recommended you these products, thanks but no thanks. Keep your hard earned money.

Our Liquid Power Multi-V and Probiotic FloraHealth are dynamite products and they’re what I uses in my practice, for a probiotic and liquid antioxidant. I’d stack the above two products up against Pure and Soul any day of the week, in quality, price and effectiveness.  Just my professional opinion from 21 years in the nutrition and holistic medicine business.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Response Back: Thanks Dr. E

I really appreciate your help.

I already use the Liquid Power but I will add the Probiotic FloraHealth.  Is the probiotic something you take on an on-going basis?

My Response: Catherine,

One a day is perfect. Basically, we have two immune systems. One in the intestines and then the rest of the body. If we keep an abundance of healthy flora throughout our life-time, we are less likely to develop any bad condition in the intestines and our overall immunity will be higher. The key to Probiotic FloraHealth is that it’s enteric coated, meaning it opens up in the small intestine rather than the stomach. That way all the good stuff goes exactly where it’s needed and not inactivated in the stomach. There IS no better type coating. Here is What Rain says, “Rain Nutrition’s probiotic, PURE, uses patented BIO-tract® technology which protects our product from the harmful effects of stomach acids so that the good flora and beneficial organisms will survive until they reach the GI tract where they will go to work on cleansing and strengthening.”

Their all hype and price, and it’s exactly what we have at a WAY CHEAPER PRICE. As I said, MLM’s are all hype and no substance. Why else would someone pay $45 for a product that they could buy elsewhere for $15. It’s the 7 levels of down-line commission added in, not that it’s a better or more unique product.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Question: What would you recommend for boosting the immune system?

Thanks

Answer: Bronek,

Our whey protein powder (1 scoop/day) is mandatory (Whey protein fact sheet). Next, I would add (5,000IU’s/day) vitamin D, probiotic (1-2 caps/day) and vitamin C (1-2 caps/day). FYI: below is from a newsletter I recently sent to my patients.

“I just wanted to remind everyone that I have put together a natural “preventative” protocol for kids and adults, against colds/flu. Now is the time to get going on this!

I have been using this protocol for the past ten years w/my patients and the ones who follow it haven’t been effected by the flu, or if they did, it was very mild. The products are all natural and the possibility of side-effects is practically zero. The combo is vitamin D liquid, a special probiotic and vitamin C (w/rutin). This may seem very basic and you may ask, “how can this work?” At therapeutic doses, this combination actually moves the body from a weak, straw house; to a slightly-stronger, stick house; to a ultra-strong, brick house. Brick house people don’t get sick or if they do, the symptoms are much milder, and/or the overall duration of symptoms is far less.”

The sooner you can get going on this protocol, the faster you can start boosting you immune system!

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

I have tried many pro-biotic formulas but your Probiotic FloraHealth works the best. Stools look normal now.

Thanks,

Gary