Probiotics

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Specifically for Gastritis

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Why it works for Gastritis:

Improve microbial balance & reduce dysbiosis. Probiotics can help restore a healthier stomach/intestine microbial community after infection or antibiotics, which reduces inflammation signals from a disturbed microbiome. WGO

Direct antagonism of Helicobacter pylori. Certain probiotic strains (e.g., some Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, and Saccharomyces boulardii) can inhibit H. pylori growth in vitro and reduce its colonization or reduce side-effects of eradication therapy when given as adjuncts. This is relevant because H. pylori is a leading cause of chronic gastritis. PLOS Nature

Modulate host immune response and barrier function. Probiotics may enhance mucosal barrier integrity and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the gastric mucosa, helping symptoms and healing. Reviews and guideline technical reviews describe these plausible mechanisms. WGO

How to use for Gastritis:

A. If gastritis is caused by H. pylori (most clear clinical application):

Use as an adjunct to standard eradication regimens (antibiotics + PPI, often with bismuth when recommended). Multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses show probiotics added to antibiotic regimens can increase eradication rates modestly and reduce antibiotic-related side effects (nausea, diarrhea). Probiotics are adjunctive — not a replacement for guideline-recommended antibiotic therapy. PLOS Nature
Common approach in trials: start probiotic at the same time as antibiotic therapy and continue for the duration of antibiotic course and sometimes for 1–4 weeks after. Exact durations vary by study. Example: many RCTs gave probiotics during the 7–14 day eradication course and continued for 2–4 weeks. PLOS Frontiers
Strains studied most: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (e.g., GG), Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium spp., Saccharomyces boulardii, and some multi-strain mixes. Effects are strain-specific — benefits shown for some strains but not assumed for all products. PLOS Nature

B. If non-H. pylori gastritis or functional dyspepsia symptoms (bloating, epigastric pain):

Evidence is less strong and more variable, but some trials report symptom improvement (less pain, bloating). Clinicians sometimes try a probiotic course (commonly 4–12 weeks) targeted to symptom relief, using strains with prior positive trials for dyspepsia/IBS-like symptoms (e.g., certain B. lactis, L. acidophilus, or multi-strain products). Guidelines recommend strain-specific choice when evidence exists. WGO Gastro Journal

C. Dose/format considerations:

Dose reporting in trials varies (commonly 10^8–10^11 CFU per day depending on product). Use the manufacturer’s dosing that matches the clinical trial strain/dose when possible. Clinical trials report effective products with specific colony counts — check the product label and trial cited strain. PLOS Nature
Formulations: capsules, sachets, yogurts, or fermented foods. Enteric-coated or high-CFU products are often used to improve gastric survival, though not all trials used coated forms. WGO

D. Practical checklist for clinicians / patients:

Identify whether gastritis is H. pylori-positive — if yes, follow guideline-recommended eradication antibiotics; consider adding a tested probiotic strain as adjunct. PLOS Nature
Choose a probiotic product that contains a strain used in trials (e.g., L. rhamnosus GG, S. boulardii, specific Bifidobacterium species or a multi-strain product with trial data). PLOS
Start probiotics at the start of antibiotic therapy (if used as an adjunct) and continue for the course and possibly 2–4 weeks after, per the studied regimen. Frontiers PLOS
For non-infectious gastritis, consider a limited trial (4–12 weeks) of a strain with positive data for dyspepsia/functional GI symptoms and reassess. WGO

Scientific Evidence for Gastritis:

PLOS ONE meta-analysis (2016): probiotic supplementation during H. pylori therapy improved eradication rates and reduced therapy-related adverse events across included RCTs — cautious interpretation due to heterogeneity. PLOS

Recent network/systematic reviews and umbrella meta-analyses (examples): studies combining probiotics with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy or with standard regimens show improved eradication and reduced side effects in many pooled analyses. See systematic reviews in Scientific Reports and Frontiers in Nutrition for pooled data. Nature Frontiers

World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) guidance on probiotics and prebiotics (practical guideline document) — discusses mechanisms, clinical uses and strain-specific evidence for gastrointestinal conditions including their use as adjuncts in H. pylori management. WGO

American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) technical review / guideline on probiotics (guidance on which conditions and probiotic evidence are stronger vs weaker). The AGA emphasises strain specificity and variable evidence depending on condition. Gastro Journal

Specific Warnings for Gastritis:

Not risk-free — rare but serious infections reported. Case reports and systematic reviews document rare cases of bacteremia, fungemia, or sepsis associated with probiotic organisms (for example, Lactobacillus or Bacillus spp. bloodstream infections), particularly in immunocompromised patients, patients with central venous catheters, critically ill or with severe mucosal barrier injury. These are uncommon for oral use in otherwise healthy people but are real considerations. BioMed Central ScienceDirect

Hospitalized/critically ill caution: Several case reports describe severe outcomes when probiotics are used in hospitalized patients (e.g., inadvertent parenteral administration or translocation in severely ill patients). Exercise caution and consult infectious diseases if considering probiotics in the ICU or severely immunosuppressed patients. mansapublishers.com BioMed Central

Product quality & strain specificity: Supplements are not all equal — strain identity, viability, dose (CFU), and manufacturing quality matter. Use products tested in clinical trials when aiming for therapeutic effects. Guidelines stress choosing evidence-backed strains. Gastro Journal WGO

Drug interactions / masking effects: Probiotics do not replace antibiotics for H. pylori eradication. Relying on probiotics alone can delay definitive treatment. Also, probiotics may reduce some antibiotic side effects but do not eliminate antibiotic resistance concerns or need for appropriate regimens. PLOS

Pregnancy & special populations: Some strains have been trialed in pregnancy and considered safe, but always check strain-specific safety data (guidelines and product inserts). Optibac Probiotics WGO

Back to Gastritis

General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Probiotics are live microorganisms—primarily bacteria and some yeasts—that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are often called “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut microbiome. Common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii. These beneficial microbes are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and some cheeses, as well as in dietary supplements.

How It Works

Probiotics support the body’s natural microbial balance, primarily within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They work through several mechanisms:

Restoring Gut Flora Balance: When the gut microbiota becomes imbalanced due to factors such as antibiotics, poor diet, or illness, probiotics help repopulate it with beneficial bacteria, crowding out harmful microbes.
Enhancing Digestive Function: Probiotics aid in breaking down food, fermenting dietary fiber, and producing essential nutrients such as short-chain fatty acids and certain vitamins (e.g., B12 and K2).
Supporting the Immune System: A large portion of the immune system resides in the gut. Probiotics interact with intestinal cells to strengthen the gut barrier, modulate immune responses, and reduce inflammation.
Producing Antimicrobial Substances: Some probiotic strains produce natural compounds that inhibit or kill harmful bacteria, including Clostridium difficile and E. coli.
Communication with the Gut-Brain Axis: Emerging research shows that probiotics may influence mood and cognitive function by interacting with the gut-brain axis, affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

Why It’s Important

Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health. Probiotics contribute to several key areas:

Digestive Health: They can help prevent or alleviate diarrhea (especially antibiotic-associated), reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and support recovery from inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Immune Defense: Regular intake of probiotics may lower susceptibility to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections by improving immune response and reducing inflammation.
Metabolic Health: Certain strains are linked to improved metabolism, better weight management, and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: By supporting the gut-brain axis, probiotics may help alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms in some individuals.
Allergy and Skin Support: Probiotics can reduce the risk or severity of eczema and other allergic reactions by modulating immune tolerance.

Considerations

While probiotics are generally safe for most people, several factors should be considered:

Strain-Specific Effects: Not all probiotics are the same. Each strain has unique effects, so choosing the right one for a specific condition is important. For instance, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is effective for diarrhea, while Bifidobacterium longum may help with IBS.
Quality and Viability: Probiotic products vary in quality. The number of live organisms (measured in CFUs—colony-forming units) and storage conditions affect their efficacy. Look for products tested for stability and verified for potency through expiration.
Possible Side Effects: Some individuals may experience mild bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort initially. These symptoms usually subside as the body adjusts.
Health Conditions: People with compromised immune systems (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy, critically ill, or with central venous catheters) should consult a healthcare provider before using probiotics, as infections, though rare, can occur.
Regulation and Evidence: Probiotics are classified as dietary supplements in many regions, meaning they are not as strictly regulated as medications. Scientific evidence varies depending on strain, dosage, and condition studied, so results are not universally guaranteed.

Helps with these conditions

Probiotics is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Acid Reflux (GERD) 0% effective

IBS 0% effective

Constipation 0% effective

Crohn's Disease 0% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Acne 0% effective

Conditions

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142

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Detailed Information by Condition

Acid Reflux (GERD)

0% effective

Microbiome angle: Long-term acid suppression (PPIs) can disturb gut microbiota and is linked with small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Probio...

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