Probiotics Dilip J Karnik, MD Pediatric Neurologist

What is a Probiotic? Substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial organisms in the gut They are live bacteria and yeasts Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy Example: Yogurt

Benefits of Probiotics: Balance Help Balance the Friendly Bacteria in the Digestive System An imbalance means there are too many bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria An imbalance can happen due to an illness, medications such as antibiotics, or due to poor diet and health

Benefits: Prevent and Treat Diarrhea Probiotics help antibiotic associated diarrhea Decrease the duration of infectious diarrhea  Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei and the Saccharomyces boulardii are most commonly associated with a reduced risk of diarrhea

Other Benefits: Eczema in children Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Necrotizing Enterocolitis Boost Immune System and reduce the duration of respiratory illnesses Lactobacillus rhamnosus and  Lactobacillus gasseri have shown to reduce weight in some studies

Benefits on brain and mental state  Studies have shown that Probiotics can help with: Anxiety Depression Autism Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Memory  General health Stress

Difference between Probiotics Prebiotics and Symbiotics Prebiotics: Fibers that help your normal gut flora you already have in your gut Probiotics: You take healthy and beneficial bacteria from an outside source Symbiotics: Product that combines both Pre and Probiotics

Probiotic food source Yogurt Kefir Sauerkraut Tempeh Kimchi

How much do we know? Much remains to be learned in spite of lot of research Some probiotics may help prevent diarrhea that's caused by infections or antibiotics May help with irritable bowel syndrome Benefits have not been conclusively demonstrated Not all probiotics have the same effects In healthy people, probiotics usually have only minor side effects, if at all People with underlying health problems (for example, weakened immune systems), complications such as infections have occasionally been reported

Types of Bacteria used in Probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are most common Each of these two broad groups includes many types of bacteria Other bacteria may also be used as probiotics Some may have yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii

How do you select? Complete Probiotic Platinum Pro-45 Formulated with science behind it Should have high CFU count : Minimum 40 billion CFUs Should have multiple Strains Should have prebiotics No refrigeration Complete Probiotic Platinum Pro-45 Critical Care 50 billion Do not have my endorsement yet as I am vetting them

Mood Improvement Lactobacillus Helveticus Bifidobacterium Longum

Probiotics in children Safe for children Not safe in children with immune disorder, cancer or premature birth Studies have shown that Resp illnesses and diarrhea improves Better to give probiotic through food

Probiotics for children Garden of life Probiotic for Children Nature’s way Primadophilus for Kids Culturelle Kids chewable Rainbow Light Gummies

Important to Note Don’t replace scientifically proven treatments with unproven products and practices Consult your health care provider first If you’re pregnant or nursing a child, or if you’re considering giving your child a dietary supplement, such as probiotics please consult your doctor Inform your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use