DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Michael Kirsch, MD, FACP

Q: Are You Aware the Word Probiotic Means “for life”?

A: It’s true! And these microscopic colonies of bacteria are used in many digestive conditions. Probiotics are bacteria that we ingest and then deliver a health benefit. A normal, healthy gut contains 500 species of 100 trillion microorganisms. Illnesses, poor diet or antibiotics can easily disrupt the delicately balanced gut flora, and it can take weeks or even months to re-establish that balance. Adding probiotics to your diet can help rebuild the beneficial bacteria in your colon and boost your gastrointestinal tract in many ways.

• A healthy balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract ensures thorough digestion and efficient nutrient absorption.

• Probiotics can help with both constipation and diarrhea.

• The GI tract is the center of the body’s immunity. Increasing beneficial bacteria can help treat conditions including indigestion, lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome. While many patients enjoy improved digestive health on probiotics, there is often not firm scientific proof of their efficacy. As far as we know, they are safe in individuals who have a normal immune system. Our patients ask us about probiotics all the time and we are careful to relate what we know and don’t know about them.

Intensive research on probiotics is ongoing. Should they be part of your regimen?

I invite you to give my office a call or for your convenience, you may request an appointment on our website www. cdhohio.com. Center for Digestive Health 34940 Ridge Rd. #B Willoughby, OH 44094 (440) 953-1899 www.cdhwilloughby.com