Beneficial bacterium found in the intestinal tract of healthy people (probiotics) play an important role in immune development and may play a role in the development of allergic disorders. Manipulation of these bacteria may therefore offer an approach to prevent or treat allergic diseases.
Prof. ML Tank from the Royal Children’s Hospital, in Melbourne, Australia reviewed the evidence. Continue reading The evidence for probiotics in allergic disease
Several can be recommended as part of an evidence-based approach to treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to researchers from the University of Ottawa in Ontario. Continue reading CAM treatments for irritable bowel syndrome
Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden studied the effect of 3 probiotics on fatigue and physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Continue reading Probiotic effect on chronic fatigue syndrome
An international group of researchers report that taking a dietary probiotic for 6 months reduced the signs and symptoms of colds, and prescription drug use in children. Continue reading Probiotic effects on cold and influenza symptoms
 Drs. Kennon Miller and Thomas Fraser from the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio tell us, “Overall, the evidence does not support using probiotics to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.”
Here’s why. Continue reading Probiotics to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea?
 This study by researchers at the University of Toronto focused on the management of anxiety. Continue reading Treating chronic fatigue syndrome with probiotics
The Institute of Food Research in the UK reports that a milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) might be useful. Continue reading Probiotic treatment of allergic rhinitis
Researchers from the University of Otago Medical School in Dunedin, New Zealand summarize the state-of-the-art. Continue reading Update: Probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease
 Researchers from Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital in Hualien, Taiwan report that long-term administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus T cell-1 decreased the incidence of bacterial infection in children.
Well, maybe it did… but maybe it didn’t. Continue reading Using probiotics to protect kids from infection
 Reviewers at the Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Athens, Greece evaluated the evidence. Continue reading Probiotic effects on respiratory tract infection
 Researchers from Singapore studied the effect of probiotic supplementation during the first 6 months of life on eczema and allergic sensitization in Asian infants at risk of allergic disease. Continue reading Probiotics fail to prevent eczema or allergy
Areas of interest for the nutraceutical industry and consumers include digestive health, omega-3, superfruits, and weight management, according to this article in Nutraingredients.com | Europe. Continue reading CAM trends to watch in 2009
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that occurs in hospitalized patients receiving assisted breathing (mechanical ventilation) through a tube for at least 48 hours.
Researchers in Sweden conducted a study to evaluate the value of a probiotic to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria along the breathing (endotracheal or tracheostomy) tube. Continue reading Novel use of probiotics in critically ill patients
The World Health Organization has predicted a 39% rise in the worldwide prevalence of diabetes by 2030. And an article in The Lancet indicates this might be an underestimation.
Since November is Diabetes Month, here’s a round-up of CAM options for people with diabetes from 2006 through March 2007.
Continue reading CAM and diabetes: An update of recent studies
This Cochrane review concludes, they’re “not an effective treatment for eczema.” Continue reading Is there a role for probiotics to treat eczema?
Here’s a review of the evidence by researchers at the University of Western Australia in Perth. Continue reading The role of CAM to treat anxiety and depression
Taking the right probiotic early in life seem to reduce the risk of eczema. Continue reading Using probiotics to prevent eczema
 Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) occurs in about 25% of patients receiving antibiotics, placing them at increased risk for infection and death.
Probiotics given during antibiotic therapy lower this risk. Continue reading Probiotics to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea
 NewsWise reports the results of 3 studies presented during the American College of Gastroenterology’s 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.
Highlights of the reports on probiotics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) follow. Continue reading Probiotic studies presented at ACG
 Helicobacter pylori are bacteria that cause chronic low-level inflammation of the stomach lining and are linked to the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers and stomach cancer.
Researchers from the College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea added a probiotic-containing yogurt to usual therapy. Continue reading Adding yogurt to H pylori treatment