Probiotics: For Stomach Disorders - An Evidence Based Review

Probiotics are the live microbial feed supplement which benefitted the host when administered in a certain number. Probiotics have been within our domestic use for as long as people have eaten fermented milk, curd, butter milk, but their association with health benefits dates only from the turn of the last century, when Metchnikoff drew attention to the beneficial effects of some gut microflora on the host, and suggested that ingestion of fermented milk products ameliorated this so-called auto-intoxication. Species of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Lactococcus and Saccharomyces are used as Probiotics. Probiotics are purposely used for their immunomodulatory, antilipidemic, antitoxin, antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties. There is an endless list of Probiotics properties. In spite of these properties Probiotics are immensely showing fruitful results against diarrhea and stomach disorders like Irritable bowel syndrome, Antibiotic associated diarrhea, Pancreatitis, Clostridium difficle infection, Radiation induced diarrhea, Traveler’s diarrhea etc. It increases IgA level and other immunoglobulins secreted cells in the intestinal mucosa and stimulate local release of interferons. It facilitates antigen transport to underlying lymphoid cells, which serves to increase antigen uptake in Peyer's patches. Present review has been aimed to discuss the role of Probiotics in diarrhea which is very common in developing countries like India. Keywords: Probiotics, Stomach disorders, Gastroenteritis, Irritable bowel disease