Probiotics may help protect body from viruses

Probiotics can be used for a variety of health benefits, and many studies support specific strains for helping to ward off invading bacteria and viruses. One of the most studied and most trusted strains is a probiotic yeast - Saccharomyces boulardii - which has been shown to help manage the effects of viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus, common causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE).

Patricia Raymond, M.D., noted board-certified gastroenterologist, author and assistant professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, advises to instead consider the use of Florastor to help strengthen the gut by supplying it with beneficial microbiota to help battle the pathogens that have "taken over."

"Consider the use of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii), a yeast-based probiotic supplement commonly sold under the brand name Florastor," Dr. Raymond says. "Data* has shown that S. boulardii can modify the inflammation and secretion of the gut, neutralize toxins and decrease various pathogens' ability to attach to the wall of the intestine."

Florastor is also available as Florastor Kids, specially formulated and frequently recommended for pediatric use. It has been shown in numerous studies to effectively combat antibiotic associated diarrhea, and is the only probiotic shown to help reduce the recurrence of Clostridium difficile (C. diff)-associated disease. Florastor is available on drugstore.com, and can be purchased in bottles of 10 capsules for a suggested price of $10.95, 50 capsules for a suggested price of $43.95, or a 20-capsule blister pack for a suggested price of $21.95.

* A 1990 study published in the German medical journal Muncher Medizinische Wochenschrift found S. boulardii to be effective in treating acute diarrhea in adults. The patients took four capsules containing 50 mg of S. boulardii three times a day for two days and followed with two capsules three times a day for five days. The study found a significant reduction in the group treated with S. boulardii versus those treated with the placebo.

Written by Cocchin Pinti
Probiotic News
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