Going Pro
By Anthony Almada, M.S.
Many people suffering from chronic digestive problems caused by antibiotics used to treat stomach ulcers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin have found relief in the form of probiotics like lactobacillus (Lactobacillus spp.).
Lactobacillus species are found throughout the gut, even in the harsh, acidic conditions of the stomach. One variety, Lactobacillus GG (LGG), is showing particular promise in treating stomach ailments. For example, one study showed that 2.4 billion live LGG units (CFU) per day contributed to reduced stomach permeability, a side effect of NSAID use. Another recent study showed that LGG supplementation (12 billion live CFU/day) in subjects with Helicobacter pylori—the bacterial perpetrator of many ulcers—produced significantly fewer and less severe side effects compared to placebo during H. pylori eradication therapy. LGG is currently sold in the United States under the name Culturelle.
Nutrition and exercise biochemist Anthony Almada, M.S. has collaborated on more than 45 university-based studies and is founder and chief scientific officer of IMAGINutrition.
