Good Bacteria Relieve Ulcerative Colitis

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Good Bacteria Relieve Ulcerative Colitis


Researchers from the University of Bologna in Italy and the University of North Carolina found that ulcerative colitis was improved in the majority of patients taking a probiotic mixture of eight bacteria for six weeks.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are preparations of living microbial cells that, when ingested, are thought to positively influence the composition of microbes in the gut, and improve the health of the intestine.

Remission of Ulcerative Colitis

In this clinical trial, 77 percent of those treated with a probiotic bacteria mixture experienced relief of their mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

Of the 34 patients treated, 26 demonstrated improvement in their condition, with most of those experiencing a complete remission. Only three patients found their condition worsened after the treatment.

How Does it Work?

The mixture of eight lactic acid bacterial species is believed to work by:

* Reducing the number of "bad" bacteria
* Reducing the amount of inflammation
* Increasing the mucus layer in the gut
* Increasing the amount of anti-inflammatory molecules in the
intestine

American Journal of Gastroenterology July 2005; 100(7):1539-46