The Power of Probiotics: Improving Your Health with Beneficial Microbes

by Elmer; Gary W.

• ISBN13: 9780789029010
• ISBN10: 0789029014
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2007-02-06
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The Power of Probiotics is a consumer-friendly guide to the selection and use of probiotics that have been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. This jargon-free reference resource provides practical advice on how and when to use probiotics and how to select the best commercially available products, based on usefulness, quality, and safety, to lower the risk of disease and maintain a positive health image. The book offers objective information on evaluating product claims, making sense of regulations and labeling, and sorting through manufacturing and marketing issues. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Marc McFarland was formerly Northwest News Editor/Bureau Manager for United Press International and special assistant to the Director of Scientific Affairs at Biocodex, Inc., in Seattle. Gary W. Elmer is Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Washington, Seattle.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. xi
Preface	p. xiii
Acknowledgments	p. xv
Introduction	p. 1
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 1
What Are Probiotics?	p. 3
History of Probiotics	p. 5
Medical Conditions for Probiotics	p. 6
The "Ideal" Probiotic	p. 9
Properties of Current Probiotics	p. 11
How to Evaluate Scientific Studies	p. 16
Regulations for Probiotics	p. 20
The Future of Probiotics	p. 23
Traveler's Diarrhea	p. 25
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 25
Risks for Traveler's Diarrhea	p. 28
Prevention of Traveler's Diarrhea	p. 33
Treatments for Traveler's Diarrhea	p. 40
Conclusions and Observations	p. 45
Acute Diarrhea	p. 47
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 47
Acute Pediatric Diarrhea	p. 49
Acute Adult Diarrhea	p. 65
Overall Conclusions	p. 69
Antibiotics-Associated Diarrhea and Colitis	p. 71
Antibiotics-Associated Diarrhea	p. 71
Clostridium Difficile AAD	p. 82
Conclusions	p. 92
Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections	p. 95
Bacterial Vaginosis	p. 95
Candidal Vaginitis	p. 101
Urinary Tract Infections	p. 106
Summary	p. 109
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Digestive Problems	p. 111
Crohn's Disease	p. 111
Ulcerative Colitis	p. 116
Pouchitis	p. 119
Irritable Bowel Syndrome	p. 122
Lactose Intolerance	p. 126
Constipation	p. 128
Summary	p. 130
Allergies	p. 131
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)	p. 133
Adult Allergies	p. 140
Miscellaneous Disorders	p. 143
Rheumatoid Arthritis	p. 144
Cancer	p. 146
High Cholesterol	p. 149
Dental Health	p. 153
Diabetes	p. 155
Hepatic Encephalopathy	p. 156
Hospital Infections	p. 157
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)	p. 158
Immunity	p. 159
Sexual Dysfunction	p. 162
Stomach Ulcers	p. 162
Stress	p. 165
Weight Loss	p. 166
Conclusion	p. 167
Probiotic Products on the Market	p. 169
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 169
Alphabetical Listing of Probiotics	p. 171
Conclusion	p. 180
Buying the Best Product	p. 181
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 181
The Five Questions	p. 182
Where to Find Information	p. 187
Conclusion	p. 188
Safety of Probiotics	p. 189
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 189
Risks in General	p. 190
Reported Adverse Effects	p. 193
Quality Control	p. 197
Contraindications	p. 199
Special Concerns	p. 199
Drug Interactions	p. 200
Conclusions and Observations	p. 200
Notes	p. 201
Index	p. 229
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