January 22, 2003 – A major outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus is currently raging in North America. Is there any way to escape it? In addition to vigilant hygiene, it seems that taking probiotics – those living bacteria that have a beneficial influence on the gut flora, the immune system and general well-being – can help to avoid it.
Some reviews of scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention and even the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, according to a synthesis of studies1 Recently, several strains of probiotics have shown good results in the prevention and treatment of gastroenteritis. Among the most effective are the lactobacilli rhamnosus GG and casei. However, these bacteria must be present in very large quantities (at least 108 per ml) in probiotic products to have an effect on the intestinal flora. Several researchers had insisted on this point during the International Symposium on probiotics.2 held in Montreal last fall.
It is possible to find in health food stores such products concentrated in lactobacilli (like BioK + and Fine Forme). Note, however, that probiotic products are not recommended for people on chemotherapy treatment, people with terminal AIDS, people who have undergone surgery and are at risk of pericarditis or endocarditis and those suffering from bloody diarrhea.
However, hygiene is still the most effective way to protect against gastroenteritis. How? ‘Or’ What? First of all, you should wash your hands regularly: before eating, after going to the bathroom, coming home from work, etc. In households, it is important to decontaminate countertops and sinks, clean the toilet bowl with bleach, and avoid contact with the food, water and utensils of sick people.
Stéphane Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
According to La Presse, January 19, 2003.
1. Hammer P, Seksik P, Jian R. Probiotics and intestinal health effects: a clinical perspective.Br J Nutr 2002 Sep; 88 Suppl 1: S51-7. [Consulté le 21 janvier 2002].
2. For more details, see the article on our site entitled Health through probiotics: a promising avenue.