SALT LAKE CITY — Have you or your child ever been sick, then had lingering digestive problems for days or weeks following the initial illness? Relief can oftentimes be found in adding probiotics to your diet.

What are probiotics?

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines probiotics as "live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) which are similar to normal microorganisms found in the human gut." You may have heard them referred to simply as "good bacteria."

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Probiotics are available mainly in the form of dietary supplements and some foods. Examples of foods containing probiotics include: yogurt, milk, miso, tempeh and some juices and soy beverages.

How can probiotics help?

Probiotics can be very helpful to children and adults who suffer from constant stomach irritability by helping to restore good bacteria in the gut. An illness or antibiotic treatment can wipe out the good bacteria, causing you to remain sick or get sick again every time you eat something.

Adding a supplement of probiotics to your child's or your diet can help to:

• treat diarrhea
• prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
• treat irritable bowel syndrome
• speed recovery from certain intestinal infections
• prevent and treat eczema in children
• prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu viruses

Two of my granddaughters have been prescribed probiotics by their pediatrician following episodes of the stomach flu and extended use of antibiotics. Each time, the supplements improved or eliminated their lingering digestive problems.

Side effects and important information about probiotics

Ask Nurse Suzy

Do you have a question for Nurse Suzy, or maybe a topic you'd like her opinion on? Email her at <a href="mailto:nursesuzyksl@gmail.com">nursesuzyksl@gmail.com</a>.

As with most supplements or medications you put into your body, probiotics may produce some negative side effects. MedicineNet.com lists the following:

• mild digestive problems, such as bloating
• infection that must be treated by an antibiotic (especially in people with underlying medical conditions)
• unhealthy metabolic activity

It's also important to note that side effects found from using one species or strain of probiotics do not necessarily hold true for other strains. Additionally, more scientific study is needed regarding the use of probiotics, including about their safety and appropriate use.

If you are thinking about using a probiotic product, consult your health care provider first. Then if you experience any effect that concerns you, consult with that physician about continued use.

Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.

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