Probiotics Fight Colds, Antibiotics Fail

Consumers often turn to antibiotics as the answer to their medical maladies. Antibiotics, however, are far from effective against a number of diseases that frequently affect the average person – for example, colds, the flu, or other respiratory infections.

What Do Antibiotics Do?

Antibiotics have long been a staple in the medical community. Their introduction to human civilization cured previously fatal diseases. As such, they were hailed as the "wonder drug” in the early years of their discovery. 

Ever since Alexander Flemming discovered penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have been developed by leaps and bounds to counteract bacteria, parasites, and fungi that cause disease and infection. Antibiotics, however, are not the cure for illnesses caused by viruses.

Antibiotics are used to prevent or fight off  bacteria, which are microscopic organisms. Viruses are not microorganisms. Unfortunately, the common cold, sore throat, and other oft-occurring respiratory diseases are caused by viruses. Taking antibiotics may work for other infections, but in these cases, other medication or substances are required.


What Are Probiotics?

Enter probiotics – the “good bacteria.” Probiotics are found in food, drinks, and dietary supplements. Yogurt, milk, soy beverages, miso, and other fermented substances are good sources of probiotics.

Probiotics are taken to promote the growth of other good bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria are necessary to fend off harmful microorganisms like E. coli and salmonella. They’re also a source of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, known to lower cholesterol in the blood and strengthen cell walls.

Several years of research has also proven that probiotics are much more effective at keeping the common cold and infections of the respiratory track at bay. This is because probiotics don’t only fight harmful organisms, but also boost one’s immune system and promotes general wellbeing.

Research on Probiotics

In 2005, the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics published a study that suggests probiotics are effective against colds and other viral infections that affect the throat or lungs.

A team of German physicians tested out probiotics and placebos on 475 subjects. These subjects, men and women alike, have not been vaccinated against the flu. 

One group of subjects was assigned to take probiotic supplements, while another group was given “fake” supplements or placebos. None of the subjects were informed which group they belonged to.

Subjects were told to take their given supplements for five and a half months and report any flu-like or common cold symptoms. Each case was monitored meticulously.

By the end of the research, subjects within the probiotics group reported a decrease in common cold symptoms by 19%, and a reduction in influenza symptoms by as much as 25%. The probiotics group also experienced and recovered from fever in only half the time than the subjects in the placebo group.

Immune systems were also reportedly improved in the probiotics group, especially within the first two weeks of taking the supplements.

Other Health Benefits of Probiotics
 
Aside from a means to protect oneself from the common cold, probiotics also offer medley of other benefits to one’s health. Probiotics have been known to:

• Produce enzymes that assist in digesting certain substances, particularly lactose and proteins.
• Promote good bowel movements and fights against digestive disorders; prevents diarrhea and constipation alike.
• Improve digestion, which leads to better absorption of nutrients that the body needs to strengthen and protect itself.
• Lower cholesterol level and blood pressure.
• Prevents bile from turning into carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances.

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