2023-09-21 16:46:34
International Medical Conference Highlights the Benefits of Probiotics in Gut Health
Last Tuesday, the Saudi Society of Family and Community Medicine, sponsored by Jamjoom Pharma and organized by the Expertise Forum, held an international medical conference on the uses of probiotics in primary health care. The conference, titled “Unlocking the Secrets of Gut Health,” brought together renowned experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments in probiotics and their role in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts, have gained popularity in recent years for their various health benefits. They are believed to help restore the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, particularly in cases where it has been disrupted by illness or medication. Evidence has shown that probiotics can be beneficial in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and improving overall gut health.
The conference featured talks by prominent doctors specializing in the field of probiotics. Dr. Matthew Tracy from the United States, Professor Myeong Soo Park from South Korea, and Dr. Abdel Halim Al-Sharif from Egypt shared their insights on the topic. The conference was chaired by Dr. Ashraf Amir from Saudi Arabia, who is a Family Medicine Consultant and Vice President of the Saudi Society of Family and Community Medicine.
Dr. Ashraf Amir explained that probiotics, often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, play a crucial role in enhancing the immune system and promoting proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. They can be particularly effective in preventing diarrhea, colic, and intestinal irritation in children. Additionally, probiotics help maintain the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the digestive system, leading to improved overall health and immunity.
The conference also addressed the potential side effects of probiotics. Dr. Amir assured attendees that probiotics are generally safe to use, with minimal side effects such as temporary gas or diarrhea. He emphasized that the benefits of probiotics far outweigh any potential risks.
Dr. Matthew Tracy, Director of the Center for Functional Medicine and Wellness, highlighted the importance of probiotics in regulating the intestinal microbial composition. He presented a recent study on the therapeutic benefits of a probiotic mixture called VSL#3. The study demonstrated the positive effects of VSL#3 in treating various systemic diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, and allergic diseases.
Dr. Tracy also emphasized the impact of antibiotics on the body’s microbiome. He explained that excessive use of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria, leading to various health conditions such as type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, allergies, and obesity. Dr. Tracy called for alternative approaches to antibiotics to minimize these harmful effects.
Professor Myeong Soo Park, CEO of the South Korean company “Bifido” Ltd., shared the results of his latest study on the microbiome and the development of probiotics. The study highlighted the importance of “bifidobacteria” in maintaining intestinal and overall body health. It revealed that the levels of bifidobacteria decrease with age, contributing to various diseases in the elderly. Professor Park emphasized the need to restore bifidobacteria levels in the body through the use of well-studied strains of probiotics.
During the conference, Professor Park also discussed the latest probiotic products available in Saudi Arabia. He mentioned the “PROLIFE” brand, which offers a range of probiotics designed to enhance the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and support digestive health.
The international medical conference provided valuable insights into the benefits of probiotics in maintaining gut health. The discussions and findings presented by the experts will undoubtedly contribute to advancing primary health care practices and improving the well-being of individuals worldwide.]
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