ROLE OF PROBIOTICS : Apeksha Ekbote , MSc,RD Chief Dietician, NephroPlus

ProBiotics are live microorganism that improves the bacterial flora, which are responsible for good digestion and immunity.  Many of us often relate bacteria or microorganism as germs, but this microorganism helps body function properly.   

It is becoming more widely accepted that people with CKD and on dialysis have altered gut flora. Restoring balance to intestinal flora favorably impacts the CKD patient as it would any individual and improves any GI issues such as constipation or diarrhea as well as promotes healthy digestion and improved immunity.

Naturally probiotics are formed in the process of fermentation. Probiotics naturally occur in yogurt, buttermilk, kefir (fermented milk), sauerkraut, kimchi, and bacterially cultured cheese. Probiotic supplementation is generally preferred over food sources because of the high potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and sugar content of many foods containing probiotics.   

Probiotic supplements are available in the form of drinks, capsules and dietary supplements under various brands. The probiotic bacteria used in commercial products are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are similar to the microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies.