The good bacteria

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  Oct, 2003  by Llori Valenzuela

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The Probiotic Solution by Mark A. Brudnak, PhD, ND Dragon Door Publications, P.O. Box 4381, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 USA Orders: 1-800-899-5111; Customer service: 651-487-2180; support@dragondoor.com; www.dragondoor.com Paperback, 200 pp, ISBN: 0-938045-75-X; $24.00

The Probiotic Solution is an authoritative guide to the treatment of disease states through probiotics. The book delivers complex information in an easy to read and understandable context, Dr. Brudnak's use of analogies and explanation of terms puts the reader at ease and makes this an enjoyable read.

The vast information contained within The Probiotic Solution is organized in very logical and user-friendly manner. Each chapter is devoted to a disease state, in which implications, etiology, and risk factors are explained. Brudnak thoroughly reviews the conventional treatments and therapies, elucidating the pros and cons of each. Finally, he concludes with the "probiotic solution." In this section, the mechanisms by which "good bacteria" interact and detoxify potentially harmful materials are thoroughly explained.

The Probiotic Solution reviews several adventitious strains of probiotics and the dosing and therapy strategies by which they have been proven most effective. The reader is exposed to a wealth of scientific data, and is a better consumer as a result of it. The Resources section at the back of the book offers an informative and comprehensive review of reputable companies and products offering high quality probiotic products.

Although specific regimens are not prescribed, reputable probiotic sources, types, and effective ranges are suggested. Brudnak describes his "pulse and rotate" method to overcome the body's ability to adapt to probiotics, thereby lessening their clinical effects. In the "pulse" step, probiotic supplementation is discontinued. It is explained that during this time, the body "resets" itself, making the body more receptive to future probiotic strains. A second step or variation, referred to as "rotation," may also be employed. This involves using one probiotic strain for a period of time, switching to another strain, then using a mixed product, containing several strains, and then repeating the cycle.

Brudnak offers a persuasive argument for supplementation with probiotics. The Probiotic Solution will facilitate the acceptance of natural therapies, as described within, and offer application solutions to a variety of situations in the foreseeable future.

Llori Valenzuela, MS, RD

Llori.Valenzuela@earthlink.net

COPYRIGHT 2003 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group