Can Probiotics Help Reduce Kidney Inflammation in Lupus Patients?

Lupus affects a variety of the body’s systems, from the joints to the brain. Lupus nephritis, in particular, targets the kidneys. Each year, it’s estimated that five out 10 adults with lupus will experience kidney damage with 10 to 30 percent suffering kidney failure.

For the most part, doctors resort to medications that suppress the body’s immune system in order to keep it from attacking otherwise healthy tissue in the kidneys. The drawback to this kind of therapy is that it leaves the body vulnerable to infection. So, the rationale behind the study is to find another pathway of treatment that “re-trains” the immune system and redirects its germ-fighting ability away from healthy tissue. This sort of treatment would avoid suppression altogether. Consequently, “symbiotic bacteria” is the next possibility to explore. Actually, recent research shows that the “good bacteria” might have a profound effect on inflammation of the kidneys.

Though it might seem ironic, the good bacteria found in some foods and supplements, better known as probiotics are vital in maintaining good health. In relation to the research of lupus, the results show that probiotics can help reduce kidney inflammation in females who have lupus.

The purpose of probiotics

The human body has a lot of bacteria—both good and bad. The harmless and helpful bacteria that inhabits the digestive system helps to maintain balance and can even aid in treating health issues from eczema to IBD. In fact, if a patient is prescribed an antibiotic, the doctor would recommend taking a probiotic supplement (or ingest a food that contains this bacteria) several hours in between doses. This prevents the antibiotic from killing off the good bacteria that also aids the immune system in fighting an illness.

There are several types of probiotics, and each one benefits the body in its own way. Some include:

• Lactobacillus—most often found in yogurt and helps with the digestion of lactose; it is also used to alleviate diarrhea
• Bifidobacterium—found in most dairy products, it helps to decrease the severity of symptoms associated with IBS and some other digestive problems
• Saccharomyces boulardi—a harmless yeast that wards off diarrhea and helps with digestive issues

Some of the different sources of probiotics include the following:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Tempeh (a fermented soybean product)
• Kimichi (a Korean side dish that contains lactobacillus)
• Kombucha (a fermented green or black tea beverage)
• Traditional buttermilk
• Some (not all) cheeses such as gouda, mozzarella, and cottage cheese

These are just a few food and beverage sources. Healthy bacteria can also be found in some vegetables, but if a person cannot consume these foods, then supplements can be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

On the other hand, there might be a few minor side effects like gas, bloating, and upset stomach during the first few days of usage. However, most probiotics occur naturally in some foods, and the side effects would depend mostly on the quantity and frequency of consumption.