October Nutritional News

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Adapted from: The Human Gut Microbiome  in Health and Disease Treatments for Chronic Gastrointestinal Disease

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”350″][vc_single_image image=”6075″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Allergic diseases, specifically those driven by hyper-sensitization-atopic eczema, atopic asthma, rhinitis and food allergies have risen globally in incidence over the past 50 years, with the developed world now showing an incidence at 20% of the population, providing a considerable burden of overall disease.

Atopic sensitization typically occurs in the first two years of life and can persist through a lifetime , with the expression of allergic disease typically eczema ( 0-2 yrs old), asthma ( >5 yrs) and rhinitis(8 yrs).

The cause of Atopic Eczema are potentially numerous although the method of birth , vaginal vs C section and mutation of genes involved in skin barrier functions  are known to be implicated. Characterization of the gut microbiota of atopic eczema in studies show that infants at 1 month of age with the disease had a significantly lower bacterial diversity when compared to healthy control.  The hygiene hypothesis is based on observation that children raised in developed urban environments have reduced exposure to microbial challenges . The underexposure to microbial antigens results in the aberrant outcome to allergen processing of immunological response rather than immunological tolerance.

In a systematic review of 26 observational studies , it was found that C sections were associated with  32% increase in food allergy risk , a 23% increase in hay-fever risk and an 18% increase in asthma risk in children .

The potential role of probiotics in the treatment or prevention of allergic diseases in infants and children is to stimulate the immune system and to train it to produce the an appropriate response to allergens . A systemic review of the effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis in children found that the best effects were observed when both mothers and infants were supplemented with probiotics.

Q: Whats the most important factor in determining whether a probiotic formula will be suitable?

The most important criteria for choosing probiotic is to consider whether the probiotic has clinical trail evidence and shows benefits specific for intended use. The clinical trials would have  clear implications of the correct strains being used and also that the strains are able to survive stomach transit to effectively colonize.

Q: What are some of the benefit of supplementing with probiotics while undergoing antibiotic therapy?

To answer these questions and more , come and speak to our practitioners on site who can assess which strains are more suitable  depending on your health issues.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]