Probiotics Used to Prevent and Treat Allergies
Consuming Friendly Bacteria May Lessen Allergic Reactions
Aug 5, 2009
A natural treatment for preventing and treating allergies would be good news for people who suffer from the constant threat of having allergic reactions disrupt daily living.
What are Probiotics?
There are both good and bad bacteria (gut flora) living in the digestive system. Probiotics are the good or beneficial bacteria that help to maintain proper digestion and a healthy immune system. They are an important aid in the absorption of nutrients in food.
The bad bacteria living in the digestive system can become overgrown and cause health problems. Probiotics do the important job of crowding out and killing off these bad bacteria.
Taking probiotics is one of the things that an individual can do to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system.
How are Friendly Bacteria Destroyed?
There are several factors that can contribute to an imbalance of the gut flora, allowing the bad bacteria to become overgrown:
- Taking antibiotics will kill bad bacteria that are causing an infection, but they will also kill off the beneficial bacteria. This includes prescription antibiotics, as well as antibiotics in animal products.
- A bad diet and stress can contribute to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, allowing the bad bacteria to get the upper hand.
- Chlorine and fluoride in drinking water can also contribute to an imbalance of gut flora.
Tips for Taking Probiotics
There are several factors to keep in mind when taking a course of probiotics:
- Maintaining a healthy diet will help the probiotics do their job. Eating junk food will defeat the purpose.
- While it is rare for probiotics to cause side effects, some people report feeling unwell during the first few days. This is attributed to bad bacteria dying off. There may also be a withdrawal effect from sugar and chemicals if the diet has been altered to reduce junk food.
- Probiotics are available in yogurt, but a much larger amount is available in supplement form. Supplements without dairy are available for people who can not eat dairy products.
- Probiotics are a natural product and need to be given enough time to work. It is unlikely they will have an overnight effect.
- It is recommended that probiotics be taken on an empty stomach, for example early morning, before bedtime or before meals.
- Most boxes or bottles of probiotics come with a recommended dosage given. If the individual feels unsure about taking the probiotics without supervision, a physician or naturopathic doctor versed in their use can provide advice.
- The biggest drawback to taking probiotics is that a good product is often expensive. However, when weighed against the cost of doctor visits, medication and physical comfort, the cost may be worth it in the long run.
Preventing and Treating Allergies with Probiotics
Obviously, any product that promotes healthy digestion and immune system function will be helpful in the battle to keep allergic reactions under control.
In one Finnish study, the children of mothers who were given probiotics during pregnancy and for six months of breast-feeding showed half the rate of atopic eczema at four years than the group whose mothers were given placebos.
Given the fact that atopic eczema is often the first sign of allergies and asthma, this is a very significant finding.
Research concerning the use of probiotics for allergies is ongoing, but the evidence to date indicates that they are worth a try for individuals who are concerned about allergic reactions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Pescatore, Fred. The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program. New York: John Wiley & Son, Inc., 2003.
Berger, William E. And Gordon, Debra L. Allergy and Asthma Relief. New York: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 2004.
Bock, Kenneth and Stauth, Cameron. Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies. New York: Ballantine Books, 2007.
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