17 Sep 2019
It is now commonly understood that the gut is the principle interface between microbes and the immune system. When the balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ microbes is lost in favour of increased levels of pathogenic strains then
17 Sep 2019
It is now commonly understood that the gut is the principle interface between microbes and the immune system. When the balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ microbes is lost in favour of increased levels of pathogenic strains then damage to the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract can occur. Not only does this allow pathogens and toxins to reach the bloodstream, but the damage to the gut mucosa also triggers an inflammatory reaction from the immune system. The continuous cycle of damage to the gut lining and the low-grade systemic inflammation that it causes, can have far-reaching consequences in the body. As healthcare professionals you may already by aware that one of the possible outcomes is eczema.
The introduction of probiotics into a gut that is over-populated by pathogenic species is believed to increase the competition for space on the epithelial wall, and also the competition for available food and nutrients. In this way probiotics can effectively ‘crowd out’ less desirable strains of bacteria and help to restore the gut flora to its natural balance, giving the epithelial lining a chance to heal. If the gut lining regains its integrity and becomes less 'leaky' then a significant burden is taken off the immune system, meaning that it is less likely to 'over-react' thus reducing our susceptibility to allergies.
Preliminary research seems to suggest that skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be linked back to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. However, not all strains of friendly bacteria exert a protective effect against the development of atopic eczema, and research is still ongoing as to the best strains to use.
One large study in 2010 on a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus showed babies exposed to probiotics prenatally & after birth for 6 months were less likely to develop eczema than those not given probiotics. This study was followed up in 2012 by a paper published in the journal ‘Clinical and Experimental Allergy’1. The same strain of Lactobacillus was given to pregnant mothers from 35 weeks gestation to 6 months post birth (if breastfeeding), and 