Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics have been the topics of research in relation to eczema and food allergies. Many promising studies have shown the relationship in a positive light, as in that taking probiotics may help prevent eczema, treat eczema symptoms, or even cure eczema in future.
We have compiled a list of popular studies that shed light on the relationship at the end of this article. However, there are some basic trends or best practices that are often followed when selecting a good probiotic supplement For Food Allergies or eczema:
Probiotic supplements best Practices
- Genus, species and strain of the microorganisms. Different strains and strengths of probiotics provide different benefits so selecting the ones for eczema is most important.
- The number of organisms contained in a single dose and how often you should take it matters as well. Higher the number of strains and active cultures, the better it is considered.
- Storage information Follow storage instructions provided on the packaging. Always keep probiotics away from moisture and heat.
- Encapsulated pills or other delayed-rupture technology ensure the bacteria survive the trip through your acidic stomach and actually reach your colon.
Significance of Probiotic:
Before heading forward, it is essential to understand the significance carried by probiotic supplements for a healthy body.
What are probiotics?
The term ‘probiotic’ encompasses living bacteria and yeast that promote good health by acting on the digestive system. The human body comprises of both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics are often categorized as ‘good bacteria’ that work on the gut to keep it healthy and free of ailments.
One of the most overlooked fact regarding our digestive tract is 80% of the body’s immune system depends upon the digestive system. Secondly, the gut ecosystem is the second largest section of the neurological division of the body. Hence, a poor digestive tract will have a significant impact on the immunity and mental health.
The root cause of several diseases is sometimes deduced as poor gut health. In a few cases of eczema, the cause of the skin condition is supposed to be an unhealthy system of the stomach . Hence, it becomes essential to maintain a healthy gut ecosystem.
Although, the mode of action of these probiotics is under research, food supplements including these favorable bacteria, have acquired significant popularity. Researchers suggest probiotic foods help maintain balance of good and bad bacteria in the body, when the count of good bacteria decreases in the body. Thus, aiding the body to function in the same manner like before.
Common Probiotic Types:
There are several bacteria that are put in the category of probiotics. They are broadly segregated into two groups. However, which of the probiotic bacterial group would be favorable for an individual varies and can be best recommended by a doctor.
Lactobacillus. This is one of the most common known probiotic. Lactobacillus genus includes most of the probiotic strains. Most of the fermented foods and yogurt have this bacteria. It plays a major role in breaking down the sugars to lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
Bifidobacterium. Bifidobacterium species have been considered as useful probiotics in treating certain types of inflammatory bowel disease. The genus has no negative effects. The body can intake the bacteria via the consumption of certain dairy products.
Importance of Probiotics
Unhealthy gut is often linked with eczema and food allergies. Probiotics have been found to be beneficial in some of the eczema cases, although, significant scientific research is yet to support the benefits. In case of atopic eczema, a successful outcome has been administered, if allergy is tried to be prevented using probiotics.
Probiotics have shown promising and prominent results in treating certain common health conditions, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
- Antibiotic-related diarrhea
Research studies that shed light on probiotics in relation to eczema:
“Probiotic supplementation has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of infantile eczema.”
“These data suggest that the prenatal and postnatal supplementation of bifidobacteria is effective in primary preventing allergic diseases. Some limited changes in the composition of fecal microbiota by the bifidobacterial supplementation were observed.”
“The use of probiotic supplements during pregnancy and/or during infancy creates a statistically significant decline in the incidence of eczema. The heterogeneity of terms and definitions regarding eczema is the major limitation of these studies.”