ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN TREATING ECZEMA, ALLERGIES & ASTHMA

Probiotic supplementation before and after birth can possibly reduce the incidence of asthma, allergies and eczema in children, according to Bengt Björkstén, professor of Allergy Prevention and Paediatrics at the Karolinska Institut in Stockholm, Sweden. Scientists have observed that the gastrointestinal flora differs between allergic and non-allergic children. According to a theory known as the ”hygiene hypothesis”, babies who are born in sanitised hospitals and come home to sparkling clean homes may be more prone to develop allergies.

”It has been suggested that modern living is associated with too little microbial stimulation early in life, and that allergic disease and autoimmune disease could be regarded as a consequence of a ‘microbial deprivation syndrome’,” Prof. Björkstén says.

Because children’s bodies don’t have to fight off as many bacteria as they did in the past, their immune systems start mistakenly attacking harmless substances, such as pet dander or pollen, causing allergic diseases. Researchers hope to get more proof that, by giving the infant probiotics, his or her immune system is stimulated as it would be if the baby were exposed to bacteria in less clean surroundings.

Studies have shown that infants with atopic eczema improve with probiotic Lactobacilli.

This type of eczema affects up to 20 percent of the population and is associated with asthma and also with hay fever.

Research also suggests that by changing the gut microflora in early infancy with the help of Lactobacilli, the child’s risk of developing atopic eczema at a later stage of life is also reduced. Prof. Björkstén also says that preliminary research shows that vaginal flora during pregnancy can play a role in whether a child develops asthma by the age of 5. The risk is linked to a lack of Lactobacilli, which can easily be remedied by a good supplement taken by the mom-to-be during the last four weeks of pregnancy.