In chronic diseases, such as this one, it may be helpful to resort to different approaches. You can try for example with probiotics that, according to some studies, could reduce the severity of symptoms and even prevent the risk of developing atopic dermatitis.
It begins in childhood, but can continue into adulthood, bringing with it itching and skin irritations that can be difficult to live with.
It is atopic dermatitis, a disorder for which it is often difficult to find a solution. But there is a glimmer of hope.
In fact, there are more and more studies that suggest a solution in food supplementation with probiotics, which represents a valid aid to improve the management of the disease.
Nourishment against skin problems
A recent analysis published in Jama Dermatology (1) reviewed the results of 21 different studies that, in total, involved almost seven thousand patients.
Nutrients considered include fatty acids, prebiotics and probiotics.
It is precisely the latter, the bacteria friendly to intestinal health, that have proven more than any other nutrient to be useful for those suffering from this dermatological disorder.
However, the terms “prebiotic” and “probiotic” are often confused and misused. Let’s see exactly what it is.
What are they | |
Probiotic | Microorganisms that prove capable, once ingested in adequate quantity, to exert beneficial functions for the body. |
Prebiotic | Non-digestible substances of food origin which, taken in quantities adequate, selectively promote the growth and activity of one or more bacteria already present in the intestinal tract or taken together with the prebiotic. |
Probiotics, friends not only of the intestine
Unlike other microorganisms, probiotics are not a threat to health, on the contrary, they are naturally present in the intestine, where they produce antimicrobial substances, counteract the growth of pathogenic bacteria and stimulate the immune system.
Their mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated. However, their ability to bring intestinal permeability back to normal, which seems to be altered even in adults suffering from atopic dermatitis, is known.
Fortunately, these microorganisms can be taken orally, because they do not lose their properties either during storage or in the passage into the digestive system.
This made it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of their intake in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Many of the studies carried out to date have been conducted in children. In most cases the potential of probiotics has been confirmed, so much so that the American Academy of Dermatology (2) has included the intake of these microorganisms among the useful measures during pregnancy and lactation to prevent the appearance of atopic dermatitis in children with familiarity with this disease.
Even studies conducted in the adult population, although less numerous, show that the intake of probiotics helps both to improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and to reduce the presence in the feces of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium widespread among atopics.
One probiotic is not worth the other
In reality, however, talking about probiotics in general is not correct. In the case of atopic dermatitis there are several bacterial strains considered useful, including Lactobacillus salivarius LS01, Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Some studies conducted on adult individuals have shown the effectiveness of these probiotics in reducing eczema and intestinal permeability, as well as rebalancing the immune system.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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