Every week, more and more research discovers the importance of our gut microbiota and how it contributes to our health.

Did you know that a fully grown adult has as much as 2 kilograms of bacteria living inside them?

And that bacterial cells outnumber our human cells at more than 10 to 1?

Strains of probiotics have been already used for quite a while for a number of reasons, and may help to:

• Restore intestinal flora after antibiotic use
• Reduce IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Reduce gastroenteritis effects such as diarrhoea
• Modulate the immune system
• Reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
• Manage symptoms of UTIs or thrush
• Support healthy gut function & digestion

With up to 80% of our immune cells found lining our gut, it makes complete sense to keep our digestive system happy, and this means maintaining the health of our digestive cells & keeping a healthy balance of bacteria.

Are bacteria changing the way we responds to allergens?

There is one particular strain of bacteria that has researchers excited – Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (LGG). Having already been used to modulate the immune response against atopic conditions, namely eczema and asthma, L.Rhamnosus is being tested against peanut allergies with promising results. Research shows that this particular strain of bacteria may help to stimulate a protective response against the peanut protein, rather than a harmful response. Adhering to the gut wall, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus has also been found to promote interactions between other beneficial gut bacteria, the immune cells lining our digestive system, and change responses to chemicals and allergens within the gut.

So how can you maintain a healthy gut and immune system that is stronger against allergies?

• Take a multi-strain broad spectrum probiotic that contains the Rhamnosus strain, especially after antibiotics and during the last trimester of pregnancy
• Add probiotic-rich fermented foods into your daily diet such as sauerkraut, kefir or yoghurt
• Avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary
• Support healthy digestive function with enzymes, good stomach acid and an optimal diet
• See a naturopath or nutritionist to determine your levels of healthy and pathogenic gut bacteria and parasites with a Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)

Get great Nutritional Advice from Karen Ball