Probiotics and Atopic Dermatitis: What You Can Do for Gut Diversity

When the term ‘bacteria’ comes to mind, some people might initially think of harmful germs. However, there are actually many bacteria that are helpful and beneficial to humans. The gut is inhabited by numerous microorganisms that are important for digestion and health. Probiotics are now being promoted in many places to positively influence the intestinal flora. But can probiotics also help with atopic dermatitis?

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are literally on everyone’s lips. The live microorganisms are, for example, mixed as a powder in water and taken before a meal. Naturally, they occur in yogurt or fermented foods. Probiotics can contain a variety of bacteria, with the most common bacteria belonging to the groups

  • Lactobacilli
  • Bifidobacteria.

Lactobacilli belong to the lactic acid bacteria. This means that they process carbohydrates into lactic acid in the gut. Bifidobacteria also produce lactic acid in the gut. The acidic environment in the gut created by lactic acid makes conditions unfavorable for certain pathogens. Depending on which bacteria are present in probiotics, their effects vary.

How probiotics could influence the skin

In individuals with atopic dermatitis, reduced diversity in the gut microbiota has already been observed. Some studies suggest that probiotics

  • could help restore balance to the gut microbiota
  • support the barrier function of the gut
  • reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (messenger molecules involved in immune responses).

In studies with mice, it has been observed that probiotics can bind to epithelial cells. Epithelium is a specific type of tissue that lines the intestines and is important for the intestinal barrier, among other functions. Probiotics are believed to support this barrier function, reducing the likelihood of pathogens forming against harmful influences.

These influences could in turn have a positive effect on the skin and alleviate the inflammatory processes in atopic dermatitis. However, since these studies were conducted on animals, the transferability to humans is still unclear.

Preventing and treating atopic dermatitis?

The use of probiotics appears promising in the prevention of atopic dermatitis, as there are already some studies in humans. For example, when probiotics were given to pregnant women and later to their newborns, the development of atopic dermatitis in the children was less common. This could be because the development of the gut flora in early childhood is particularly influential.

So far, the research findings regarding treatment with probiotics are not entirely conclusive. Some studies have shown that probiotics can indeed alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or increase gut diversity, while others have not shown such effects. Although there is increasing evidence that treatment with probiotics reduces the symptoms and severity of atopic dermatitis, many important parameters are still unknown. These include:

  • the optimal dosage of probiotics
  • the timing for the initiation of treatment
  • the minimum duration of probiotic intake to produce an effect (currently estimated to be 8 to 12 weeks)

Note:

Research on the targeted use of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis is still ongoing. However, the use of probiotics with longer-term intake appears to have positive effects on the course and development of atopic dermatitis so far.

More diversity in the gut through a balanced, fiber-rich diet

Whether the advertising promises of probiotics hold true or not is still unclear. However, the influence of diet on the gut environment is clear. The typical Western diet, on the other hand, is only “ballast” for the gut. Fat- and sugar-rich foods, refined flour products, fast food, and high meat consumption are associated with bacteria that promote inflammation and weaken the gut barrier.

On the other hand, a balanced and fiber-rich diet, consisting mainly of fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, is very beneficial for the right gut bacteria. Fiber feeds the “good” bacteria. Some exemplary delicacies for your gut bacteria are:

  • Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, or kimchi
  • Fruits (apples, berries, dried fruit)
  • Vegetables (artichokes, salsify, broccoli)
  • Nuts and seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds)
  • Whole grain products
  • Legumes (lentils, beans, peas)
Many fibers, and also drink plenty of water. Adults should consume between 25 – 35 grams of fiber per day.

Tip:

Gradually introduce fiber-rich foods to your diet, as they can be difficult to digest initially. Make sure to drink enough water, as fiber has a high water-absorbing capacity.

The association between highly processed foods and reduced gut diversity has been known for some time. However, there is still insufficient knowledge about the precise effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis. Only with adequate research results can the side effects and cost-benefit ratio of probiotics be assessed. Therefore, patience is crucial for now. And this time can already be used by nourishing your gut with the right diet.

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Neurodermitis App Nia