It usually feels like we live in a toxic world in Beijing, bombarded daily from the air and what we eat and drink. But what about the other extreme? Scientists are starting to realize that not all germs are created equal; there are good germs and bad germs. An infant needs certain exposure to some germs in the first few months of life, otherwise they could potentially develop some immune-system diseases – even obesity as an adult. This is called the “hygiene hypothesis.”
A fascinating study (pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/07/03/peds.2011-2825.abstract) published this summer followed 400 families. It demonstrated that in households with a dog, newborns were 30 percent less likely to experience the common cold, ear infections, and antibiotic use during their first year of life. Researchers hypothesize that early exposure to a dog’s germs are boosters for a small baby’s growing immune system. This is not the first study to find such a connection.
There is mounting evidence that babies born through caesarean section have a higher risk of childhood asthma and hay fever. A new study published this summer showed a doubled risk of obesity in toddlers who were born via C-section. The possible reason: A baby delivered by C-section doesn’t pick up mom’s vaginal bacteria and thus may not be triggering an important immune system response. Perhaps those bacteria are an essential “starter colony” for baby’s brand new stomach and intestines, and these good bacteria are key to keeping a child’s weight down. That brings us to probiotics.
We all know about antibiotics, which kill “bad” bacteria, but our bodies are filled with trillions of good bacteria that are essential. Everyone’s digestive tract contains bacteria that are essential in breaking down foods and maintaining healthy bowel movements. Antibiotics, especially the strong ones, often wipe out these healthy bacteria – which is why many people develop diarrhea after antibiotics (many women also develop vaginal yeast infections).
The good news is that mounting evidence shows that taking probiotic supplements while taking antibiotics can greatly reduce the common side effects of antibiotic-related diarrhea. A Cochrane Library meta-analysis (summaries.cochrane.org/CD004827/probiotics-for-the-prevention-of-pediatric-antibiotic-associated-diarrhea-aad) published last year showed an impressive 48 percent decrease in diarrhea when taking probiotics. This study suggested that a high dose (over 5 million colony units a day) especially with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Saccharomyces boulardii was most effective. This impressive study has certainly led me to encourage patients of any age to take probiotics while on antibiotics.
This article is excerpted from beijingkids September 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.