Disease Archives

Food Borne Illness Rears It’s Ugly Head

Disease, Drug interactions, Probiotics / By @drHoberman

Just this past August, Middle America saw the second year in a two-year salmonella outbreak. This root of this most recent outbreak was contaminated cantaloupe, grown stateside.

In the past, most food borne illness epidemics found their origin in porous fruits grown south of the border in Central America. However in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have discovered more and more epidemics originating with homegrown produce.

Legal and consumer actions teams grow angrier and more outspoken with each contamination outbreak. While CDC standards continue to work in favor of these interest groups and the consumers they represent, the typical individual would do well to take safe consumption matters into their own hands, as an added precaution.

One of the best ways to prepare to withstand food borne illness is to take a probiotic. Doing so has the potential to strengthen your immune and digestive systems to withstand the painful, and sometimes fatal, food poisoning symptoms of acute diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping.

To learn more on this recent salmonella outbreak and for information on how to avoid eating contaminated food, please read the full article posted here.

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Deficiencies in Regulating C. Diff

Digestive Health, Disease / By @drHoberman

C. diff is a bacterial infection that spreads via fecal contamination and takes root once bad bacteria take over the intestinal bacteria balance. This infection creates a number of increasingly serious symptoms like diarrhea, weakness, cramping, and vomiting. It is a 100% preventable condition, but often times, a one-time C diff infection leads to long-term complications, health risks, or death.

Few hospitals and caregiver centers take the necessary action to prevent C. diff outbreaks. The negligence occurs primarily due to budgetary restrictions. However, the implications are dire. Every year thousands of patients lose their lives to C. diff infections, which invade their digestive system, spreading spores taking over, and working against good and bacteria. Antibiotics further the spread, preliminarily killing off the good bacteria needed to combat the digestive tract infection.

Take a probiotic like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic when taking a antibiotic may help prepare your gut to combat serious infections like C. diff. The risk of approaching these infections with too light an attitude is dire. In the article linked below, you’ll learn about the ways C. diff has been spreading in hospitals and the basic steps that can be taken to prevent future infection incidents.

Article

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Get a Probiotic Radiation Shield for Your Gut

Disease, Probiotics / By @drHoberman

Cancer and its treatments take a toll on the human body. One of the most common methods of cancer treatment, radiation, indiscriminately destroy both malignant and healthy cells potentially creating its own host of long-term health problems. However, new studies with lab mice out of St. Louis, Missouri’s Washington University School of Medicine have found that radiation therapy patients who take probiotics prior to receiving radiation cancer treatment therapy may gain intestinal radio-protective benefits.

Astoundingly, the study’s implications reach even further than cancer patients additionally detailing potential probiotic benefits for all individual hoping to protect themselves from general radiation or at-risk for radiation contamination.

Learn more about this study’s conclusions on the benefits of probiotics by reading the full article from NaturalNews.com

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Probiotic-Assisted Antibiotic Diarrhea Prevention

Disease, Probiotics / By @drHoberman

Probiotics have a proven effect on children with antibiotic-induced diarrhea and acute infectious diarrhea. So it stands to reason that probiotics also help adults avoid these conditions. Recently, a study was released that inconclusively implied that probiotics had a positive effect on regulating and preventing adult antibiotic diarrhea. Results leaned toward the positive, but the presence of unexplained heterogeneity in the study’s results gives support for further analysis and examination.

For full details on the results of this probiotic study, please check out the full article, here.

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How To Avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea

Diet, Digestive Health, Disease / By @drHoberman

Dear EndoMune subscribers,

It is summertime and that often means going on a vacation. This newsletter will give you some tips on how to avoid a common gastrointestinal illness while traveling.

During the peak travel seasons, we are bombarded by the Internet and television with all kinds of travel offers. Some trips are just a state or two away, but some journeys extend out of the United States to less developed countries.

This month’s newsletter is on traveler’s diarrhea (TD), a common problem encountered by vacationers visiting Latin America, the Middle East, India and South Asia.

I want to begin with a case report.

Case report

Recently back from her honeymoon at a Playa del Carmen resort in Mexico, Lisa visited her physician complaining of crampy abdominal pain, low-grade fever and diarrhea.

The first 4 days of the trip were terrific. The beaches and activities were wonderful and so was the food. In addition to the fresh fruits and seafood, Lisa particularly enjoyed the salad bar.

Unfortunately, on the fifth day she woke experiencing abdominal cramps and then diarrhea. What a way to end the honeymoon!!

Was there anything that Lisa could have done to prevent developing TD? (See answer at end of this month’s newsletter).

Overview

Diarrhea is the most common medical complaint for Americans visiting developing countries. It is estimated that for Americans traveling internationally, 9.5 to 15.9 million will experience TD. Most episodes last 3-4 days without therapy, but some infections can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration requiring hospitalization, IV fluids and antibiotics.

TD is due to consuming food or water that has been contaminated with fecal matter resulting from poor personal sanitary and public health conditions.

The organisms that cause the diarrhea are bacteria, viruses and parasites. Bacteria like E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella and Campylobacter account for 80% of the episodes of TD. The type of bacterial pathogen depends on the region travelled.

In the medical journal, Current Gastroenterology Report, an article entitled Advances in the Treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea¹ discusses recent recommendations on how to prevent and treat TD.

Prevention

Diet: Food and water are the most common sources of infection. Reduce your risk of TD by ordering all of your foods well-cooked. Avoid raw vegetables and the skin of unpeeled fruits. Tap water and ice also present a high risk. That includes ice in sodas. The general recommendation to avoid TD is to “boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it”. Even if it smells and looks great…don’t eat food from street vendors!!

Medications

Antibiotics can prevent TD, but it is not generally recommended to prescribe antibiotics as a prophylaxis due to the potential for adverse drug reactions and the development of drug resistant organisms.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) provides a protection rate of 60% against TD when two tablets are taken four times daily. It does cause the tongue and stool to turn black and can induce ringing in the ears.
Probiotic clinical trials using a probiotic or a placebo to prevent TD found that 85% of episodes were prevented by probiotics. The dosage of probiotic bacteria given and the type of organisms varied. The analysis found that probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains were effective and so was the yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii. However, at this point it is still difficult to generalize that all probiotics are effective since the amount and strains of probiotic bacteria utilized varied in the different trials.

Treatment

Fluids: Fluids and electrolytes are major concerns during an episode of TD. Drinking fluids like water and rehydration packets are very important, as is eating salty soups and saltine crackers.

Antimotility Agents: Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) and loperimide (Imodium) taken at the onset of diarrhea can lessen the severity and duration of the episode. They do not cure the infection, and they often are taken in combination with an antibiotic.

Antibiotics: Based on established guidelines, antibiotics are generally recommended if there are 3 or more loose stools in eight hours. Fever and blood in stools are other symptoms indicating the need for antibiotics. Most physicians are comfortable prescribing an antibiotic for their patients to have in case they do develop TD.

The most commonly prescribed antibiotic is a quinolone like Cipro. However, there are regions like Thailand where the bacteria are resistant to Cipro, and azithromycin (Zithromax) is recommended.

Probiotics: Probiotic organisms may help in preventing and treating TD in a number of ways.

They produce antibacterial substances that kill invading pathogens.
They adhere to the intestinal lining cells and act as a shield against invading harmful bacteria.
They stimulate the immune system to produce a response against the pathogens.
Recommendations To Prevent TD:

1) Start taking a good probiotic like EndoMune on a daily basis. Begin at least 2-3 days before starting the trip. When traveling, EndoMune will do fine at room temperature. It is best not to store probiotics at temperatures greater than 85 degrees for prolonged periods.

2) Buy a bottle of Pepto Bismol and a box of Imodium to bring with you just in case you develop TD.

3) Check with your physician about getting a prescription for the appropriate antibiotic for TD.

Final Comments

I hope your travels are safe, joyful and healthy. I think Lisa would have been able to enjoy her entire honeymoon if she had avoided the salad bar and the skin of unpeeled fruits, and if she had taken a daily dose of EndoMune.

Eat healthy, exercise and live well!!!
Best Wishes,
Dr. Hoberman

1) Advances in the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea. Paredes-Paredes M, Flores-Figueroa J, Dupont HL. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2011 Oct;13(5):402-7. Review.

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Vaginal Yeast & Urinary Tract Infections

Disease, Drug interactions, Women’s Health / By @drHoberman

This month is directed to the female readers, but the men are also invited to read it.

I am often asked about the benefits of Probiotics in preventing recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections. It is well known that the lactobacillus organisms are the major bacteria populating the vaginal lining cells (mucosa) and it’s these organisms that act as a barrier to prevent infections.

Scientific investigations have proven that female urinary tract infections result due to bacteria arising from the intestinal tract. These bacteria spread to the vagina, then enter and infect the urinary bladder.

Research studies have discovered how lactobacilli can enhance the immune system against infections; Different strains of lactobacilli have specific benefits.

For instance, certain strains can produce bacterocins, antibiotics against specific infectious organisms. Other lactobacilli produce a biofilm that prevents infectious bacteria from adhering and colonizing the lining cells. Additionally, some lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide, which is bacterocidal to many of the pathogenic bacteria. It’s these mechanism and others that have been shown to be important in maintaining the health of the female urogenital tract.

Women have known for decades that yogurt may help prevent vaginal yeast infections. The normal vaginal mucosa is colonized by Lactobacillus acidophilus which is in some yogurts. This bacteria is able to form lactic acid which lowers the pH and prevents the growth of Candida albicans. Unfortunately, taking antibiotics can kill Lactobacillus acidophilus and allow for the development of a vaginal yeast infection.

Candida is always present in low numbers within the intestinal tract and is ready to populate when given the opportunity. When antibiotics are taken, the good bacteria are reduced and the fungus can grow and spread.

There have been a number of studies and reviews on the benefits of taking probiotics containing different strains of lactobacillus bacteria. When the appropriate strains have been given, the recurrence rate of urinary tract infections has decreased.¹

In addition, oral probiotics have been shown to lessen vaginal yeast infections.²

Thanks for your interest in EndoMune.

Eat healthy and live well!

LawrenceJ Hoberman MD

(1) Probiotics for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a review of the evidence from microbiological and clinical studies.- Falagas ME – Drugs – 01-JAN-2006; 66(9): 1253-61

(2) Probiotics for the prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a review. Falagas ME – J Antimicrob Chemother – 01-AUG-2006; 58(2): 266-72

Take Home Message

If you are prone to recurrent urinary tract infections or vaginal yeast infections, consider taking a probiotic that contains several strains of lactobacillus, including Lactobacillus acidophilus….like EndoMune. Also, don’t forget to take a probiotic when prescribed an antibiotic.

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To Go or Not To Go… that is the problem

Digestive Health, Disease, Women’s Health / By @drHoberman

Dear EndoMune subscribers,

Now that we are enjoying the beauty of the spring days, we really don’t want to be slowed down by any GI issues. The following real case report describes how EndoMune can make a positive difference in your health this season:

Case Study: Constrained By Constipation

Karen, a 34-year old corporate executive, saw her primary care physician due to a problem of constipation. Karen had a longstanding history of difficulty with normal stool habits. She had tried a variety of diets and laxatives with no real improvement.

A comprehensive gastroenterological evaluation did not reveal any abnormality. She was told that her problem was due to “irritable bowel syndrome.”

The physician recommended a high fiber diet, stool softeners and exercise.

Karen continued to have problems with bloating, distention and constipation. Her GI issues made it hard for her to function at work. Enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and biking with her family were difficult.

Karen read about probiotics and decided to try EndoMune.

After one week of therapy, Karen’s constipation markedly improved. She was so delighted with the results that she emailed to let me know how EndoMune had made such a difference in her life.

The Discomfort of Constipation

After reading the case report, it is apparent that this month’s newsletter is about how probiotics can ease the problem of constipation.

Constipation is a common condition affecting children and adults. In the vast majority of cases, no underlying natural cause is found and functional constipation or “irritable bowel syndrome” is diagnosed.

Did you know that:

Constipation is medically defined as less than 3 stools per week and associated with straining1

Constipation is one of the most common GI disorders in clinical practice

Approximately 20% of the general population suffers from chronic constipation during their lifetime

Childhood constipation accounts for 3-5% of all visits to pediatricians2

Approximately 70-80% of nursing home residents have constipation3

Finding Relief

In the last 5-6 years, there have been a number of medical studies evaluating whether probiotics can improve constipation and associated symptoms. Not all of them have shown benefit.

I have listed the results of some of the most well done studies:

In 2011, Guerra et al4 reported the results of a study involving 59 children suffering with constipation. Over a 10-week period, the group receiving probiotics had significant improvement in stool frequency, consistency and less abdominal pain.

In 2011, Waller et al5 published a study done on 100 adults with chronic constipation. The group receiving probiotics for 14 days had significantly improved stool frequency and decreased abdominal symptoms compared to the control group.

In 2010, Hyang et al6 reported the results of a clinical study using probiotics in a group of nursing home patients. After 2 weeks of therapy, there was a significant improvement in frequency and consistency of the stools.

In addition to improving GI function, there were no adverse side effects associated with the use of probiotics in these medical studies. This is a very important and unique benefit of probiotic use when compared to other constipation therapies.

How probiotics improve intestinal function is being actively researched by medical experts. Studies7 have found that the bacterial flora in constipated individuals is different than in individuals with regular bowel movements in that they lack the ability to produce beneficial fermented products that enhance intestinal function. Adding probiotics reestablishes a healthy intestinal flora resulting in improved intestinal activity.

Take Home Message

If you struggle with GI issues, consider adding EndoMune to your daily regimen and enjoy these beautiful spring days comfortably!

Eat healthy, exercise and take EndoMune!

Best Wishes,

Lawrence Hoberman MD

1) Epidemiology of constipation in North America: a systematic review.Higgins PD, Johanson JF.Am J Gastroenterol. 2004 Apr;99(4):750-9. Review

2) Epidemiology of childhood constipation: a systematic review.van den Berg MM, Benninga MA, Di Lorenzo C.Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Oct;101(10):2401-9. Review.

3) Chronic Constipation in the Elderly free Juan F Gallegos-Orozco, Amy E Foxx-Orenstein, Susan M Sterler & Jean M StoaThe American Journal of Gastroenterology 107, 18-25
doi:10.1038/ajg.2011.349

4) Pediatric functional constipation treatment with Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt: a crossover, double-blind,controlled trial.Guerra PV, Lima LN, Souza TC, Mazochi V, Penna FJ, Silva AM, Nicoli JR, Guimarães EV.World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep 14;17(34):3916-21.

5) Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut transit time and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in adults.Waller PA, Gopal PK, Leyer GJ, Ouwehand AC, Reifer C, Stewart ME, Miller LE.Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep;46(9):1057-64. Epub 2011 Jun 13.

6) Efficacy of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) supplement in management of constipation among nursing home residents.An HM, Baek EH, Jang S, Lee do K, Kim MJ, Kim JR, Lee KO, Park JG, Ha NJ.Nutr J. 2010 Feb 5;9:5.

7) Functional dysbiosis within the gut microbiota of patients with constipated-irritable bowel syndrome (pages 828–838) C. Chassard, M. Dapoigny, K. P. Scott, L. Crouzet, C. Del’homme, P. Marquet, J. C. Martin, G. Pickering, D. Ardid, A. Eschalier, C. Dubray, H. J. Flint and A. Bernalier-DonadilleAlimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 03/19/2012

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Probiotics Aid in Preventing Female Urinary Tract Infections

Disease, Women’s Health / By @drHoberman

Dear EndoMune Subscribers,

Appropriately, May’s newsletter is directed to women. May was named for the Greek goddess Maia…and men, don’t forget that Sunday, May 13th, is Mother’s Day.

Let’s start this month’s newsletter with a case report:

CASE REPORT

Susan is a 48 year-old woman who has suffered with recurrent urinary tract infections. She was aware that the symptoms of urgency, frequency and burning are typical warnings signs of an impending urinary tract infection. Her doctor would likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Unfortunately, two years ago, Karen ended up in the emergency room with fever to 1030, generalized aches and hypotension. She was hospitalized and given IV antibiotics for a serious bout of an E. coli bacterial kidney infection.

Susan read about the benefits of taking a probiotic to lessen the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections. She emailed me to say that since starting EndoMune two years ago, she has not had another infection!!

BACKGROUND

The female urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

The short female urethra places women at increased risk for urinary infections. A urinary tract infection or UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria invade the urinary tract system. Nearly 1 in 3 women will have had at least 1 episode of UTI requiring antimicrobial therapy by the age of 24 years. Almost half of all women will experience 1 UTI during their lifetimes. Financially, the estimated annual cost of community-acquired UTI is significant, at approximately $1.6 billion1.

DEFINITIONS

A urinary tract infection limited to the bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys.

Susan’s recurrent infections occurred in the urinary bladder, or the cystitis. She was hospitalized because the bacteria were able to travel from the bladder to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis, a serious kidney infection.

CAUSE

The urine is normally sterile. An infection occurs when bacteria are able to invade the lining cells of the urinary tract. The infection usually starts at the opening of the urethra and migrates into the urinary bladder and at times, up into the kidneys.

The culprit in at least 90% of uncomplicated infections is a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli, better know as E. coli. These bacteria normally live in the bowel (colon) and around the rectum.

These bacteria can accidentally contaminate the opening of the urethra and invade the lining cells of the urinary tract. Two common causes are limited fluid intake and sexual intercourse.

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS

There have been many studies2,3 that have evaluated the benefits of probiotic bacteria like the Lactobacillus species in preventing recurrent UTI’s. Different strains have been used in clinical trials. Trials have included oral probiotics and vaginal suppositories. Not all the trials have shown benefit, but no study has found that probiotics cause any adverse effects.

The theory has been that the Lactobacillus bacteria that normally inhabit the vaginal mucosa produce different protective products that destroy or inhibit the invasion of harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Taking probiotics that contain Lactobacillus strains will increase the stool concentration of these protective bacteria. The Lactobacillus bacteria can then migrate from the intestinal tract to the urethra area, stimulating the lining cells to activate an immune response against pathogens like E. coli and producing a biofilm that acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

For women who suffer with recurrent infections, physicians recommend several preventive measures such as voiding after intercourse, wiping from front to back, and drinking plenty of water.

Physicians will prescribe an antibiotic for UTI’s and sometimes will recommend use of antibiotics as a preventative.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

While there is no perfect regimen to prevent recurrent UTI’s, may assist with prevention. If you or a loved one suffers from recurrent UTI’s, consider trying a probiotic like EndoMune.

Remember, Mother’s Day is May 13th! Men, consider giving the mothers in your life a bottle of EndoMune.

Eat healthy, exercise, take EndoMune and live well!!

Dr. Hoberman

1) Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: incidence, morbidity, and economic costsBetsy Foxman, PhD, Am J Med. 2002 Jul 8;113 Suppl 1A:5S-13S

2) Prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection with probiotics: Review and research perspective.Borchert D, Sheridan L, Papatsoris A, Faruquz Z, Barua JM, Junaid I, Pati Y, Chinegwundoh F, Buchholz N.Indian J Urol. 2008 Apr;24(2):139-44

3) Randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of a Lactobacillus crispatus probiotic given intravaginally for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection. Stapleton AE,

Au-Yeung M, Hooton TM, Fredricks DN, Roberts PL, Czaja CA, Yarova-Yarovaya Y, Fiedler T, Cox M, Stamm WE.Clin Infect Dis. 2011 May;52(10):1212-7

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The Gut-Brain-Skin Connection and the Benefits of Probiotics

Diet, Disease, Healthy Aging / By @drHoberman

Greetings EndoMune Subscribers!

March is the month we shake off the winter blues and start thinking about spring flowers and beautiful days. On the flip side, it is also the time we must complete taxes; or for students, prepare for midterm exams. Basically, March is a happy month mixed with some stress.

This month I want to discuss two common chronic skin conditions affected by stress: Acne vulgarus and Acne Roseaca.

Emotional Stress Leads To Bodily Stress

A well-respected medical journal, Gut Pathogens, published an interesting article last year that outlined how emotional stress has an impact upon common skin conditions like acne and rosacea.

Consider these four cases:

1.) Emotional stress can disturb the healthy balance of intestinal bacteria.
2.) Overgrowth of harmful bacteria break down the intestinal barrier and stimulates the immune system
3.) The immune system can contribute to the skin inflammation that causes acne and rosacea.
4.) Re-establishing the healthy balance of intestinal bacteria helps to improve these skin conditions.

Where There’s A Probiotic, There’s A Cure

Acne or pimples occur when hair follicles become infected. The exact cause is still unknown, but the hair follicles become blocked which allows the bacteria, Probionibacterium acnes, to proliferate and cause inflammation resulting in pimples. A very common form of therapy is to prescribe antibiotics either topically or orally to clear the infection and control flares of acne. Unfortunately, this form of therapy is also associated with intestinal side effects and doesn’t always work. Scientific studies have shown that adding probiotics to standard acne treatment therapy can improve the inflammation and also lessen GI symptoms.

Acne Rosacea or rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that occurs in adults. It causes redness of the face and nose and pimples. In advanced cases, the nose becomes bulbous. President Bill Clinton and Prince Charles are among the millions of people who suffer from this condition.

Stress is a factor that can aggravate rosacea. Excess build up of bacteria in the intestines also plays a role. Taking antibiotics can help to control the skin inflammation. There are several scientific reports that also adding probiotics can help.

Over the years, a number of readers have written in, letting us know how much EndoMune has helped them manage teenage acne and adult rosacea…especially during stressful times!

Take Home Message

Bottom line: If you or your loved ones have these skin conditions, consider taking EndoMune to lessen skin flares – especially if March brings you stress.

Eat healthy, exercise, take EndoMune and live well!

Best Wishes,
Lawrence Hoberman MD

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Otitis Media: Probiotics Should be Given Alongside Antibiotics

Disease, Drug interactions / By @drHoberman

We are in the full swing of cold and flu season. I’m hopeful everyone got their flu shot and is staying healthy. However, if you’re not so fortunate and your kids are suffering with symptoms, then this is a very timely newsletter for you to read.

This month we will explore two important clinical studies published in the January 13th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine ^(1,2). These studies provide evidence that prescribing antibiotics is beneficial for infants and young children who are suffering with a very common disorder called otitis media. This is an infection of the middle ear, usually due to bacteria.

For a number of years, the pediatric medical organizations recommended watchful waiting for some children with evidence of acute otitis media. This is primarily because some children with mild infections may improve without the use of antibiotics. Unfortunately, the problem is the identification of which children will do well without antibiotics.

While many physicians do not like to prescribe antibiotics, and often only do so if no other solutions are available, otitis media can become a very serious condition. In some children it can progress to the point of a perforation of the eardrum or even lead to the development of mastoiditis. Clearly, waiting to treat a child can be a risk.

To determine the efficacy of antibiotics on acute otitis media, the researchers in these recent studies prescribed a very effective antibiotic to one group of children and the other group received a placebo. The children were followed closely for 7-10 days to determine the treatment outcome. If the children receiving the placebo developed worsening infections, they would be given “rescue therapy.”

The results were of the treatment were as follows:

Children on antibiotics: 18.6% treatment failure
Childen on placebo: 44.9% treatment failure

The authors concluded that otitis media in this age group is a treatable disease with the use of antibiotics: “More young children with a certain diagnosis of acute otits media recover more quickly when they are treated with an appropriate antimicrobial agent.” ⁽²⁾

The next step in these research studies is to determine how to identify the children who may get better without the use of antibiotics.

Unwanted Side Effects of Antibiotics

It’s worth noting that two of the most frequent adverse events occurring in the children receiving antibiotics were diarrhea and diaper area dermatitis. More than 50% of the children in the antibiotic group developed diarrhea and/or diaper rash. Among the children who received a placebo, only 25% experienced these side effects.

So how can these effects be mitigated if your child needs to take an antibiotic? There are several published studies ⁽³⁾ that have found that taking a probiotic when antibiotics are prescribed can reduce the risk of developing diarrhea by roughly 50%. While very few medications or treatments are 100% effective, taking a probiotic for a 50% chance to reduce the risk of antibiotic related diarrhea and diaper rash is a worthwhile effort.

Take Home Message

If your child is prescribed an antibiotic, consider adding a probiotic that will lessen the risk of diarrhea and diaper rash. Remember to separate the timing of the antibiotic and probiotic by two hours to insure the probiotic bacteria are not destroyed by the antibiotic.

Finally, to be successful, the probiotic serving size should be greater than 10 billion bacteria and consist of multistrain, multispecies organisms like those in EndoMune Jr.

Wishing you and your children a very healthy winter season!

Eat healthy, exercise and live well!
Dr. Hoberman

References:

(1) A placebo-controlled trial of antimicrobial treatment for acute otitis media. Tähtinen PA, Laine MK, Huovinen P, Jalava J, Ruuskanen O, Ruohola A. N Engl J Med. 2011 Jan 13;364(2):116-26.

(2) Treatment of acute otitis media in children under 2 years of age. Hoberman A, Paradise JL, Rockette HE, Shaikh N, Wald ER, Kearney DH, Colborn DK, Kurs-Lasky M, Bhatnagar S, Haralam MA, Zoffel LM, Jenkins C, Pope MA, Balentine TL, Barbadora KA.N Engl J Med. 2011 Jan 13;364(2):105-15.

(3) Probiotics for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Doron SI, Hibberd PL, Gorbach SL. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2008 Jul;42 Suppl 2:S58-63.

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