Women’s Health Archives

Lessen Risk of Preeclampsia with Probiotics

Disease, Women’s Health / By @drHoberman

High blood pressure increases a woman’s chance of having heart disease, but it is also a symptom of a serious complication during pregnancy called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia occurs when women develop high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20th week of their pregnancy. Other symptoms include swelling of hands, face or eyes, sudden weight gain over one to two days, and infrequency of urination.

A recent study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that by taking a daily probiotic, pregnant women can reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. Scientists analyzed more than 30,000 pregnant women who drank milk products with and without a dose of probiotics in the first 13 weeks of their pregnancy. Results have shown that women who took probiotics reduced their risk of developing the disease.

A healthy balance of intestinal bacteria lessens the intestinal inflammation that can lead to disorders like preeclampsia. Probiotics, like EndoMune Advanced, contain billons of bacteria that improve intestinal digestion and immune system function, reducing pregnant women’s risk of complications.

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Keep Your Child Cold and Flu Free

Recently, the flu and cold have been spreading around. All it takes is a cough or sneeze from someone who is already sick for you or your child to get sick. During this time of year, it is important to keep your child healthy and probiotics may help.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 300 children were divided into three groups to study the effect of probiotics on cold and flu-like symptoms. The children, who ranged in age from three years old to five years old, were either given a placebo, a Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic or a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis

The results from the study concluded that those who consumed the probiotic supplement daily for six months suffered significantly less cold and flu-like symptoms. These participants showed between 50 and 72 percent less fevers, 41 to 62 percent less coughing and 28 to 59 percent less runny noses, overall.

With the colder weather and children back in schools, taking a daily probiotic supplement, like EndoMune Jr., may help not only treat, but prevent your child from becoming ill.

Before starting your child on a probiotic regimen, it is always best to consult with your child’s physician.

Keep Your Child Cold and Flu Free Read More »

Counteract the Holiday Cold with Probiotics

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

With the weather changing and people packing indoors, more and more people are contracting cold and cold-like symptoms. Now, during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, is the time to offset the spread of cold and upper-respiratory viruses.

A small study conducted by researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and published in the British Journal of Nutrition examined the connection between probiotics and reduced cold and upper-respiratory infection symptoms. In this double-blind study, nearly 200 students were divided into two groups, one receiving a daily probiotic supplement and the other receiving a placebo.

The results concluded that the study participants that took the probiotic supplement had a reduced length of cold by two days, missed less class days and had 34% less severe symptoms.

Adding a daily probiotic supplement, like EndoMune Advance, may help kick those coughs and sniffles away, just in time to enjoy the close company of family and friends.

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Protect Your Pregnancy With Probiotics

Children’s Health, Women’s Health / By @drHoberman

Pregnancy is a joyous time in a woman’s life. It is important during this time for women to take care of their bodies; and, adding probiotics may help.

A recent study of pregnant women over the course of six years has found a correlation between probiotics consumption and a decreased risk of late pregnancy complications. Of the more than 33,000 pregnant Norwegian women studied, those that consumed probiotics were 20% less likely to contract late-pregnancy diseases like pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia causes high-blood pressure and protein-filled urine after a woman’s 20th week of pregnancy and, if left untreated, can escalate into eclampsia, a rare but fatal disease.

While researchers factored in other pregnancy-related risks, such as a family history of pre-eclampsia, obesity and high-blood pressure, women consuming probiotics during the time of their pregnancy still showed a lowered chance of contracting pre-eclampsia. Although science has not conclusively found a way to fully prevent pre-eclampsia, consuming probiotics, like EndoMune Advanced, and regular pre-natal doctor visits may help.

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How to get rid of diarrhea

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

Taking probiotics may be helpful in preventing diarrhea, but a review of more than 63 studies by the Cochrane Library suggests that it can help to get rid of diarrhea quicker.

This review of nearly 8,000 patients — including 56 focused on infants and young children — concluded the use of probiotics shortened the course of diarrhea by a day, and reduced the duration of diarrhea lasting more than four days by 59 percent.

Also, probiotics decreased the chances of spreading the diarrhea infection and relieved discomfort.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum — both critical strains of beneficial bacteria contained in EndoMune Advanced Probiotic and EndoMune Junior, –were among the strains of probiotic bacteria used in the studies.

Researchers found no difference between the strains of probiotic bacteria used as all the strains proved to be safe and beneficial to the study participants.

“A striking finding of this review is that most trials reported that probiotics reduced diarrhea,” said lead researcher Stephen Allen of the School of Medicine at Swansea University, UK, according to a press release. “The beneficial effect was consistent and significant across many different types of trials.”

Be wary of standard diarrhea treatments

Unfortunately, three of the more popular ways to treat diarrhea — taking an antibiotic or an over-the-counter medication or eating specific foods — may not be as safe or reliable and create more health complications you’ll want to avoid, especially if your child is at risk.

For example, some health experts advise taking antibiotics, but only if bacteria or parasites trigger diarrhea. Yet, antibiotics can cause great harm not only by disrupting the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut but by promoting the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs like C. diff infections.

Also, taking an over-the-counter drug like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth-subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) only treats diarrhea, but not the underlying cause of the problem. Plus, you should be very careful if your child has the flu or chickenpox that you don’t treat him/her with medicines that contain bismuth-subsalicylate due to their link to Reye syndrome, a rare but very serious disease.

Plus, the verdict is very much mixed about the value of following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast), particularly for children because it doesn’t contain enough nutrients to help their guts recover from diarrhea.

However, taking a probiotic is one of most effective ways, not only to shorten the duration of diarrhea, but to give your body a healthy boost to its natural defenses to prevent it altogether.

The real trick about probiotics: There’s a huge difference between taking a probiotic containing single or multiple strains of beneficial bacteria.

A growing number of studies have shown taking a multi-species probiotic like EndoMune — containing 10 strains beneficial bacteria plus a prebiotic– are effective in treating a host problems in addition to diarrhea, including IBS, respiratory tract infections and immune functioning. More information about traveler’s diarrhea can be found here.

How to get rid of diarrhea Read More »

What Came First – The Chicken or The Infection

Digestive Health, Women’s Health / By @drHoberman

8 million – that’s the number of women currently at risk for difficult-to-treat bladder infections brought on by superbugs, transmitted to humans through E.coli.

But what makes these intestinal superbugs so super?

According to a recent report by the ABC News Medical Blog, superbugs are resistant to antibiotics. This can lead to a bladder infection that many bladder infection sufferers say just won’t go away.

The reason why?

“[Chickens] in many cases, are getting drugs from the time that they were in an egg all the way up to the time they are slaughtered….”

That means are gastrointestinal bacteria chickens transmit post-slaughter has already survived a lifetime of antibiotic treatment before it gets to a human host.

This could have implications for your own digestive health, particularly if you are a woman. Read the full blog here and see what doctors are doing to identify the full extent of intestinal superbugs’ digestive effects.

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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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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.

Vaginal Yeast & Urinary Tract Infections Read More »

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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Antibiotics Assist with Ear Infections

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

The debate over whether or not to prescribe antibiotics to treat infections continues. This time, research evidence has been presented supporting antibiotics for the treatment of ear infections in children.

Recent research from the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Turku in Finland both found positive results for children that had been prescribed Augmentin, versus children treated with a placebo.

As allergy season continues to heat up, the temptation to prescribe antibiotics will grow as well. What’s important to remember, though, is that antibiotics do not discriminate with regard to bacteria. Yes, the bacteria causing the infection are attacked, but so are the good bacteria that keep your lower intestines in check. This is often why many people who take antibiotics experience gastrointestinal ailments such as diarrhea.

If you are taking an antibiotic, it is advisable to take also take a probiotic. This will help to replenish the good bacteria that are being attacked by the antibiotic. In essence, you are helping to protect yourself against the unwanted digestive side effects that are often accompanied by antibiotics.

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