Probiotics for allergies

Probiotics contain health-promoting bacteria, also known as microflora, which are naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy people. Microflora work by adhering to your gut wall and “policing” potentially harmful microbes so they can’t multiply and thrive. Beneficial bacteria promote healthy digestion and they can manufacture some vitamins including the B-group vitamins so they help to decrease the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Unfortunately beneficial microflora are not always present in adequate amounts. Microflora imbalance or deficiency is associated with poor diet, sugar consumption, antibiotic use, illness, diarrhoea and/or poor health of the gastrointestinal tract. Microflora imbalance allows pathogens such as candida albicans to thrive and can increase the risk of food intolerances and itchy skin.

Different types of probiotics – which ones are best?

Generally the beneficial bacteria in probiotics come from two groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Within these groups are different strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis. Please keep in mind that the benefits from probiotics are strain-specific. For example the strain L. acidophilus LA5 does not treat eczema (it helps conditions such as candida albicans) but the strain known as L. rhamnosus GG was found to improve eczema symptoms in 50 per cent of children with eczema (Kalliomäki, M, 2001). Probiotics should be used after you have taken a course of antibiotics, been ill, had diarrhoea, experienced an adverse reaction to food, or if you have compromised gut function, dandruff or candida albicans or fungal infestation.

Probiotics for eczema

Eczema Shield by Ethical Nutrients (contains L. rhamnosus GG)
ProTract ‘for Atopic Dermatitis’ (contains L. fermentum PCC)
Progastrim (Available from nutritionists and naturopaths only)
Acidophilus Bifidus by Blackmores (contains B. animalis)
Ultra Megadophilus by Bio-Organics (B. animalis)
Mega Acidophilus Capsules by Natural Nutrition (B. animalis)
Double Strength Acidophilus by Nature’s Own (B. animalis)
Culturelle (L. rhamnosus GG) available in the USA

Probiotics for digestive complaints

Eczema Shield by Ethical Nutrients (contains L. rhamnosus GG)
Gastro Relief by Ethical Nutrients (contains L. rhamnosus GG)
Culturelle (contains L. rhamnosus GG)
IBS Support by Ethical Nutrients (contains L. plantarum 299v)
Symbiotic by Bioceuticals (contains propionibacterium freudenreichii HA-101 and HA-102)
L. johnsonii La1

Probiotics for compromised immune system

Acidophilus Bifidus by Blackmores; Ultra Megadophilus by Bio-Organics; Mega Acidophilus capsules by Natural
Nutrition; Double Strength Acidophilus by Nature’s Own (contains L. acidophilus LA5)
Eczema Shield and Gastro Relief by Ethical Nutrients (contains L. rhamnosus GG)
Culturelle (contains L. rhamnosus GG)
IBS Support by Ethical Nutrients (contains L. plantarum 299v)

Probiotics for candida albicans

Acidophilus Bifidus by Blackmores; Ultra Megadophilus by Bio-Organics; Mega Acidophilus capsules by Natural Nutrition; Double Strength Acidophilus by Nature’s Own (contains L. acidophilus LA5)
Eczema Shield by Ethical nutrients; Culturelle (contains L. rhamnosus GG )
Trenev Trio by Natren (L. acidophilus strain NAS)
Inner Health Immune Boost for Kids and Inner Health Plus by Ethical Nutrients; Ultra Flora and Ultra Flora dairy free by Metagenics (contains L acidophilus NCFM)