HEALTH & WELLBEING
Effect of multi-strain probiotics on remission of Ulcerative Colitis
As we saw last month , ulcerative colitis ( UC ) is considered incurable ; medical approaches involve pharmacotherapy - antibiotics , anti-inflammatory and / or immunosuppressive drugs ; surgical intervention ( sometimes extensive ). These are supportive , not curative ; may have side effects requiring discontinuation . 20-30 % of patients don ’ t respond / are forced off medication , leading to colectomy . Human UC patients have alterations in gut microbial composition . And inappropriate gut flora may be a contributor to UC disease .
Open-labelled and randomised double blind placebo controlled trials ( RCT ) have also been conducted using a probiotic containing 8-bacteria , namely :
• Streptococcus thermophilus
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Bifidobacterium infantis
• Lactobacillus paracasei
• Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp . Bulgaricus
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus plantarum
Bibiloni et al ( 2005 ), studied 34 adult active-UC patients ( while on steroids or mesalazine ) given 2 sachets of probiotics morning and night for 6 weeks . 53 % of these UC patients achieved remission , 24 % a significant clinical response , 9 % no response , 9 % a worsening of symptoms . In total , 77 % of patients ’ symptoms improved on multi-strain probiotics .
Lee et al , ( 2012 ) studied 24 adult patients with active UC ( concomitant medications not specified ) given 2 sachets of probiotics morning and night for 8 weeks . 46 % of UC patients achieved remission , 21 % significant clinical response , 25 % had either no response or some symptom-worsening . In total , 67 % of patients ’ improved on multi-strain probiotics . Sood et al ( 2009 ) conducted an RCT involving 147 adults with active UC ( not on steroids ; but with oral mesalazine , azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine allowed ) given 2 sachets of probiotics morning and night , or placebo for 12 weeks : 1 . After 6 weeks ; i . 33 % of the probiotics patients , only ii . 10 % of placebo patients halved their symptom scores . 2 . After 12 weeks : i .
42.9 % of probiotics patients achieved remission , only 15.7 % on placebo . ii . 52 % of probiotics patients achieved significant symptom scores decreases , only 19 % on placebo . iii . symptom decrease-magnitudes were significantly greater for those on probiotics .
These studies clearly show that multi-strain probiotics are a generally safe and effective adjunctive treatment
Dental Health Week
with Miranda Huxtable , Practice Manager , Round Corner Dental
Every year , the Australian Dental Association ( ADA ) runs a major oral health campaign . This year , the focus is on the connection between the mouth , the body and the mind . The health of the mouth and body are interconnected , and the health of one can impact the health of the other .
Bacteria in the mouth can travel throughout the body , and inflammation in the mouth can increase the overall inflammatory response of the body as a whole .
This year , six conditions and their link with the mouth have been explored . These include heart disease , diabetes , Alzheimer ’ s disease , pregnancy complications , respiratory conditions and inflammatory bowel disease .
Studies have found connections between gum disease and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke , believed to be potentially from bacteria in the mouth entering the bloodstream and causing havoc . Gum disease can also affect blood sugar control which worsens diabetes symptoms .
Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled and contribute to respiratory infections such as pneumonia , an even greater risk for those with weaker immune systems . Inflammation of the bowel , pregnancy complications , arthritis , oral cancers and more have all been linked to oral health .
Dental Health Week is an essential reminder to all of us that maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups is incredibly important for the health of our bodies as a whole . Especially with living expenses rising in this current economic climate , preventing oral health issues is critical so they do not become very expensive problems .
Book an appointment with us today ! for achieving clinical response and remission in UC . If you ’ re suffering from ulcerative colitis or have other gut problems , feel free to give us a call at the clinic on 4777 5264 .
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 159 // AUGUST 2023 17