Intestinal microbiota and immunoglobulin E responses in 5-year-old Estonian children
While we’re on the subject of the gut, why not a reminder as to how much the gut influences the immune system? This study in 5 yr olds found that higher levels of Bifidobacterium led to less allergies. Interestingly enough, higher levels of bacteria such as clostridia led to more allergies. Antibiotic treatment is well known to lead to clostridia infection because all of its’ competition gets wiped out. While we have be loath to admit it, the evidence is strong that the overuse of antibiotics is a key factor in the increase in allergies and asthma.
