Preventing Allergies and Asthma

Monday, January 3rd, 2005

Two recent studies reveal the power of preventive medicine in reducing the risk of two common and serious conditions: allergies and asthma. While billions are spent annually on prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat these conditions, a few simple choices could mean the difference between health and chronic disease.

A study published in the journal Infection & Immunity suggests that changes in the normal combination of different healthy bacteria that live in the digestive tract can significantly increase the risk of both allergies and asthma. There are several types of bacteria that are beneficial for the health, the two most prominent being L. acidophilus and L. bifidus.

While these bacteria are important for the health of the digestive system and the immune system, there are many aspects of modern life that deplete these bacteria: stress, alcohol, sugar, medications, processed foods, coffee and others. Unfortunately, once the balance of bacteria is upset, it is difficult to get the healthy bacteria re-established. (more…)

Tags: allergies, Alternative medicine, asthma, Diet, immune system, Medication, Nutrition
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