Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Great Tips for Parenting Teenagers - by Byron Jonas

When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, you may find yourself dreaming of a time when your children are growing up. Family dinners around the kitchen table, vacations on sandy beaches, and getting ready for their first school dance. You may have overlooked some of the tougher parts of parenting, but these tips for parenting teenagers can make things a lot easier for you!

Gaining independence is an important part of growing up for your teenager. The teen years are the time when they will first begin to discover a sense of self and begin to figure out who they are as a person. Allow your child to do more things on their own once they become a teenager. Even though it may be hard for you to let go of your precious little one, you must remember that they are no longer the helpless little child you once held in your arms.

It can be very tempting at times to argue about the things that your teenager does, but try to remember to pick your battles. Although you may not like the thought of your child going around with pink or blue hair, take a deep breath and remember that these things are only temporary and are most likely just part of a phase. Spend your energy on the things that truly matter such as grades in school, and drugs or alcohol.

If you notice that your teenager is spending time around other children that you are not familiar with, it can be a great idea to invite these friends over to your home so that you can get a feel for them. This will show your teenager that you are interested in their life and the people that they choose to associate with.

Although most people would like to think that their children do not experiment with drugs or alcohol, this is not always the case. Give your child what is called a "no questions asked pass" when it comes to certain situations.

At teenage parties, there may be some kids that might be drinking. If you child needs a ride home from someone who has been drinking, they may not tell you because they are afraid of being punished by you for being honest. By giving your child the pass, they will take the safe option and contact you for a ride.

When parenting your teenager try to be a great role model in everything that you do. Show your child how to behave by your own activities, and there is a good chance that they will grow up to be responsible, well rounded adults.

Things You May Need When Going Home With A New Baby - By Byron Jonas

Some first time parents find themselves a little scared when it comes time to go home with a new baby. They will start to worry that when they arrive home they may not know how to take care of their new baby`s needs properly. They may worry that they wont know what the baby`s cries are for. These are all needless fears because once you are home with your new baby you will know just what your baby needs and it will be wonderful.

There are some things you must do to prepare for baby`s arrival. You should have the baby`s nursery ready months in advance so that you are not stressing out over getting it done in time. You also want to be sure that you have plenty of baby necessities such as bottles, diapers, wipes, lotion, diaper rash cream, and the list goes on and on.

Your new baby is going to need many things when they come home so it is important that you have these things ready before your arrival. It would be very inconvenient to have to leave to go buy the things your baby needs as soon as you get home with the baby. You will also have to be prepared to have many visitors wanting to see and hold the baby. It may be wise to ask your friends and family to come by at different times so that your baby and yourself do not get too overwhelmed.

You should also be prepared before your due date to have all the things you and the baby will need for when you come home. You should pack a bag for yourself but you also want to make sure to pack things that the baby will need. You will most certainly need a car seat for the trip home.

You should pack an outfit for your baby to wear home. Just to be sure you might want to pack two different outfits because your baby may be bigger or smaller than you predicted. You want to make sure the outfit will fit for the trip home.

If you plan to use a pacifier you will want to bring one of them with you for the trip home as well as a few diapers and wipes. It is a good idea to pack a diaper bag full of things you may need for the trip home.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Fun Things To Do With Your New Baby

Having a new baby in your household can be a lot of fun, though at times it can seem overwhelming. Spending time with your new addition can be a great way for the two of you to bond. Also, the time that you spend together can help mold your child. There are many different things that you can do with your new baby that can help increase their motor skills and learning abilities.

Reading books is a wonderful way to spend some time with your child at any age. Children love to see the colorful pictures in books, even though they are unable to identify the words that are written on the pages.

It has been proven before that the more words that are spoken to a child in the first few months, the stronger the language skills of the child will become as they age. By reading to your child, you can give them a great advantage in life!

Singing silly and playful songs to your child can be very soothing for both you and your loved one. There are many different classic lullabies that you can choose to sing, or if you are the creative type you can try changing the words to the song or coming up with your own new songs entirely!

Spending time playing with your baby every day is very important. Although more families than ever have both parents working these days, try to set aside time in your schedule just for you and your child. Playing with the baby will help your baby to learn things quickly.

Mirrors that are child safe, and any toys that make noise, such as rattles are a lot of fun your babies. They will enjoy seeing what they look like in the mirror. Watch as your baby stares and learns to make new faces at him or herself while checking out the reflection cheerfully. It can be just as much fun for you to watch the baby as it is for the baby to play!

Having a desktop or laptop computer at home that can go online is a great benefit when it comes to choose activities. There are many different websites that are dedicated to finding activities for children of all ages.

The more time that you spend with your new baby, the greater the bond will be between the two of you. You will learn a lot of things about each other before long!

Monday, July 5, 2010

What parents should know about probiotics

Has you child recently had a course of antibiotic? Is he or she under a lot of stress? Does you child feel excessively tired? Does your child suffer frequent colds or flues? If so, perhaps you should consider supplementing his/her diet with probiotics.

What are probiotic bacteria?

Usually when we think about bacteria we associate them with having detrimental effects on our health, causing numerous problems or diseases. But in fact, only a relatively small group of bacteria is responsible for inducing pathogenic conditions, while the remaining ones either remain neutral (saprophytic) or can even be beneficial to our health. Probiotic bacteria belong to the second group.

Probiotics are naturally occurring intestinal bacteria with numerous beneficial properties. There are two main groups of these bacteria: Lactobacillus, inhabiting the small intestine andBifidobacterium, residing in the large intestine (the colon).

The term “probiotic” microorganisms is based on the Greek expression“ pro bios”, meaning “for life”.

Currently, probiotic supplements are defined as: “Live microorganisms, indigenous to the human intestinal tract, which, when consumed in adequate amounts, improve the intestinal microbial balance and positively affect the functioning of the human intestinal tract and general health”.

What are the properties of probiotic bacteria?

Probiotics bacteria have an impressive number of health-promoting characteristics, the most important being:

  1. To maintain a correct microbial balance in the human intestines;
  2. To kill a large number of disease-causing bacteria, yeasts and viruses;
  3. To stop diarrhoea and constipation;
  4. To suppress inflammation of the epithelial tissue lining the internal wall of the intestines;
  5. To maintain the integrity and functionality of the intestinal mucosa;
  6. To stimulate (and control) the functions of the human immune system;
  7. To produce a number of vitamins;
  8. To alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance;
  9. To improve the absorption of some nutrients;
  10. To inactivate mutagens (substances inducing mutations) and carcinogens (substances inducing cancer);
  11. To prevent some forms of colon cancer;
  12. To lower the serum cholesterol level;
  13. To prevent and treat some forms of food allergies;
  14. To decrease flatulence.

The characteristics listed above have been confirmed in more than 180 clinical trials. No adverse effects were reported in any of the 7 526 subjects studied during the period from 1961 to 1998.

So, Do you suspect their immune systems are at a physical low? Maybe it’s time to add probiotics to their diet

Our skin and the mucosal surfaces of the nose, mouth and digestive tract, as well as certain parts of the urogenital tract, are covered by myriads of microorganisms, which although they compete for nutrients and space, live more or less in harmony with each other and with us. The highest number of bacteria and other microbes is found in the gut, particularly in the colon, where we “carry” on average 1,5 kg of pure bacteria, comprising about 500 different species.

The intact surfaces of our skin and mucosal membranes, as well as the correctly functioning immune system, do not allow this microflora to enter our bloodstream or internal organs. Such a “peaceful” and mutually beneficial coexistence between microorganisms and the host (the human body) is called symbiosis. It is mutually beneficial because we feed them and in turn they protect us (to a degree) from the invasion of harmful bacteria, viruses or fungi. An important group among the symbiotic microorganisms is a group of intestinal bacteria referred to as probiotic bacteria.

Until recently, the benefits associated with probiotic bacteria were considered predominantly with regard to their application for the treatment of various gastro-intestinal disorders. However, the results obtained in a number of recent clinical trials aimed at investigating the therapeutic role of probiotic bacteria in non-intestinal infectious/pathological conditions significantly altered this perception. The additional beneficial effects of probiotics are currently believed to include effects on the urogenital tract where these bacteria (or preparations based on them) have been found to restore the natural balance of the local microflora and possibly prevent the entry of a range of pathogens. It has been established that probiotic bacteria administered as oral or vaginal preparations are able to colonize the vaginal epithelium. Once established on the vaginal epithelium, probiotic microorganisms can prevent and inhibit infections within the urogenital tract. Their prophylactic effects are no longer questioned. Furthermore, on the basis of the evidence accumulated in a number of clinical trials in which the extent of their therapeutic potential has been evaluated, it appears that probiotics could provide a safe and convenient means to reduce recurrences of vaginosis, vaginitis and lower urinary tract infections – frequent problems for women.

How do probiotic bacteria suppress/control the pathogenic microflora?


One of the most effective mechanisms through which probiotic bacteria maintain our health and exert beneficial effects is their ability to prevent the invasion and/or control the growth of pathogenic bacteria. They achieve this control through:

    1. The in situ production of various anti-microbial substances (lactic, acetic and butyric acids, hydrogen peroxide) and the production of a range of antibiotic-like compounds called bacteriocins (e.g. lactocin, acidocin);
    2. Their ability to compete for space (competing for the receptor-binding sites on the intestinal and vaginal epithelium);
    3. Their ability to compete for nutrients;
    4. Their ability to adhere to epithelial cells, as well as to secrete compounds that prevent the adhesion of pathogens.

Through these mechanisms and if present in appropriate numbers, probiotic bacteria are able not only to prevent or limit the entry of intestinal and other pathogens (vaginal, urogenital), but also to control the growth of microbes in the human digestive tract and on other mucosal surfaces.

How do we acquire probiotic bacteria?

Following its development under completely sterile conditions in the mother’s womb, the newborn infant has to confront the highly contaminated and infected environment in which we all live. How does the infant deal with this harsh reality?

The skin, mouth and the digestive tract of the newborn are rapidly colonized by millions of microorganisms originating from the mother’s birth canal*), from her skin, as well as from the air and the hospital personnel.

Not all bacteria that come into contact with the infant will be able to colonize its body and a number of factors, such as the infant’s general health, his or her genetics and the degree of immunological protection conferred by the mother, will play an important role in determining the degree of such colonization. It has been established that, in general, microorganisms from the mother have a better chance of becoming firmly established within the infant’s body than those originating from the environment. Furthermore, those that are initially established remain there for much longer that those acquired at a later stage. So it follows that if they are present in the mother’s body, beneficial bacteria can be transferred to the infant. Once they have established themselves there, they not only give the infant initial protection against many diseases, but can also contribute to its future health. It has also been established in a number of clinical trials and other scientifically conducted investigations that that the most beneficial bacterium for infants is Bifidobacterium infantis.

How do infants benefit from probiotic bacteria?

Probiotic bacteria have been found to benefit infants in a number of ways, including:

    1. Prevention and treatment of various types of diarrhoea;
    2. Prevention of gastric and urogenital infections with various pathogenic bacteria, viruses and yeasts;
    3. Treatment of nappy rash;
    4. Prevention and treatment of some food allergies and some digestive disorders, e.g. colic;
    5. Maturation of the mucosal immune system and stimulation of cellular and antibody-based immune reactions;
    6. Reduction in lactose intolerance;
    7. Improvement in nutrient digestion;
    8. Improvement in the absorption of various nutrients, particularly of minerals such as calcium;
    9. Increase in the infant’s appetite.

Probiotic bacteria restore and maintain the correct microbial balance in the mouth, digestive system and parts of the urogenital tract of infants, particularly after antibiotic therapy.

Why do our probiotic bacteria sometimes disappear?

The extensive use of antibiotics, stress, incorrect diet, an unhealthy lifestyle and the frequent use of cortisone all lead to the loss of these beneficial bacteria. Their depletion or disappearance upsets the delicate balance between the various groups of microbial flora within the human body and can result in a number of disturbances of the digestive system (diarrhoea, constipation, spastic colon, flatulence, etc.) and/or the overgrowth of Candida albicans (oral or vaginal thrush).

How can we replenish our probiotic bacteria?

By far the easiest and most effective way of replenishing our probiotic bacteria and restoring the microbial balance in various parts of our bodies is by using probiotic supplements. The commercially available preparations are usually based on the use of lyophilised (dried from the frozen state) bacteria and come in a variety of forms: tablets, capsules and/or pessaries. Depending on the degree of the acid- and bile-resistance of the probiotic strains, entero-coating or micro-encapsulation of the probiotic bacteria can be applied.

Potential users should focus on two main aspects:

    1. The composition of the preparation, i.e. does the supplement contain “true” probiotic bacteria or mainly the lactic acid bacteria used in the dairy industry?
    2. The guaranteed number of viable bacteria/not the number established at the time of production.

By using probiotic supplements, particularly after antibiotic therapy, we can restore the necessary microbial balance and prevent a large number of intestinal and other problems.

Author’s details: Ela Johannsen (MSc Microbiol., Lodz, Poland; PhD Microbiol., Rhodes University, Grahamstown)

              Address: 45, Idol Road, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 0081)

___________________________________________________

*) In Caesarean deliveries, the colonization of the infant’s digestive system with the protective microflora originating from the mother does not take place. In these cases, the infant should receive supplementation with a suitable probiotic preparation as soon as possible.

Probiotic preparations are nutritional supplements based on live, lyophilized microorganisms, originating from human indigenous intestinal microflora. When administered in adequate doses, they improve the microbial balance in the digestive tract, positively affect the functioning of this tract, stimulate the immune system and have beneficial effects on general human health.

Bacterial strains selected for manufacturing probiotic preparations should fulfill a number of requirements. They:

    1. should be of human origin;
    2. should be safe, i.e. should not be pathogenic or virulent;
    3. should not be capable of transferring antibiotic resistance or drug resistance to pathogens;
    4. should be able to colonize the human intestinal tract, i.e. be resistant to gastric acid and bile, and be capable of adhering to and multiplying on the intestinal mucosal surfaces;
    5. should be able to control and/or inhibit the growth of pathogens by producing a variety of anti-microbial substances (lactic, acetic, and butyric acids, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins), and by competing for nutrients and space;
    6. should be able to stimulate the immune system.

The probiotic preparations themselves should have the correct composition of the required bacteria, with viable counts in the range of 108 to 109 per dose.

In healthy individuals, two groups of naturally occurring bacteria are responsible for maintaining a “correct” microbial balance and keeping pathogens under control. These are:Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The first group resides mainly in the small intestine and the second in the colon. These bacteria usually maintain the beneficial microbial balance through the mechanisms listed under point v) above.

Although nature provided us with these beneficial indigenous bacteria, they are frequently depleted or even disappear completely from our intestines and mucosal membranes due to:

    1. excessive and prolonged stress;
    2. overuse of antibiotics;
    3. long-term use of hormonal preparations;
    4. long-term use of corticosteroids;
    5. incorrect diet, e.g. a diet low in fruit and vegetables;
    6. impaired peristalsis;
    7. general nutritional deficiencies;
    8. a suppressed or deficient immune system;
    9. the process of aging.

Lack of the appropriate microbial balance can easily lead to a number of intestinal disorders (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, some inflammatory bowel diseases) and other disorders, most commonly oral and vaginal thrush. In order to restore the impaired microbial balance, supplementation with suitable probiotic preparations is necessary.

The prophylactic and therapeutic properties of probiotic preparations have been confirmed in numerous clinical trials (currently over 200). These properties include the ability to:

    i) normalize bowel functions by correcting both constipation and various types of diarrhoea;

    ii) suppress pathogenic microflora, i.e., bacteria, viruses and the overgrowth of yeasts such as Candida albicans;

  1. decrease flatulence and abdominal distension;
  2. decrease lactose intolerance;
  1. neutralize carcinogens and if permanently present in the colon, may prevent cancer of the colon;
  1. enhance the functions of the immune system;
  2. reduce the blood cholesterol level;
  3. enhance the absorption of nutrients (minerals);
  4. prevent and correct some food allergies;
  5. help in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases;
  6. correct some disorders of the urogenital tract;
  7. produce vitamins of the B-group.

On the basis of the above, it can be concluded that probiotic preparations offer a natural and effective method of restoring and maintaining HUMAN HEALTH

_______________________________________________

*) From a Greek expression “pro bios”, meaning: for life.

Author’s details: Ela Johannsen (MSc Microbiol., Lodz, Poland;

PhD Microbiol., Rhodes University, Grahamstown)

Address: 45 Idol Road, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 0081

e-mail address: elaj@lantic.net

______________________

Special feature

The good guys

Are your kids constantly feeling tired? Do you suspect their immune systems are at a physical low? Maybe it’s time to add probiotics to their diet

AUTHOR: Shereen Suckerman

DATE: 28th April

ISSUE: August

APPROVAL NEEDED: NO

TITLE: The good guys

SECTION: Special Feature

WORD COUNT: 2427

Probiotics has become one of the latest buzzwords in the healthcare industry, and an increased number of parents have begun to realise the potential health benefits it has for their children. Although people have enjoyed the benefits of probiotics throughout history, by eating yoghurt and other diary products, only now with the advancements of medical technology has it become possible to harness the goodness of probiotics to make it available, in high doses, in our food as well as in supplemental form. Here’s why probiotics are one of the most necessary forms of supplementation your children can take.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are quite simply good bacteria, that can be administered into the body, in order to protect it from harmful bacteria. Every person has up to 500 different species of bacteria in their gut. And, a small part of the 100 trillion bacterial cells in our body are in fact the good bacteria that every person needs in order to fight off infection and disease, which is caused by harmful micro organisms. Good and bad bacteria as well as other microbes are in constant competition with each other for space and nutrients in the digestive system. There is only a limited supply of nutrients in your body, and by consuming probiotics you will ensure that there is an increased chance that the good guys will utilise these substrates (food by-products) and survive, thereby improving your health. Good bacteria will thus be stimulated to grow on the internal walls of the small intestine and the colon while bad bacteria will have no space to grow. It will ensure that our bodies, and the bodies of our children, are protected from invasion by harmful disease causing bacteria (pathogens) and viruses.

There are different strains of bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which looks after your small intestine and Bifidobacterium, which looks after your colon (Bifidobacterium infantis has been established, through various clinical trials, as the most beneficial strain of bacterium for babies). If there is not enough of the ‘good stuff’ in your digestive system, the bad micro organisms will take control of both of your intestines which can lead to a host of minor side-effects such as diarrhoea, constipation, allergies, poor digestion and gas, and eventually more serious illnesses and diseases.

“Why does my child need good bacteria? Isn’t bacteria supposed to be bad for you?”

While many parents cringe at the idea of their children eating food with harmful additives, there is no need for you to worry when you see the word probiotics listed on the packaging of your children’s food. Medical studies show that giving probiotics to your kids, whether in supplemental form or in their food results in them enjoying a host of health benefits, ranging from the treatment of lactose intolerance and diarrhoea to treatment following antibiotic therapy. A newborn is, in fact, born totally sterile and will acquire his first dose of bacteria as he passes through his mom’s birth canal. Secondary sources of bacteria will come from his moms’ skin, as well as his immediate hospital environment. The first bacteria that baby is exposed to is generally of the harmful sort, and this needs to be counteracted with probiotics. Gradually as he becomes more exposed to the outside world, he will come into contact with other forms of bacteria which are vitally important in building his immune system.

In a twist of irony, as a result of increased sterile environments, urbanised children do not come into contact with enough bad and good bacteria and are not afforded the opportunity to build-up their immune systems. The reason why bad bacteria are needed, is because pathogens stimulate the immune response to produce more white blood cells, which is important to fight infections and combat disease. Certain forms of bacteria will also become more aggressive and resistant as they have survived the many disinfectants used in hospitals. This results in a more aggressive attack, by these ‘Super-Bugs,’ on a child’s immune system. As a child gets older he will also be exposed to factors such as unhealthy lifestyles, antibiotics and junk food, which will affect the balance of the good and bad bacteria in his intestinal tract (see the box, ‘Helping young bodies’). Sterile environments and unhealthy lifestyles will thus contribute to a greater need for probiotics.

According to Johannesburg GP Dr Farrel Tobiansky, many parents should give probiotics to their children not only after a course of antibiotics or a bout of flu, but on a regular day-to-day basis. Taking probiotics during winter is especially important, as it is the time of year when the occurrence of colds and flu climax and most people are at a low-ebb, physically. Children can get their daily dose of probiotics from food sources such as probiotic yoghurts, juices, cereals, infant feeds as well as from supplements, which are available at leading pharmacies and health shops nationwide.

In a nutshell, good bacteria help to break down toxins, replenishing the cells in the lining of the colon. Probiotics also help to break down the lactose in dairy products and therefore allow the digestive tract to absorb more simple diary sugars. This is especially helpful to children who are allergic to dairy products. Probiotics can help to treat children with Candida albicans. Candida is a yeast infection which can multiply and develop into vaginal and oral thrush, commonly found in children. It occurs as the result of an imbalance between good and bad bacteria, usually after a course of antibiotics. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus help to reduce the occurrence of Candida by recolonising the gut with populations of good bacteria, and thus boosting the immune system and reducing the chance of contracting this fungal infection. A study conducted by Dr Berry Fitzsimmons into the inhibition of Candida albicansby Lactobacillus acidophilus has shown that hydrogen peroxide, which is produced by probiotic bacteria, can have a strong inhibitory effect on Candida albicans’ overgrowth.

Evidence supporting the consumption of probiotics

Nobel Prize laureate, Dr Eli Metchnikoff, first discovered the benefits of probiotics. Dr Metchnikoff noted that Bulgarian peasants had particularly long life-spans, and attributed this to the fact that they all consumed vast quantities of fermented yoghurt. Studies found that the key strain of bacterium in the yoghurt was Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is able to produce lactic acid. He theorised that these good strains of bacteria could protect the body and digestive tract against harmful micro-organisms.

Heather Picton of ADHASA (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Association of South Africa) believes that it is important for children with ADD to take probiotics in order to combat the effects of antibiotics, which they take in greater amounts compared to non-ADD children. She says, “We all know that the consumption of antibiotics, and the average eating lifestyle of children, does not help to re-establish the friendly bacteria. So, assistance in the form of probiotics is necessary, especially for children with ADD. I have seen how ADD children are frequently accused of feigning tummy aches to avoid going to school. After changing their eating lifestyle, and having a course of probiotics (sometimes two), their tummy aches, smelly breath and winds disappear.”

Dr Tobiansky says that probiotics have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhoea – an inflammation of the intestinal tract by bad bacteria - by increasing the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are one of the first good bacteria that a mother passes onto her baby during birth. A study by the Institut Rosell has noted that Bifidobacteria are present in higher concentration in a breast-fed infant’s faecal microflora than in a non-breast fed infant. ‘It is also well known that the risk of diarrhoea is lower if newborns are exclusively breastfed, as apposed to being fed with infant formulas.’

A study conducted by Weizman et al, published in Pediatrics, the official publication of the American Academy of Paediatrics, has shown that children who are given the probiotic strainsLactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 or Bifidobacterium lactis Bb are less likely to suffer from ‘crèche syndrome’ - a host of illnesses that children contract from each other at nursery school. In this study, both probiotic strains showed a decrease in illness symptoms like fever and diarrhoea, whilst the group on Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 had fewer clinics visits, less absenteeism from crèche and less antibiotics prescribed. In another study, children aged between six and 36 months, who were hospitalised with diarrhoea, were split into two groups. One group received a probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri and the other a placebo - both groups also received an oral rehydration solution, essential for anyone with diarrhoea. By the second day of the study, the recovery rate of the probiotic group far surpassed the rate of the group only taking ORS and the placebo. Probiotics as a preventative treatment, along with ORS - oral rehydration solution (this is very important to prevent dehydration, which is fatal to many children who are not able to replace lost fluids), are important for children with diarrhoea.

In her article, Putting Good Bacteria to Work (www.nytimes.com), Jane E Brophy lists some of the benefits of good bacteria. These are “controlling food and skin allergies in children, bacterial vaginosis and premature labour in pregnant women, inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent ear infections and dental caries.” In the article, Brophy also discusses a study done in Finland where researchers administered the probiotic Lactobacillus GG to pregnant woman and their babies, who were considered high risk for developing allergies following six months after their birth. The study showed that by the time the children were two, the probiotic had cut the incidence of eczema in half. A Japanese study at the University of Hiroshima, published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, has shown that Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 kills the main bug in the mouth that causes tooth decay. This may help to prevent tooth decay and future visits to the dentist!

G.P, Dr Kim Teversham, gives some important points about probiotics

1. Health benefits are species and strain specific. You cannot infer the benefits of one probiotic strain to another. For example, to draw an analogy, we know that brown wholewheat bread has proven health benefits over its white unrefined counterpart, so don’t just buy any bread, buy one that has proven health benefits.

2. Stomach acid is designed to kill bacteria. If the probiotic is sensitive to acid, the best way to get it to the intestine is either by megadoses (such as Combi 15 ) or by encapsulating it in an acid resistant capsule (Probiflora). Other strains have been shown to be able to live in the stomach acid and so do not need acid protection and can therefore work from the mouth (against thrush), all the way down the intestine.

3. Many products on the market in SA contain combinations of probiotics. The benefits of these combinations should be proven by clinical studies. If you add paracetamol, asprin and codeine, you need to prove that it is better than either one alone.

Box

Helping young bodies

The hygiene hypothesis theory has shown that sterile environments may have a negative effect on babies and children who are not exposed to any allergens and bacteria, and whose bodies haven’t had the chance to build-up a natural resistance. These ‘protected’ kids usually have more allergies and are more allergy-prone than children who have been exposed to bacteria found in the garden and the home. Dr Tobiansky emphasises how vital probiotics are, to children who need to build-up their immune systems so that they can fight off diseases, illnesses and allergies. He says that having a strong immune system will prevent allergy reactions to allergens from developing. It’s also a well-known fact that children do not consume enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, which has also resulted in their bodies not being strong enough to fight off infection. These young bodies naturally need a helping hand when it comes to building up a strong immune system and probiotics will definitely do the trick!

Box

A guide to help you find the right probiotic

1. Is the strain identified clearly?

Vague statements about AB cultures or good bacteria are not enough. The label should show a reference number from the American Type Culture Collection, egg. Lactobacillus reuteriATCC 55730, or other recognised culture collections.

2. Does it contain the right number of bacteria?

The scientific literature states that probiotics must deliver 108‹ to power of 8› (100 million) colony forming units (cfu) per daily dose to be effective. This is one area where a supplement is markedly superior to food sources such as yoghurt, since you can’t always be sure that the amount you’re eating is giving you a specific quantity of bacteria. In many cases the probiotic introduced into various types of food are dead due to being exposed to acids (present in yoghurt), and coming into contact with the oxygen in the air and moisture.

3. Can it survive in the stomach?

The stomach is a most unwelcoming place for all bacteria. Only robust probiotic bacterial strains are able to survive their passage to the stomach. It needs to be able to survive in the digestive tract where the acidity falls to as low as pH 2. Bifidobacterium are particularly sensitive to acid, so you will need a very high cfu of this particular strain in any probiotic. Probiotic strains must likewise be able to survive the exposure to bile in the digestive tract.

4. Does it have a good, proven safety record and shelf life?

The best probiotics will have provided doctors and pharmacies with validated scientific information that shows their efficacy and shelf life. One is assured of a very long shelf life with probiotic supplements, which come in capsule/tablet form. This is because the live bacteria are freeze-dried into a powder form and will become fully functional only on contact with water and nutrients.

Source: Thebe Pharmaceuticals

Quote:

“The benefits of probiotics in gut health are driving customers demand. And growth in probiotic sales is expected to reach 197 billion euros in 2007! “(Datamonitor)

With thanks to Dr F. Tobiansky, Dr K. Teversham, Dr Ela Johannsen, Mrs Heather Picton, Probiflora and Paula Wilson from Reuteri for their help in the compilation of this article.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Autism is an extremely prevalent condition, but what is it?

WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a lifelong, complex condition that occurs as a result of disordered brain growth, structure and development. Autism is believed to stem from a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental factors and affects 4-5 times more boys than girls. There are a vast number of ways that a person can manifert their autism and as a result this condition is now more often referred to as “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASD).

TYPES OF AUTISM
In broad terms, there are 2 main “types” of autism on the spectrum; “Kanner/Classic Autism” where in addition to the autism, there is also intellectual impairment. Statistically, it is consider that 76% of people with autism have “Kanner/Classic” Autism (i.e also have intellectual impairments in varying degrees), where as 24% of people with autism do not have any intellectual impairments, nor speech delay in early childhood years and these people are classified as having “Asperger Syndrome”, displaying a “normal” or more than often, above average intellectual ability.

TRIAD OF IMPAIRMENTS
Regardless of the manifestation of autism, ALL people on this spectrum, are affected in different degrees, by the “Triad of Impairments” that causes a disturbance in quality of development in the following areas:-

  1. Language and Communication. 40% of people with “Kanner/Classic autism” never speak nor fully understand verbal communication. People with Asperger Syndrome with seemingly fluent speech will have areas of their communicative abilities that are adversely affected; for instance an extreme difficulty in reading non-verbal communication such as facial expressions, body language etc.
  2. Social Interaction. For a person with autism, the area of the brain that enables us to understand other people's emotions and feelings is altered and thus a person with autism cannot fully understand the complexity of the thoughts of people around them and the resulting social interactions. This can result in people with autism reacting “differently”, thus confusing those around them who do not know the extensive ramifications of autism.
  3. Imagination and Creative Play. A person with autism usually becomes trapped by rigid thought patterns and behaviours. In addition, despite good intellectual abilities, there is still an inability to understand the abstract concepts and the day-to-day jargon we regularly use flippantly in conversation, such as “It is Raining Cats and Dogs”, “Throw the baby out with the bathwater”, “I nearly died laughing” …….

RED FLAGS FOR POSSIBLE AUTISM IN A YOUNG CHILD (Taken from Autism Ontario - Durham Region).

  • No babbling by 11 months of age
  • No simple gestures by 12 months (e.g., waving bye-bye)
  • No single words by 16 months
  • No 2-word phrases by 24 months (noun + verb – e.g., “baby sleeping”)
  • No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing
  • Loss of any language or social skills at any age
  • Rarely makes eye contact when interacting with people
  • Does not play peek-a-boo
  • Doesn't point to show things he/she is interested in
  • Rarely smiles socially
  • More interested in looking at objects than at people's faces
  • Prefers to play alone
  • Doesn't make attempts to get parent's attention; doesn't follow/look when someone is pointing at something
  • Seems to be “in his/her own world”
  • Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands
  • Oversensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights
  • Lack of interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual way (e.g., lining up, spinning, opening/closing parts rather than using the toy as a whole)
  • Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence; is prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted)
  • Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors, fans, wheels
  • Unusual fears
  • Doesn't respond to parent's attempts to play, even if relaxed
  • Avoids or ignores other children when they approach