A Healthy Gut May Resist Allergies, Asthma (Candida & Antibotics)

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A Healthy Gut May Resist Allergies, Asthma: Keeping Helpful Bacteria and

Fungi in Balance Is Key, Say Researchers By Miranda Hitti

Dec. 23, 2004 -- Allergies and asthma may start in your gut. Upset the gut's

natural mix of helpful bacteria and fungi, and allergies and asthma may

develop.

According to researchers, the rates of allergies and asthma have increased.

They say this correlates with increasing antibiotic use and possibly relates to

the hygiene theory. This may mean that modern practices of sanitation could

deprive people of defenses needed to prevent asthma and allergies.

That theory was recently tested on lab mice. First, the mice drank water laced

with antibiotics for a few days. This disrupted their microflora -- healthy

bacteria and fungi found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. The mice got

increasing numbers of fungal inhabitants. Specifically, they had increased

amounts of the yeast called Candida, which is commonly seen after taking

antibiotics.

Candida, like many other yeast, secrete molecules that affect the immune

system's response to allergens.

With their microflora out of whack, the mice were then exposed to allergens.

They promptly showed signs of allergic airway disease similar to asthma.

But another group of mice weren't bothered by the mold. Their microflora had

been left alone. That suggests that allergies and related breathing problems

could start in the gut.

The study didn't stop there. The researchers pushed a bit further to see if

genetics or other allergens mattered.

They found that the genes of the mice made no difference, and they saw the

same effect with several other allergens (pollens, danders, dust mites, and

cockroach feces).

Change the microflora in the gut and you upset the immune system's balance

between being exposed to allergens and having a severe reaction to them,

says researcher Huffnagle, PhD, in a news release.

Huffnagle is an associate professor of internal medicine, microbiology, and

immunology at the University of Michigan's medical school. He worked on the

study with Mairi Noverr, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of

Michigan, as well as British colleagues.

The findings could apply to humans.

People need a mix of healthy bacteria and fungi in their guts. Microflora in

humans can be thrown off by antibiotics and a sugary, high-fat, low-fiber diet.

Swallowing also brings potential allergens to the gut.

The researchers aren't against antibiotics. Instead, they want people to know

that eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is important after

taking antibiotics to restore microflora as quickly as possible.

The study appears in the January issue of Infection and Immunity.

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SOURCE: Noverr, M. Infection and Immunity, January 2005. News release,

University of Michigan.