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Microbes & Immunity Probiotics from ancient wisdom to modern days

where my immune/nervous system is in a constant state • Applications:
of reaction . I do not think it’s that the bacteria are bad • Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Some studies
necessarily, it’s how my immunity reacts to whatever is suggest that topical probiotics may help reduce
going on in my microbiome. The only things that provide inflammation and improve skin barrier function
me relief are antibiotics (which eventually stop working in eczema. 58
completely) and osmotic laxatives. • Acne: Topical probiotics may help control acne
Not all probiotics are without side effects. Here are some by reducing inflammation and the growth of
things to watch out for: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium
• Digestive symptoms: Some people may experience acnes), the bacteria implicated in acne
temporary digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, development. 59
constipation, or increased thirst, when first • Rosacea: Probiotics may help manage rosacea by
introducing probiotics. To minimize discomfort, it is reducing inflammation and restoring the balance
generally recommended to begin with a low dose and of the skin microbiome. 60
gradually increase as tolerated. • Wound healing: Preliminary research suggests
• Allergic reactions: Probiotics can occasionally trigger topical probiotics might promote wound
allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Some people healing. 61
may also experience intolerance due to increased • Anti-aging: Some cosmetic products incorporate
histamine levels, which can trigger symptoms such as probiotics, claiming they can improve skin
itching, watery eyes, runny noses, or difficulty breathing. hydration, reduce wrinkles, and enhance skin
Particular caution may be warranted with strains such radiance. However, more robust scientific
as Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus helveticus, evidence is needed to support these claims. 62
Lactobacillus hilgardii, and Streptococcus thermophilus.
• Infections: People with weakened immune systems or 8.2. Vaginal suppositories/capsules
serious health conditions may be at a higher risk of • Mechanism: These methods deliver probiotics directly
infections from probiotics. People with venous catheters, to the vaginal area to restore and maintain a healthy
recent surgery, acute pancreatitis, or prolonged vaginal microbiome.
hospitalizations should avoid taking probiotics. • Applications:
• Headaches: Certain probiotic-rich foods contain • Bacterial vaginosis: Vaginal probiotics can be an
biogenic amines, which can trigger headaches in effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis, helping
sensitive individuals. to restore the balance of beneficial bacteria such
• Regulation and quality: Probiotics are not regulated as Lactobacillus. 63
by the USA Federal Drug Authority (FDA), which can • Yeast infections: Probiotics may help prevent
lead to inconsistencies in the quality and contents of recurrent yeast infections by competing with
probiotic products. To reduce the risk of ineffective Candida and restoring a healthy vaginal flora. 64
or contaminated products, it is advisable to avoid
off-brand options and purchase from reputable, well- 8.3. Oral rinses/toothpastes
established suppliers. • Mechanism: These products deliver probiotics to the
oral cavity to promote oral health.
8. Delivery methods • Applications:
The focus so far has been on the ingestion of probiotics, • Periodontal disease: Probiotics may help reduce
with benefits attributed largely to their occupation and inflammation and improve gum health in people
proliferation in the intestines. However, emerging research with periodontal disease 65
is beginning to explore applications beyond the gut – an • Dental caries (cavities): Some studies suggest that
area still in its early stages of development. The delivery probiotics may help reduce the levels of bacteria
methods are listed in the following sections. that contribute to cavities 66
• Halitosis (bad breath): Probiotics may help reduce
8.1. Topical applications (creams, ointments, and bad breath by targeting the bacteria that produce
lotions) odor-causing compounds. 67

• Mechanism: Topical probiotics aim to deliver
beneficial bacteria directly to the skin, where they 8.4. Injections and intravenous delivery
can interact with the skin microbiome and potentially • Prevalence: The practice of probiotic delivery
68
influence skin health. through injection or intravenous methods has little

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 39 doi: 10.36922/mi.6424