The Microbiome’s Impact on the Immune System
The human microbiome is a community of microorganisms residing predominantly in the gut that plays a key role in shaping our immune system and overall health.
Here's how:
The microbiome is crucial to the development and regulation of the immune system. It modulates and signals immune cells, aids in distinguishing between harmful viruses and maintains immune homeostasis.
Disruptions in the microbiome’s balance, known as dysbiosis, can impair immune function, reducing the body’s ability to fend off infections and allows for the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria which have their own detrimental health outcomes. This imbalance of microbiome has been
linked to increased susceptibility to various diseases, including autoimmune disorders and inflammatory conditions and recurrent illnesses, as seen with links below.
Impact on Recurrent Sicknesses in Children
Children’s immune systems are particularly influenced by their microbiome
composition. Early-life interactions with diverse microbes are crucial for proper immune system functioning. A lack of microbial exposure or an imbalanced microbiome can lead to an underdeveloped immune system, making children more prone to recurrent infections.
For instance, studies have shown that reduced microbial diversity in early childhood is associated with higher rates of respiratory infections, recurrent acute otitis media (ear infections) and conditions like asthma.
Studies have also found that an upper airway microbiome dominated by
Staphylococcus species during the first few months of life is associated with an increased risk of early wheezing with viral illnesses and subsequent asthma in childhood. Clearing out this bacteria with BB Kids Eliminate addresses the root cause to recurrent respiratory infections in children.
The human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiota, plays a crucial role in the development and function of the immune system in children. Imbalances or disruptions in this microbial community, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to an increased susceptibility to various recurrent illnesses in children.
Secretory IgA is a cell within the stomach which also invades and clears out virsues reducing sickness frequency and risk. However alot of children's secretory IgA cells are not working effectively as they are damaged (known as leaky gut) leading to increasing sickness frequency and risk. BB Kids Repair has ingredients which supports repair of secretory IgA cells such as glutamine, zinc and vitamin D. Studies here: STM Study,
JACI Study, BMC Study
Antibiotics: Effects on the Gut and Immune System
While antibiotics may be necessary for fighting bacterial infections, their
broad-spectrum nature often leads to unwanted consequences on the gut
microbiome. Antibiotic treatment can disrupt the ecological balance of gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis. Disbiosis also drives harmful bacterial overgrowths that are resistant to antibiotics; that impact gut lining and function by secreting endotoxins.
These endotoxins disrupt the gut lining, increase the burden on the liver and also negatively impact the immune system. This disturbance can impair immune responses, reduce resilience to infections, and increase the risk of developing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This vicious cycle leads to a cycle of recurrent infections and microbiome imbalance, and is why it is important to use antibiotics only when they are clinically
indicated. Studies here: BMC Study, NIH Study
Fever
Fever is a natural and beneficial response of the body. A fever indicates that the immune system is actively fighting off infections. Understanding the role of fever, appropriate interventions, and preventive measures can empower caregivers to support children’s health effectively.
Benefits of Having a Fever:
- Fever stimulates the body’s immune response, enhancing the activity of white blood cells to combat infections.
- Elevated body temperatures can slow down or halt the replication of bacteria and viruses, aiding in quicker recovery.
- During a fever, the body diverts iron to the liver, reducing its availability to pathogens that require it for growth.
Intervention may be necessary when the fever exceeds 38.5°C, infants younger than 3 months with a temperature above 38°C, or symptoms of heavy breathing, unexplained rash, persistent vomiting or seizures are present.
The microbiome plays a pivotal role in children’s immune development and resilience against recurrent illnesses. Maintaining a balanced microbial community is essential for reducing the risk of recurrent infections and chronic conditions in children. To start your child's journey to microbiome balance shop here.