Probiotics in infancy induce protective immune profiles that are characteristic for chronic low-grade inflammation
Again and again and again and again we see studies on how important beneficial bacteria are in our systems. This importance is highlight during the first few years of life, at a time when pediatricians appear to remain largely ignorant of their importance or the long term ramifications of destruction of this flora. We still see very high myringotomy tube use. Recently, I had a patient who had made lifestyle changes for her daughter who was very prone to ear infections and whose pediatrician was suggesting tubes.
Needless to say, the ear infections went away, but she was told by her daughter’s daycare that she was only one of 2 kids that didn’t have tubes. This is unacceptable given the current level of knowledge. The rest of the children in this class will likely be at increased risk of many chronic diseases due to destruction of normal flora.