Microbiota and correlations with the immune system and skin

The skin is the largest organ in the body.

YES the skin is a real organ! Although some dermatological diseases affect only the skin, many others are the manifestation of a systemic disorder.

What is the skin microbiota?

The term skin microbiota refers to the set of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeasts) that live on the skin’s surface. The microbiota plays an important functional role in the skin barrier, which acts as protection against external agents (physical barrier and immunological barrier). In healthy dogs, the bacteria that make up the skin microbiota are many and belong to different taxonomic groups. It has been shown that the composition of the microbiota is different from one dog to another, as well as from one area of ​​the skin of the same dog to another.

The health of our animal’s skin is fundamental, it is ensured by a good immune system stimulated by the use of LactoAdapt which regulates the intestinal tract thanks to the use of pre- and probiotics, of Multiadapt, a multivitamin booster which combined synergistically with CortiAdapt, parnut feed rich in Ribes nigrum. This three products together they support healthy skin of your pet and protect it from annoying problems.

City dogs have an altered skin microbiota and increased risk of allergies. The environment and urbanized lifestyle influence the skin microbiota, impacting the risk of allergies in dogs. This is according to a study by the University of Helsinki published in PNAS.

The intestinal microbiota and skin health of dogs and cats

Recent studies have made it possible to discover the influence of the intestinal microbiota on the skin health of dogs and cats. Let’s see what it means and what effects it can have on some skin pathologies of our pets.

The functions of the intestinal microbiota

To understand the connection of the skin-intestine axis we must consider the functions of the intestinal microbiota. The microbiota is essential for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the intestine itself and for the regulation of the local immune system and beyond. By “driving” the immune system it is able to help protect the body from the entry of intestinal pathogens. Furthermore, it allows the absorption of beneficial nutrients for the entire body.

When the intestinal microbiota is damaged (for example by prolonged and uncontrolled use of antibiotics), its components change (dysbiosis). Following this, there can be repercussions not only on the intestinal level, but also on other extra-intestinal organs, such as the skin. Dysbiosis also does not allow the production and absorption of substances such as vitamins and trace elements that are fundamental for skin health.

LactoAdapt – pre and pro biotic which has the function of restoring the intestinal microbiota.

Because improving the environment in the intestine has cascade effects on the entire organism, both to combat the situation of generalized inflammation of the organism and to rebalance the immune response. The immune response has its command center precisely at the intestinal level.

In Cortiadapt, a dietary feed indicated to support dermal function in case of dermatosis and excessive hair loss, we use precious substances such as:

• Nigella Sativa to support immune defenses
• Viola Tricolor to restore the physiological well-being of the epidermis
• Ribes Nigrum natural antihistamine, effective in preventing and combating allergy problems

The three plants are part of the Pro Ribes blend for the exclusive use in Dogoteka products.

POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (SUNFLOWER SEED OIL AND NIGRUM CURRANT OIL)

Ribes Nigrum

It is considered an elixir against inflammation, seasonal ailments and stress, and is the natural alternative to cortisone. With its anti-inflammatory properties it helps the immune system defend the body from allergies. Blackcurrant or Ribes Nigrum is a natural antihistamine that is very effective in preventing and combating allergy problems. Similarly to cortisone, it acts by stimulating the production of cortisol, it is a hormone that acts on the immune system and has a contrast function with histamine*.

As a result the allergic reaction with blackcurrant is stopped or slowed down. Furthermore, blackcurrant is able to stimulate the adrenal cortex to ensure that the body produces adrenal steroids with anti-inflammatory action. These are also able to temporarily inhibit the action of the immune system during the allergic reaction. It therefore acts as an immunomodulator.

Ribes nigrum contains a lot of vitamin C which serves to strengthen the immune system which has a key function in this allergy situation.

What is Histamine?

Antihistamines, as the name itself reveals, are substances that serve to lower the production of histamine. So what is histamine? It is that substance that our body releases into circulation when our body comes into contact with an allergen. Everything is fine when histamine is within its control regime but when it is too much it triggers excessive reactions with manifestations of redness, burning and itching in the eyes, nose and throat as well as possible rashes. These problems are precisely the symptoms of an allergy triggered as a response to an allergenic substance. Histamine is naturally present in some foods of animal origin such as some fish products, cured meats and cheeses but vegetables are also involved because some favor the release of histamine in the body and among these we remember strawberries, kiwis, chocolate and tomatoes. On the contrary, other foods are capable of inhibiting the production of histamine in our body and are therefore considered natural antihistamines, including Blackcurrant.

Omega-3 EPA / DHA: Why are they so important?

The omega 3s EPA and DHA, which we hear so much about, are polyunsaturated fatty acids. The process that leads to the production of these fatty acids occurs in the liver. When the liver does not function properly, these fatty acids are not produced in the right quantity and therefore must be integrated directly into the diet. EPA and DHA are considered “Conditionally Essential” fatty acids in the sense that they are strictly required in particular conditions such as pregnancy, lactation and in the first phase of growth. In these phases, their autonomous production by the animal is insufficient and it is therefore essential to integrate them into the dailt ration. In the remaining stages of life their addition to the diet is optional, but very useful. The main symptoms of a deficiency of essential fatty acids include scaly skin, poor coat quality, skin lesions, alopecia, alterations in reproductive functions, fragility of red blood cells as well as, in puppies, a delay in development and growth. Among the various roles that fatty acids play in the body, the most studied concerns their role in inflammatory processes. Some omega 3 and omega 6 represent the precursors of eicosanoids, i.e. an important group of molecules that act by increasing or decreasing the immune response during inflammatory processes.