Page 67 - Retail Pharmacy Assistants - October 2020

the patient could even have a parasitic or bacterial gut infection that needs to be medically addressed. In this scenario, she says, she would establish what fibres the patient needs to consume in their diet and whether they need a prebiotic or probiotic to reset their gut and encourage good gut health. Prebiotics – non-digestible food ingredients – are types of dietary fibre that feed the friendly bacteria in the gut to assist them to produce nutrients for colon cells and hence a healthier digestive system. Prebiotic foods include substances known as fructo- oligosaccharides and inulin, and are found in foods such as chicory root, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onion, garlic, tomatoes, aubergine, asparagus, fennel, beets, oats, wheat lentils, barley, almonds, pistachios, honey, unripe bananas and apples, among others. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be found in yoghurt and other fermented foods, or some dietary supplements. Probiotic bacteria are found in yoghurt and fermented foods such as miso and tempeh, as well as probiotic supplements. Ms Georgeou highlights that the main issue here is whether someone is getting enough fibre, with the average person requiring, and often not getting, 20g to 30g a day. “Lack of adequate fibre could be the result of following the keto diet, as an example,” she said. “So here, pharmacists could help patients determine whether they’re getting enough of what they need from insoluble to soluble fibre, cereals (low sugar), natural yoghurt and fermented food. “I advise patients that fruit, and dry fruit, have to be consumed with care, as they’re high in sugar and don’t always provide as much fibre as people imagine.” In regard to fungal conditions, she says some people might need more Lactobacillus GG types of probiotics, with oil of oregano and other recommended antifungal foods being questionable as they can precipitate exacerbation of reflux for those predisposed to the condition. She adds that potatoes are “interesting” because, even though they’re often “frowned” upon as a higher GI carbohydrate, they’re a great source of resistant starch that feeds the gut microbiome. Pharmacy input on the ground When it comes to the link between Candida and IBS, Mr Webster says that, in his experience a disruption in gut health “likely leads to overgrowths”. “These matters are challenging for standard pharmacy environments, with people making links between Candida and tinnitus, too,” he said. “Then there’s the issue of Candida biofilms, which can be difficult to treat with most of the OTC remedies and supplements.” A biofilm is a polysaccharide matrix that can be found inside or outside the body and acts as a protective structure for the microorganism. The biofilm is problematic because it enables the pathogen to seek sanctuary in it and protect itself from all the treatments GPs and the immune system can “throw at it”, Mr Webster says. TRIPLE ACTION TREATMENT Antifungal • Hydrating • Smoothing Emtrix Nail is a clinically proven nail penetrating formulation, which reduces nail discolouration, normalises thickness and restores healthy appearance. • User-friendly silicon tip • Once-daily application, no filing required ANTIFUNGAL 65 NEW & IMPROVED FORMULATION 76% of users see improvement in just 1 WEEK* Source: Piraccine et al., Dermatalogy. Aug 233(2-3): 178–183, 2017. To order or find out more, contact your Arrow or Apotex Sales Representative directly or call 1300 927 769 ARTG 309579 ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. TO PAGE 66 RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • OCT 2020