Low-Salt Water Reduces Intestinal Permeability in Atopic Patients

Abstract

Background: Clinical remission of atopic dermatitis (AD) after intake of a low-salt water has recently been reported. Methods: We here investigated the effects of a low-salt water in AD patients with increased intestinal permeability to lactulose. From an initial group of 75 atopic patients, who undertook a treatment in a medical spa center, 12 were included because of abnormal urinary excretion of lactulose (>0.6%), which is absorbed in the enterocytic interspaces, at baseline. The excretion of mannitol with an extraenterocytic absorption was also studied as control. During 18 days, the patients followed a medical spa treatment course, including topical application and oral ingestion of a low-mineral water. Patients were asked not to modify their usual food regimen during the cure. At the end of treatment (day 18), the determination of the excretion of both sugars in urine was repeated. Results: At baseline, the mean urine excretion of lactulose in the study population was 1.21 ± 0.08 SEM. At the end of treatment (day 18), the lactulose concentration in urine diminished dramatically by 55% (mean 0.55 ± 0.09 SEM, p = 0.0005). Urine mannitol was also found to be reduced over the cure period, although to a lesser extent (30%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: This study indicates that low-mineral water normalizes the intestinal permeability of patients with AD.

Efficacy and Safety of a Topically Applied Avène Spring Water Spray in the Healing of Facial Skin after Laser Resurfacing

“…It has also been shown that topical water increases softness and suppleness of the skin in a manner that is dependent on its mineral concentration 6 . Low salt spring water (Avène) has also been shown to be effective in relieving inflammatory intestinal mucosa in some atopic patients, when taken orally 7 . In the present study, water therapy was found to have significant reducing effect on the early signs of erythema induced by laser therapy (within 3 weeks).…”

Immunomodulation Induced by Avène Spring Water on Th1- and Th2-Dependent Cytokine Production in Healthy Subjects and Atopic Dermatitis Patients

“…For the oral route, patients are requested to drink exclusively ASW. It should be noted that ASW has previously been shown to normalize intestinal permeability in AD patients [20]. Except for the water, patients usually do not change their diet.…”

Novel Unconventional Therapeutic Approaches to Atopic Eczema

“…There is furthermore a report of a child with marked improvement of its AD when avoiding sodium-rich water, with worsening of the skin condition on reexposition [40]. The pathomechanisms are thought to be related to a reduction of gastrointestinal permeability [41]. Obviously, controlled studies are needed before incorporating this treatment into clinical practice.…”