Probiotics are living microorganisms that live inside our bodies, primarily in our gut. They are often referred to as “good” or “healthy” bacteria, and they play an important role in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
One of the most significant benefits of probiotics is their ability to boost our immune system. Here are five surprising ways that probiotics can help to strengthen our defenses against disease and illness:
1. Probiotics can help to reduce the risk of respiratory infections
Respiratory infections like the common cold and flu are among the most common illnesses that people experience. However, research has shown that probiotics can help to reduce the risk of these infections and other upper respiratory tract infections.
In a study of 326 children, those who took a daily probiotic supplement had a 59% lower risk of developing a respiratory infection compared to those who did not take probiotics.
Another study found that probiotics could reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in people who already have a respiratory infection. Participants who took a probiotic supplement had fewer days of symptoms and needed to take fewer antibiotics compared to those who did not take probiotics.
2. Probiotics may protect against allergies and asthma
Research has suggested that probiotics may be useful in preventing allergies and asthma, which are both autoimmune conditions that can weaken the immune system.
In a study of pregnant women and their infants, those who received a probiotic supplement during pregnancy and for six months after giving birth had a lower risk of developing eczema or allergy compared to those who did not receive probiotics.
Another study found that children who received a daily probiotic supplement for six months had a reduced risk of developing asthma symptoms.
3. Probiotics can help to improve gut health
The gut contains trillions of bacteria, many of which are beneficial to the body. However, factors such as a poor diet, stress, and certain medications can disrupt this balance and cause problems such as digestive issues, inflammation, and a weakened immune system.
Probiotics can help to restore this balance and promote good gut health. They do this by helping to crowd out harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation, and producing substances that help to nourish the gut.
4. Probiotics may reduce the risk of certain cancers
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body against cancer by identifying and destroying cancerous cells. Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
For example, a study of 40,000 women found that those who regularly consumed probiotic foods had a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not consume probiotics.
Other studies have shown that probiotics may have a protective effect against colon cancer, gastric cancer, and liver cancer.
5. Probiotics can help to reduce inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but when inflammation is chronic, it can cause damage to the body’s tissues and organs.
Probiotics have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body by suppressing the activity of pro-inflammatory molecules and promoting the activity of anti-inflammatory molecules.
In a study of people with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, those who took a probiotic supplement had a significant reduction in inflammatory markers compared to those who did not take a probiotic supplement.
Conclusion
Probiotics have a wide range of health benefits, one of which is their ability to boost the immune system. By reducing the risk of respiratory infections and allergies, improving gut health, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and lowering inflammation, probiotics can help to strengthen our defenses against disease and illness.
If you are interested in incorporating probiotics into your diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietician to determine what type of probiotics and what dosage is best for you.
