When we talk about probiotics, the first thing that comes to mind is digestive health. And rightly so, because probiotics are known to be beneficial for our gut microbiome, thereby improving our digestive health.
However, did you know that probiotics can also boost your immune system in surprising ways? Here are five ways probiotics can enhance your immune system:
1. Fighting Off Pathogens
Probiotics can help fight off harmful pathogens that enter our body and threaten our health. Probiotics work by creating a protective barrier in our gut, which helps prevent these pathogens from entering our bloodstream. This is especially important for those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
In a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, researchers found that probiotics can help protect against respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu. Participants who took a probiotic supplement had fewer cold and flu symptoms, and experienced a shorter duration of illness compared to those who did not take the supplement.
2. Boosting Vaccine Efficacy
Probiotics can also enhance the efficacy of vaccines, which are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, researchers found that probiotics can improve the immune response to the hepatitis B vaccine in adults.
Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research showed that probiotics can enhance the immune response to the polio vaccine in children. The study found that children who received a probiotic supplement had higher levels of antibodies to the poliovirus compared to those who did not receive the supplement.
3. Supporting the Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between our gut and our brain, and it plays an important role in regulating our immune system. Probiotics can support the gut-brain axis by improving the health of our gut microbiome, which in turn can enhance our immune system.
In a study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, researchers found that probiotics can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety by modulating the gut-brain axis. The study found that participants who took a probiotic supplement had reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who did not take the supplement.
4. Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of our immune system to infections and injuries. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer. Probiotics can help reduce inflammation by regulating the immune response.
In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that probiotics can reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Participants who took a probiotic supplement had lower levels of inflammatory markers compared to those who did not take the supplement.
5. Enhancing Natural Killer Cells
Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in our immune system by identifying and killing infected and cancerous cells. Probiotics can enhance the activity of natural killer cells, thereby improving our immune system.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology, researchers found that probiotics can increase the activity of natural killer cells in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants who took a probiotic supplement had improved natural killer cell activity compared to those who did not take the supplement.
In conclusion, probiotics can enhance our immune system in surprising ways. By fighting off harmful pathogens, boosting vaccine efficacy, supporting the gut-brain axis, reducing inflammation, and enhancing natural killer cells, probiotics can help keep us healthy and protect against a variety of diseases.
