Did you know that your gut health plays a significant role in your immune system? Probiotics, often referred to as the “good bacteria,” are live microorganisms that offer various health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. The benefits of incorporating probiotics in your diet go beyond intestinal health as it helps to boost your immune system. Let’s delve deeper into how probiotics can affect your immune system and improve your overall health!
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly bacteria and some kinds of yeast, that are considered to be helpful and can benefit your health when ingested. Our bodies naturally contain trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, all of which make up our gut microbiota. Microbiota is essential in various bodily functions, including aiding digestion, absorption of nutrients, and even influencing our immune system. However, certain factors like unhealthy diets, antibiotics, and stress can disturb our gut microbiota, leading to imbalances and negative health effects.
Probiotics help to restore a proper balance of good bacteria in your digestive system, promoting better overall health. They can be found in various fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and even in some types of cheese. There are also various probiotic supplements available in the market today.
How Probiotics Can Boost Your Immune System
Gut microbiota plays a significant role in modulating the immune system. Various studies have linked gut microbiota to various immune system functions, including detecting and suppressing harmful pathogens, maintaining mucosal barrier functions, and even regulating inflammation. When the balance of gut microbiota is disrupted, the immune system can weaken, rendering you more susceptible to infections and diseases.
The continuous consumption of probiotics helps to replenish the gut microbiota, leading to a better functioning immune system. Some of the ways in which probiotics can boost your immunity include:
Supporting a robust gut barrier
The lining of your gut consists of both live bacterial cells and dead cells. The dead cells act as a barrier that protects the gut from large molecules and toxins found in the gut. Probiotics help to produce short-chain fatty acids responsible for reinforcing the intestinal barrier and promoting better absorption of necessary nutrients. This, in turn, makes it more difficult for harmful bacteria to enter and damage the gut.
Regulates inflammation
Inflammation is a natural immune system response to injury or damage to the tissues of the body. However, chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system over time. Probiotics help to balance the gut microbiota, producing healthy microbiota profiles that reduce the levels of inflammation in the gut and improve overall immune system function.
Produces antimicrobial substances
We are exposed to various harmful microorganisms daily, either in food or the environment. Some probiotic strains produce antimicrobial substances that have an inhibitory effect on these harmful pathogens. The production of these substances not only protects the gut but also strengthens the immune system function.
Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplements
Adding a probiotic supplement to a balanced diet can play an essential role in maintaining and boosting your immune system. However, not all probiotic supplements are created equal; therefore, it is crucial to choose the right probiotic supplement to get the desired health benefits. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right probiotic supplement to improve your immune system:
S t r a i n s
There are various strains of probiotics strains out there, each offering unique health benefits. When choosing a probiotic supplement, it is essential to know which strains are included in the supplement and what health benefits each strain provides. For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum is a strain that helps to boost the immune system; therefore, it may be an ideal choice for someone looking to improve their immune system’s function.
C F u
CFU, or colony-forming units, is a measure of the number of live bacteria in a probiotic supplement. A higher CFU count does not necessarily mean that the supplement is better. Instead, you should aim for a probiotic with a CFU count between 1-10 billion, as this amount is enough to produce desired health benefits.
F or Mulatio n s
Probiotic supplements often come in either single-strain or multiple-strain formulations. While both are good, research has shown that multi-strain formulations tend to offer broader health benefits. This is mainly because having a variety of strains promotes a more diverse microbiota profile, leading to improved gut health and better immune system function.
