Boosting Immunity with Probiotics: Latest Research Findings
Probiotics such as bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms are known to improve gut health. However, their benefits have gone beyond just digestion and constipation. Probiotics have been seen exciting research results that prove their ability to improve your immune system.
The Science Behind Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms found in a healthy gut that work towards maintaining the balance of good and bad bacteria in our system. These microorganisms can be found in most fermented foods and can also be taken as supplements. Some of the most common strains of probiotics include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
These probiotics are believed to inhibit harmful bacteria from growing in our gut and aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Probiotics And Immunity
With a direct connection between the gut and immune system, it’s not surprising that probiotics have been extensively studied to understand how they impact the immune system to help fight infections and illness.
A recent study published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition has reported that consuming probiotics can increase the number of T cells in the body, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off pathogens. Although natural killer cells and other immune cells are also improved, T cells have been proven to show the most significant changes after probiotic supplementation.
The study also reported that consuming Lactobacillus casei provided an increased number of natural killer cells and IgG antibodies, both of which play a fundamental role in the immune system’s first line of defense against infections.
Probiotics Fighting Respiratory Tract Infections
The respiratory tract is a common entry point for viruses and bacteria to enter our body. This has led researchers to examine if probiotics can be used as a preventive measure for respiratory tract infections.
In 2011, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that consuming yogurt fortified with a specific strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus was effective in reducing the duration and frequency of respiratory tract infections in children attending daycare.
In 2015, another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition analyzed the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections in older adults. The study found that the group that consumed probiotics had a decreased incidence of respiratory infections, meaning that probiotics seemed to be a potential preventive measure for respiratory tract infections in older adults.
Probiotics And Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that is typically harmless. It is believed that probiotics can help reduce the chances of developing allergies by improving gut health.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pediatrics found that allergies in children who consumed probiotics were less severe than in those who didn’t consume probiotics. Additionally, another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology concluded that probiotics could reduce the chances of developing eczema, an allergic skin condition.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics have been shown to support the immune system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved digestion and absorption of nutrients. Probiotics have potential benefits in fighting respiratory tract infections and reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
Although research into the efficacy of probiotics is ongoing, with consistent findings, it’s time to avail the benefits that probiotics offer to our bodies. This is the best time to reach out to a health expert or nutritionist to incorporate probiotics into your lifestyle and enjoy the immune-supporting benefits.
