From Microbes to Magic: How Probiotics Boost Your Immunity
When you hear the word “bacteria” or “microbes,” negative associations may come to mind. However, not all bacteria are bad. In fact, some types of bacteria can improve your health, particularly when it comes to your immune system.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These good bacteria live naturally in your gut and help support your body’s digestion and immune system, among other things.
You can find probiotics in different forms, including:
- Certain types of yogurt or kefir
- Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha
- Dietary supplements
How Do Probiotics Boost Your Immunity?
Your gut is home to countless bacteria, both good and bad. However, when the balance of good bacteria is off, it can lead to health problems.
Probiotics help to restore this balance by providing more good bacteria to your gut. When this happens, several things take place:
- Probiotics help combat bad bacteria by producing acids that make it difficult for harmful microbes to grow and thrive.
- Probiotics help “train” your immune system to distinguish between good and bad bacteria so that your immune system can focus on fighting off harmful pathogens.
- Probiotics help regulate inflammation in your body, which is an important part of the immune response. When inflammation is regulated, your immune system can function better.
What are the Health Benefits of Probiotics?
The health benefits of probiotics go beyond just boosting your immunity. Some additional benefits include:
- Improved digestion: Probiotics can help alleviate digestive problems like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Mental health benefits: There is evidence to suggest that probiotics may have a positive impact on mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
- Reduced risk of certain illnesses: Probiotics may help reduce the risk of certain illnesses, such as eczema in infants and children, and certain types of diarrhea.
- Better heart health: There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure.
Are Probiotic Supplements Safe?
For most healthy people, probiotics are considered safe to consume. However, if you have a weakened immune system (such as if you are undergoing chemotherapy), you should talk to your doctor before taking probiotics.
Additionally, some people may experience side effects from consuming probiotics, such as stomach upset, bloating, or gas. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics can be a great addition to your diet for a variety of health reasons, including boosting your immunity. Whether you choose to get your probiotics from yogurt, fermented foods, or supplements, make sure you are consuming a variety of strains to get the most benefit.
While more research is needed, the evidence suggests that the health benefits of probiotics are numerous and can make a positive impact on your overall well-being.
