How Probiotics Can Boost Your Immune System and Keep You Healthy All Year Round
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed through food or supplements. They are often called “good bacteria” because they are similar to the beneficial microorganisms that naturally reside in your gut.
While the idea of consuming live bacteria may seem strange, there is growing evidence that probiotics can promote good health in a variety of ways. In particular, probiotics have been shown to improve immune function, making them a valuable tool for keeping you healthy throughout the year.
How Probiotics Work
Probiotics work by colonizing the gut with beneficial bacteria. When your gut is populated with good bacteria, they can help keep harmful bacteria in check. They can also signal to your immune system that everything is okay, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from overreacting to harmless substances.
There are many different strains of probiotics, and each strain has its own unique benefits. Some probiotics may help to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, while others may help to improve mental health or reduce the risk of certain autoimmune diseases.
The Immune System and Your Gut
Your immune system is responsible for protecting your body against harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When your immune system detects a threat, it responds by producing antibodies and other immune cells that can help to neutralize the invader.
Your gut plays an important role in your immune system because it contains a large number of immune cells. These cells help to identify and neutralize harmful pathogens before they can enter your bloodstream and cause an infection.
Probiotics can help to strengthen your immune system by supporting the cells in your gut that produce antibodies and other immune cells. This means that if you consume probiotics regularly, you may be less likely to get sick when exposed to dangerous pathogens.
Probiotics and Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections like the common cold and flu are a major cause of illness worldwide. While most people recover from these infections without serious complications, they can be especially dangerous for young children, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Probiotics may help to reduce the risk of respiratory infections by supporting immune function. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that regular consumption of a specific strain of probiotics reduced the risk of upper respiratory infections by 27%.
Other studies have found that probiotics may help to reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections when they do occur. For example, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who consumed probiotics had less severe symptoms and recovered more quickly from the common cold than those who did not consume probiotics.
Probiotics and Gut Health
A healthy gut is critical for overall health and well-being. When your gut is functioning properly, it can help to promote healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. Unfortunately, many people struggle with gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic constipation.
Probiotics may help to improve gut health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall digestion, which in turn may reduce symptoms associated with gut disorders like IBS and IBD.
Probiotics and Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen or pet dander. This overreaction can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
There is some evidence to suggest that regular consumption of probiotics may help to reduce the risk of allergies. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants who were given a probiotic supplement in the first six months of life were less likely to develop allergies later on.
Other studies have found that probiotics may help to reduce symptoms associated with allergies. For example, a study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that participants who consumed probiotics had fewer symptoms and required fewer medications for their allergies than those who did not consume probiotics.
Conclusion
