How Probiotics Can Help with Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorders
Probiotics are living microorganisms, including bacteria and yeasts, that are beneficial to our health, particularly for digestion and immune function. In recent years, researchers have been investigating whether probiotics can also help with inflammation and autoimmune disorders.
What are Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorders?
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury, infection, or foreign substances. It involves the release of immune cells and chemicals that help fight off harmful invaders. However, when the inflammation becomes chronic, it can damage our own tissues and lead to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
An autoimmune disorder, on the other hand, is a condition in which our immune system mistakenly attacks our own healthy tissues, mistaking them for foreign invaders. This can cause inflammation and damage, leading to a range of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
How Can Probiotics Help with Inflammation?
Probiotics have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties by modulating the immune system and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, can decrease the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory conditions.
Probiotics can also help with gut health by maintaining the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This is important because the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of microorganisms in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in immune function and inflammation.
How Can Probiotics Help with Autoimmune Disorders?
While research on the role of probiotics in autoimmune disorders is still limited, some studies have suggested that probiotics may help reduce the severity and recurrence of certain autoimmune diseases.
For instance, a study published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy found that supplementing with Lactobacillus casei reduced the frequency of relapses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Another study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed that supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG improved the symptoms of children with atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition.
Furthermore, probiotics may help prevent the development of autoimmune diseases by improving gut health and reducing intestinal permeability, or leaky gut syndrome. When the gut lining becomes too permeable, larger-than-normal molecules can enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response, potentially leading to autoimmunity. By maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics may help reduce the risk of developing autoimmune disorders.
What are the Best Probiotics for Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorders?
The best probiotics for inflammation and autoimmune disorders may depend on the individual’s health condition and gut microbiome. However, some of the most studied and effective probiotic strains for gut health and immune function include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Streptococcus thermophilus
It’s important to note that probiotics are not a cure-all and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Individuals with autoimmune disorders or chronic inflammation should speak to their healthcare provider before adding probiotics to their regimen.
Conclusion
Probiotics have shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving immune function for various health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis. While more research is needed to fully understand their role in autoimmune disorders, probiotics may help improve gut health and reduce the risk of autoimmunity by maintaining a healthy microbiome. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if probiotics might be beneficial for your health condition.
