Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for our digestive system and our overall health. They can be found in certain foods, dietary supplements, and even in some cosmetics. What some people may not realize is that probiotics can also have a positive impact on our immune system, helping us fight off diseases and infections.
How Do Probiotics Improve Immune System?
Our immune system plays a vital role in our body as it defends us against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When our immune system is weak, we become more susceptible to various diseases and infections such as colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
Probiotics work by boosting the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy harmful pathogens. They help increase the number of immune cells such as T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells in our body. These cells are responsible for identifying and fighting off harmful pathogens.
Probiotics also stimulate the production of antibodies, which are proteins that fight off infections. By increasing antibody production, probiotics can help prevent infections from taking hold in the first place. Additionally, some probiotics can also help regulate our body’s inflammatory response, which can be beneficial in preventing chronic diseases.
The Science Behind Probiotics and Immunity
Studies have shown that probiotics can help boost immunity by improving the gut microbiota, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in the intestinal tract. These microorganisms play a crucial role in our digestion and overall health.
In a study published in the Journal of Advanced Research, researchers found that probiotics can modulate the gut microbiota, leading to a better immune response. The study found that probiotics could increase the number of T-cells, which are responsible for attacking specific pathogens, and improve the activity of natural killer cells in the body.
Another study published in the journal, Nutrition Reviews, found that probiotics can help prevent and treat respiratory infections. The study found that probiotics could decrease the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, reduce the duration of the infection, and even reduce the severity of symptoms.
Probiotics and Disease Prevention
Probiotics have been shown to be effective in preventing certain diseases. According to a study published in the Journal of Digestion, probiotics can help prevent and treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Similarly, probiotics have been found to be beneficial in preventing and treating vaginal infections. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that probiotics could prevent bacterial vaginosis by preventing the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vaginal tract.
Other studies have shown that probiotics can help prevent and treat allergies, with some researchers noting that probiotics can even protect against the development of food allergies in children.
Getting Enough Probiotics in Your Diet
Probiotics can be found in a variety of foods, including fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. However, not all fermented foods contain probiotics, so it’s important to look for products that specifically state that they contain live probiotics.
If you’re not a fan of fermented foods, you can also take probiotic supplements. Look for supplements that contain a variety of bacterial strains, and make sure the supplements have been independently tested for purity and potency.
Conclusion
Probiotics are beneficial for our health in numerous ways, and evidence suggests that they can also improve our immune system and help us fight off diseases and infections. If you’re looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing, consider adding probiotics to your diet, either through fermented foods or supplements.
