The Importance of a Strong Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s defense mechanism against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can make you sick. It’s important to keep your immune system strong, especially during cold and flu season, or when you’re traveling and exposed to new bacteria and viruses. One way to supercharge your immune system is through the use of probiotics.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. These “good” bacteria and yeasts support your body’s natural balance of bacteria in your gut. You can find them in certain foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi, and in supplement form.
How Probiotics Help Boost Your Immune System
The majority of your immune system is located in your gut, where these good bacteria and yeasts reside. When there’s a balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, your immune system is better equipped to fight off pathogens that cause illness. Probiotics help maintain this balance by promoting the growth of good bacteria and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria. They also improve the lining of your gut, making it more difficult for bad bacteria to penetrate and cause infection.
The Benefits of Probiotics in Supporting Your Immune System
In addition to helping your immune system fight off infection and disease, probiotics offer a number of other benefits:
- Improving digestion and nutrient absorption
- Reducing inflammation
- Lowering cholesterol
- Regulating blood sugar levels
- Preventing and treating diarrhea
Choosing the Right Probiotics
Not all probiotics are created equal. When shopping for a probiotic supplement, look for one that contains live, active cultures, and has a high CFU (colony-forming unit) count. CFUs are a measure of how many viable cells are in a probiotic supplement. The higher the CFU count, the more effective the probiotic will be in promoting good gut health and boosting your immune system.
Probiotic-rich Foods to Add to Your Diet
If you’d rather get your probiotics from food, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best sources of probiotics:
- Yogurt (look for brands that contain live, active cultures)
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
- Kimchi
- Miso
The Bottom Line
Probiotics are an essential part of good gut health, and can play a key role in keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Whether you prefer to get your probiotics from food or supplements, make sure you’re choosing high-quality products that contain live, active cultures and a high CFU count.
