Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for the health of your digestive system. These tiny microorganisms can be found in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements.
Studies have shown that probiotics have a variety of potential health benefits, including strengthening the immune system. Here’s how probiotics can help boost your body’s defenses:
1. Supporting Immune System Function
The majority of your immune system is located in your gut, where it plays a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful pathogens. The beneficial bacteria in probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of microbes in your gut, which can in turn support healthy immune system function.
Research has shown that probiotics can help stimulate the production of antibodies, which are specialized proteins that fight off harmful substances and pathogens in the body. In addition, probiotics can also help activate white blood cells that help destroy harmful invaders in your body.
2. Decreasing Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a number of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
Studies have suggested that probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the body. For example, one study found that a probiotic supplement helped decrease inflammation and improve gut function in people with ulcerative colitis.
3. Helping to Resist Infections
Another way that probiotics can help strengthen your immune system is by helping to resist infections. By supporting healthy gut flora and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, probiotics can help prevent harmful pathogens from taking hold and causing infections in the body.
For example, one study found that taking a specific strain of Lactobacillus probiotics helped reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in athletes undergoing intensive winter training.
4. Supporting Recovery from Illness
Finally, probiotics can also help support recovery from illness. For example, if you’ve recently taken antibiotics to treat an infection, the medication may have wiped out some of the healthy bacteria in your gut along with the harmful bacteria that were causing the infection.
By taking probiotics, you can help replenish the healthy bacteria in your gut and support a speedy recovery.
Which Probiotics Should You Take to Boost Your Immune System?
Not all probiotics are created equal when it comes to supporting immune system function. Different strains of bacteria can have different effects on the body, so it’s important to choose a probiotic supplement that contains strains that have been scientifically studied and shown to support immune system health.
Some strains to look for include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. These strains have been shown to help support healthy immune system function and may also have other potential health benefits, such as supporting healthy digestion and reducing inflammation.
Conclusion
Probiotics are a powerful way to support your immune system, promoting healthy gut flora, decreasing inflammation, helping to resist infections and supporting recovery from illness. Choosing a high-quality supplement with scientifically-studied strains can help ensure that you’re getting the most benefit from your probiotic regimen.
