Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the human body. Apart from being beneficial to the digestive system, many experts have also suggested that probiotics have positive effects on the immune system.
Our immune system is our body’s natural defense mechanism against all kinds of infections, diseases, and harmful external factors. Probiotics help in strengthening our immune system by assisting in the production of germ-fighting cells in the body, carrying on a chemical warfare with bad bacteria and reducing inflammation.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit our health, especially our digestive and immune systems. They are considered “good” or “friendly” bacteria that can be found in certain types of yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Probiotics are also available in supplement form and can be accessed in various forms like capsules, powder, and drinks. Most of these formulations contain lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains of bacteria, which are often found in the human gut.
How Do Probiotics Strengthen The Immune System?
The immune system comprises two defense mechanisms; the innate and adaptive immune system.
The Innate immune system is our body’s first line of defense and is made up of chemical and physical barriers like lysozyme in saliva and tears. These barriers help to protect us from harmful germs that attempt to enter the body.
The adaptive immune system works when the innate immune system is overwhelmed. It comprises T-cells, B-cells, and other white blood cells that work together to neutralize the germs and toxins that the innate system can’t.
Probiotics work by expanding the innate and adaptive immune system. Probiotics supplement the “good” bacteria in the gut, which encourages the production of beneficial B-cells. Some studies have shown that probiotics increase the activity of natural killer cells and antibodies that play a significant role in fighting infections.
Additionally, probiotics can help decrease inflammation in the body, which can be caused by unhealthy diets and obesity. According to one study, probiotics activate immune cells that release proteins that help to curb inflammation. Reducing inflammation is essential to maintaining optimal immune system function…
Probiotics And Autoimmune Diseases:
Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system begins to attack the body’s healthy cells by mistake. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, lupus, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
One way probiotics may help is by preventing gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis is a condition whereby there is an imbalance between beneficial and harmful gut bacteria, which is caused by unhealthy diets, stress, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals.
Gut dysbiosis is a leading factor in the development of autoimmune disease. Studies have shown that using lactobacillus strains of probiotics can reduce inflammation and balance the gut microbiome, thereby reducing the onset of autoimmune diseases.
Probiotics And Respiratory Infections:
Respiratory infections are the leading cause of death worldwide, with influenza being one of the most common viral infections. There have been studies on how probiotics can improve our respiratory health, especially with recurrent respiratory infections.
In one study, participants who consumed a supplement containing Lactobacillus crispatus showed a 34% reduction in recurrent urinary tract infections, while another study suggested that taking Streptococcus pneumoniae prevented the onset of cold and flu symptoms.
Conclusion:
Probiotics play a significant role in strengthening the immune system. They act as both preventive and therapeutic remedies for various health issues, including autoimmune disease and respiratory infections. We can take probiotics through diet or supplementation, and we should improve our diets by consuming more fermented foods.
However, you should not solely rely on probiotics for your immune function. A healthy diet, adequate exercise, and rest contribute significantly to a robust immune system.
