The Secret Science Behind How Probiotics Boost Your Immune System
When it comes to maintaining good health, having a healthy immune system is crucial. A strong immune system helps protect our body from harmful pathogens that can cause diseases. While there are many factors that can impact our immune system’s health, research has shown that consuming probiotics can be a game-changer in supporting immune health.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms commonly found in the human gut that are considered beneficial to our health. They are often referred to as “good” bacteria because of their ability to provide many health benefits. Probiotics can be found in certain types of food and drinks, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, and miso.
How Do Probiotics Boost Immune Health?
Research studies have shown that probiotics can interact with our immune system’s cells lining the gut to help support immune function. The gut accounts for about 70% of our immune system, which is why the gut plays a tremendous role in our overall health.
The beneficial bacteria present in probiotics help support our immune system by:
- Producing antimicrobial substances that can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut
- Helping break down certain types of fibers that produce beneficial compounds that support immune function
- Producing enzymes that help digest food and support overall gut health
Probiotics and Infections
Probiotics have been shown to be helpful in preventing and treating various infections. Studies have suggested that probiotics can help reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and urinary tract infections.
In addition, certain probiotic strains have been found to be particularly effective in supporting immune function in individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer treatment can weaken the immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections. However, probiotics have been shown to help boost the immune system in these individuals, reducing the chances of developing infections.
Probiotics and Allergies
Allergies are caused by the immune system overreacting to harmless allergens, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. Studies have suggested that probiotics can help reduce the risk of developing allergies and improve symptoms in individuals who already have allergies.
Researchers believe that probiotics can help regulate the immune system’s response, reducing inflammation and allergic reactions. A growing body of research has suggested that probiotics may be a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of allergies and allergic diseases.
Probiotics and Gut Health
The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms that live in our gastrointestinal system. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in our health by helping us digest food, producing vitamins, and supporting our immune system.
Probiotics can help improve gut health by replenishing the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. When we consume probiotics, these beneficial bacteria can help improve digestive function and reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Choosing the Right Probiotic
There are many different strains of probiotics, and each strain is believed to have unique health benefits. When choosing a probiotic supplement or food, it’s essential to consider the specific strain and its potential health benefits.
Some of the most well-researched probiotic strains include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Streptococcus thermophilus
It’s also essential to consider the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) of a probiotic product. CFUs are a measure of the number of living bacteria present in a probiotic supplement or food. The higher the CFU count, the more potent the probiotic supplement or food likely is.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide many health benefits, including supporting immune function. By promoting the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics can help improve gut health, reduce the risk of developing infections and allergies, and support the immune system in individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
If you’re considering incorporating probiotics into your diet, it’s essential to choose the right strain and CFU count to ensure that you’re getting the most significant
