Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for our health, especially for our digestive system. But did you know that probiotics can also help boost our immune system?
The Science behind Probiotics and Immune System
The intestines are home to a large number of bacteria, both good and bad. The good bacteria help us digest food and keep the bad bacteria in check. It is important for us to maintain a balance between the good and bad bacteria in our gut. If the good bacteria are outnumbered by the bad bacteria, it can lead to digestive problems and also affect our immune system.
Probiotics are known to help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. The good bacteria in probiotics help strengthen the intestinal barrier, which prevents harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing infections. Probiotics also stimulate the production of antibodies, which are proteins that help fight off infections.
Probiotics and Respiratory Infections
A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that probiotics can help reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in athletes. The study followed a group of athletes who took probiotics daily and found that they experienced fewer respiratory infections than those who did not take probiotics.
Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that probiotics can help reduce the duration and severity of common colds. The study found that people who took probiotics had shorter colds and milder symptoms than those who did not take probiotics.
Probiotics and Allergies
Probiotics may also help reduce the risk of allergies in children. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that babies who were given probiotics in the first six months of their life had a lower risk of developing allergies than those who were not given probiotics.
Probiotics and Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system starts attacking healthy cells in the body. Probiotics may help prevent autoimmune diseases by regulating the immune system. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that people with autoimmune diseases who took probiotics had fewer symptoms and a better quality of life than those who did not take probiotics.
Probiotics and Stress
Stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Probiotics may help reduce the effects of stress on the immune system. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that people who took probiotics had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who did not take probiotics.
Probiotics and Cancer
Probiotics may also have a role in cancer prevention and treatment. A study published in the journal Cancer Research found that probiotics can help reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for cancer. Another study published in the International Journal of Oncology found that probiotics can help enhance the immune response to cancer cells in the body.
Conclusion
Probiotics are not only good for our gut health but also help boost our immune system. They can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Probiotics may also help reduce the effects of stress on the immune system. Incorporating probiotics into our diet or taking probiotic supplements can help us maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in our gut and improve our overall health.
