What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for the human body. These microorganisms are usually bacteria, but they can also be yeasts that live in the gut and help in keeping the gut healthy. Probiotics are naturally found in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, and kombucha, and are also available as supplements.
Probiotics are considered ‘good bacteria’ that help in maintaining the balance of microorganisms that live in our digestive system, which is key to overall health. These good bacteria also help in digestion and absorption of essential nutrients from food.
Probiotics and Immune System
Our immune system is responsible for protecting us from harmful pathogens, viruses, and bacteria that can cause illnesses. Therefore, it’s essential to keep our immune system strong and healthy. Several studies have shown that probiotics can help in strengthening our immune system.
Probiotics help in stimulating the production of antibodies that fight against harmful pathogens, thereby reducing the chances of getting infections. They also help in keeping the gut lining healthy, which prevents harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream. Moreover, probiotics help in regulating the immune response by balancing the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in our gut.
Benefits of Probiotics for Immune System
Here are some benefits that probiotics offer for a stronger immune system:
- Reduced risk of respiratory infections: Several studies have shown that probiotics can help in reducing the risk of respiratory infections like cold and flu. This is because probiotics help in reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract, thereby making it difficult for harmful pathogens to survive.
- Reduced risk of gastrointestinal infections: Probiotics are known to help in preventing diarrhea caused by harmful pathogens like E.coli, Salmonella, and C.difficile. Some probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG have been shown to be particularly effective in preventing diarrhea in children.
- Improved vaccine efficacy: Probiotics can also help in improving the efficacy of vaccines by stimulating the production of antibodies that fight against harmful pathogens.
- Reduced risk of allergies: Probiotics have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of allergies, particularly in children. They help in regulating the immune response, thereby reducing the chances of developing allergic reactions.
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to harmful pathogens. However, chronic inflammation can lead to several health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Probiotics have been shown to help in reducing chronic inflammation by regulating the immune response.
How to Choose the Right Probiotic Supplement
While probiotics are naturally found in certain foods, it can be challenging to get the right amount of probiotics from food alone. Therefore, probiotic supplements are often recommended. However, not all probiotic supplements are created equal. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right probiotic supplement:
- Targeted strains: Different probiotic strains offer different health benefits. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a supplement that contains strains that are specifically targeted to your health concerns.
- Culture count: The culture count refers to the number of live bacteria in a supplement. It’s essential to choose a supplement with a high culture count for optimal health benefits.
- Survivability: Probiotics are live microorganisms that need to survive the stomach acid and bile in order to reach the gut alive. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a supplement that has been tested for survivability.
- Quality: Probiotic supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a supplement from a reputable brand that uses quality ingredients.
Conclusion
Probiotics are an essential part of our digestive system that helps in maintaining overall health. The benefits of probiotics for a stronger immune system are well-documented. Probiotic supplements can be helpful, especially for those who don’t get enough probiotics from their diets. However, it’s essential to choose the right probiotic supplement to ensure optimal health benefits.
