How to Improve your Immune System with a Healthy Gut
Did you know that your body is the host to trillions of microorganisms? More than 400 bacterial species reside in your gut! Research also indicates that gut bacteria account for 25% of your body's immune cells.
Consuming certain foods to boost the population of your gut bacteria has been in existence for thousands of years. Today, modern science recognizes these bacteria as 'probiotics'. Read on below to learn more about how to improve your immune system with gut health and probiotics.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are good bacteria that can be found certain foods which encourage the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut. There is plenty of evidence on the favorable effects of probiotics in human health. Studies range from treating digestive disorders, inflammation, and boosting immune health.
How Probiotics Boost Your Immunity
Among the many studies, the effect of the beneficial gut bacteria on immune health is the most researched. Researchers observe this area with keen interest because a healthy immune system addresses most of the modern-day issues ranging from allergies, food intolerance, and severe autoimmune disorders. Improving your immune system can affect your everyday life in a positive way.
Lowers The Frequency of Infection:
A randomized placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of probiotic supplementation on athletes1. The study focused on recording the effectiveness of probiotics on the number, duration, and severity of infections among the players. Participants of the study were randomly assigned into two groups: One group received probiotics while the other received a placebo. During the study, the group that received probiotics had about 40% fewer colds and gastrointestinal infections compared to the placebo. Researchers concluded that probiotic supplements exerted positive effects on the immune health of the athletes.
Boosts Immune Cells:
Probiotics help enhance the body’s immune response by activating the number of immune cells. They help increase the number of macrophages, natural killer (NK ) cells, and T-lymphocytes which play a vital role in fighting infections. Studies show that probiotics supplementation during childhood or pregnancy could help prevent immune-mediated diseases as kids develop. Researchers suggest that probiotics improve the gut mucosal immune system as well as increase the number of immunoglobulin and cytokine-producing cells in the intestine2.
Lowers Inflammation:
A preliminary study found that host-microbe interaction establishes beneficial effects on the immune system. Researchers of the study found that when gut bacteria act on undigested fiber, they release short-chain fatty acid (SFA) called butyrate. Researchers found that butyrate helps lower inflammation, regulate the T cells, and act as a remedy in conditions like colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome3.
Given its benefits, most doctors and scientists recommend including plenty of probiotic foods in your diet and taking a supplement. Examples of probiotic foods include kefir, miso, yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi.
NATURELO’s Probiotic supplement offers 11 different strains with 5 billion active cultures. Our patented delayed release technology protects each capsule from stomach acid to ensure the probiotics are delivered to your intestines alive. Contact our trusted team today if you have any questions about our gut health and probiotic immune support supplements.
References:
1. Probiotic supplementation reduces the duration and incidence of infections but not severity in elite rugby union players, 2014 Jul;17(4):356-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2013.08.004. Epub 2013 Aug 30
2. Immune system stimulation by probiotic microorganisms, 2014;54(7):938-56. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.619671
3. Commensal microbe-derived butyrate induces the differentiation of colonic regulatory T cells, 13 November 2013