How Do Probiotics Boost Your Immune System?

Darrell Miller

08/28/15

Date: August 28, 2015 10:21 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: How Do Probiotics Boost Your Immune System?

An average person carries thousands of microorganisms.  Among these microorganisms are bacteria.  For most of us, the word bacteria usually comes with a negative connotation.  It's no wonder that for many years, we have looked for ways to kill bugs.

While some of the bacteria we carry can cause diseases, some are “good” and useful.  "Good" bacteria helps us break down the nutrients in food, educate the body's immune system to recognize enemies, fight off food poisoning, metabolize drugs and produce moods' determining chemicals.

Unfortunately, some of our activities can significantly reduce the number of healthy bacteria.  To replenish the lost bacteria, you can take harmless live bacteria and yeasts commonly called probiotics.  Probiotics occur naturally in our bodies, but you can also get them in certain foods and supplements.

How Probiotics Work

Probiotics are essential in food digestion and absorption process.  They help move food through the gut.  It's for this reason that probiotics can help manage conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, infectious diarrhea, and antibiotic-related diarrhea.  The absorption of adequate nutrients leads to a stronger immune system.

Good bacteria are essential for gut health.  Modern medicine has found a great link between gut health and the body's immune system. Unfortunately, necessary antibiotics kill bacteria indiscriminately.  Probiotics can boost our disease fighting capabilities by replacing lost helpful bacteria.

Probiotics can also boost the body's immunity by offering us protection from “bad” bacteria. They protect us by lowering the number of disease-causing bacteria in the system.

Probiotics also help balance "good" and "bad" bacteria.  Balance is essential for optimal body performance. Numerous medical studies have for instance shown that cesarean babies are more prone to allergies and eczema because they have lower levels of helpful bacteria and chemical imbalances in their immune systems.

Beneficial bacteria are not created equal.  Our personal gut bacteria depends on the food and supplements we take. Research has shown that some species can produce immune-boosting chemicals.  Some bacteria, for instance, can produce chemicals that are great for heart and gut lining health.

References

//www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065
//www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/what-are-probiotics