The Role Of Probiotics In Healthy Immunity

The Role Of Probiotics In Healthy Immunity

As you have probably noticed in various advertisements and television commercials discussing everything from medicine to dairy products, probiotics are a popular topic. As our society is seemingly becoming more health conscious, placing more of an emphasis on exercise and eating healthy, many people are looking for any thing they can add to their lifestyle to further improve their overall health.

One option that many people are making an effort to include in their diet and supplement regimen are probiotics. What exactly are probiotics and by what mechanisms can they serve to boost your immune function? In this article, we will discuss these points to provide you with a straightforward explanation.

Two Peas In A Pod

Often times when we think about bacteria, we correlate the term with a swarm of harmful invaders, looking to gain entry into our bodies and wreak havoc if ever given the opportunity. Truth be told, there are many strains of bacteria that do just that. However, this is far from the whole story when it comes to the universe of microorganisms all around us.

The next sentence can induce quite the uneasy feeling for many individuals. There are actually more bacteria living on and inside your body than your own cells. Yes, you heard that correctly. Simply put, you are more bacteria than human. If bacteria are truly the bad guys they are often made out to be, how can this be the case?

While there are strains of very harmful bacteria, there are just as many types that are actually a huge asset to your overall health. Some bacteria are so intricately woven into human beings that our survival depends on each other.

Since the purpose of this article is to detail the relationship between probiotics and immunity, it is important to discuss the role that bacteria play in the immune response. Most of your immune system is actually located in your gut.

There are a countless number of bacteria inside your GI system that spend their lives producing essential antibodies that the body requires to fight off infection and illness. We all have an immense army of little guys inside our bodies looking out for our best interests.

What Are Probiotics

By definition, probiotics are any type of helpful bacteria or live yeast that can be utilized to improve the body’s function. A probiotic supplement usually contains an insanely large number of live, beneficial bacteria that can be ingested and continue to survive in your gut and perform their duty.

Although yeast is not an actual form of bacteria, it is still considered a probiotic. This is because yeast is great at regulating several digestive functions, thus improving the quality at which gut bacteria can thrive and function.

Immunity & Probiotics

As we previously discussed, there are many strains of bacteria that perform essential duties, such as maintaining the immune system, many of which are found in your gut. Furthermore, probiotics are active forms of these bacteria that provide more firepower to this number. Once again, to illustrate one of the ways in which probiotics support immunity, one of these mechanisms involves basic math.

Under certain conditions, the number of good bacteria within your body becomes outmatched by any number of harmful bacteria. This often results in some form of sickness. By supplementing with probiotics, you are essentially adding a greater number of helpful bacterial strains to your system, keeping this equilibrium maintained at a positive ratio.

Works Cited

The Gut: Where Bacteria and Immune System Meet. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2020, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research/advancements-in-research/fundamentals/in-depth/the-gut-where-bacteria-and-immune-system-meet
Probiotics: What is it, Benefits, Side Effects, Food & Types. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2020, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics