How Probiotics Can Support Immunity

The microbiome is the mix of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and parasites in the human body, mainly in the gut. You may have heard the fun fact that there are more microbial organisms in the human body than there are human cells!

A pathogenic microbiome may cause mild or even severe health conditions and dramatically decrease our quality of life. Conversely, having a healthy microbiome can promote good health and reduce the risk of developing degenerative diseases.

There are several significant ways we can positively influence our microbiome. These include, foremost, eating a healthy diet with a wide range of plant foods and minimal ultra-processed foods, reducing stress as much as possible, and taking a good probiotic supplement.

How Do Probiotics Support the Immune System?

Probiotics, particularly species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, positively influence the microbiome in several ways. Firstly, they colonise within the gut and produce harmful substances to pathogenic bacteria. They also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, helping many species of helpful bacteria to thrive.

A healthy microbiome equals a healthy immune system. There is a patch of tissue that sits just below the gut called the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, or GALT for short. This patch of tissue houses immune cells and prepares them for their function in the body. The GALT directly communicates with the microbiome within the gut, and probiotics positively influence the immune cells there. A healthy gut microbiome equals self-tolerant and pathogen-active immune cells.

Healthy Digestion & Immune Response

Probiotics within the gut support digestive function in multiple ways. They produce over 200 digestive enzymes, which is more than the body produces. These digestive enzymes support the breakdown of food, allowing nutrients to be absorbed. Some probiotics metabolise nutrients into more bioactive forms so that the body can use them better. Probiotics also produce short-chain fatty acids, which directly nourish the gut lining and promote a higher absorption of nutrients.

A higher level of nutrient absorption means a better functioning immune system. To function properly, immune cells rely on nutrients such as vitamin C, B, zinc, and antioxidants. An amazing diet is only amazing to the body if its nutrients can be absorbed.

Supporting Healthy Barriers

Our first defence against disease is our natural barriers, such as the skin. Healthy skin prevents the entry of disease-causing microbes. However, the skin is only as healthy as the gut microbiome, and the number of probiotics within the gut greatly influences skin function. The short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotics are absorbed and transported to the skin, where they help maintain normal skin moisture levels and improve the integrity of the skin.

In addition, probiotics are needed to remove toxins from the bowel and normal liver function. The efficient removal of toxins from the bowel means that toxins do not need to be pushed out through the skin, which can cause inflammation and acne, both of which can harm the skin barrier, causing a weaker defence against diseases.

All told, probiotics play an essential role in balancing the gut microbiome, enhancing nutrient absorption, supporting the skin’s natural barriers and, in doing so, helping to strengthen the immune system. Incorporating them into your daily routine, alongside a nutrient-rich diet and a healthy lifestyle, can significantly improve your resilience against illness. A healthier gut truly sets the foundation for a healthier you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sophie Watson is the Head of Marketing at Dr Vegan, award-winning providers of high-quality, plant-based vitamins and supplements.