The Power of Probiotics: Gut Health and Immune System Support
Probiotics can help to support gut health, but their prowess isn’t limited to this alone. Probiotics also play a role in promoting and maintaining a healthy immune system.
The gut-immune system connection
You might find it surprising that approximately 70-80% of the immune system is situated in the gut. Along with your skin, the gut is the body’s first defence against illness-inducing bugs. A healthy gut microbiome—the environment created by healthy gut bugs—readies the immune cells in our gut walls, with the flow-on benefit of increased whole-body immune defences.
This implies that an unhealthy microbiome can disrupt the balance in the immune system, potentially leaving us vulnerable to infection, especially during winter. Supporting a healthy gut microbiome with specific, immune-supporting probiotics is a great way to build the resilience of your immune system. A broad-spectrum probiotic, such as Inner Health Advanced Spectrum Probiotic can support your gut and immune system year-round, with the added benefit of 600IU of immune-supporting nutrient, Vitamin D.
Below we answer three common questions to help you embark on your journey towards a healthy gut and, therefore, a stronger immune system.
I get frequent colds; what probiotics should I take?
Certain probiotic strains, such as a combination of Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2 and Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 9 daily, have been shown in clinical trials to be beneficial for:[1]
- Decreasing the frequency, severity, and duration of colds
- Reducing the number of sick days due to colds, and supporting a healthy recovery
- Supporting immune system function
Inner Health Daily Immune probiotic combines these strains in a research-backed, convenient one-a-day dose.
I am taking antibiotics. Is there an immune-supporting probiotic for me?
Antibiotics are essential for fighting nasty infections, but they can also disrupt a healthy microbiome, and consequently impact the immune system.[2] Therefore, it is a good idea to begin taking a targeted probiotic product on the same day as your antibiotics, to support gut-microbiome restoration and immune health, to break the cycle of sickness.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) is one of the most studied probiotic strains and is effective in restoring gut flora balance during and after antibiotic use.[3] LGG® is well adapted to survive in the gut, maintains the balance of gut flora and regulates immune responses.[4]
Additionally, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB12®) has been shown to modulate the recovery of gut microbe populations after antibiotic use, and can also support immune health, especially when combined with LGG®.4,[5] Furthermore, combined LGG®, BB-12® and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5™ have been studied with antibiotic use, successfully decreasing microbiome disruption.[6] These strains are available in Inner Health Restore-Biotic, a specially formulated probiotic for use with antibiotics.
And for the younger family members?
A combination of probiotic strains LGG® and BB-12® have been shown to support immune health in little ones.[7] These strains can be used in infants from birth, and kids up to 12 years via Inner Health Plus Baby & Kids, a naturally sweet probiotic powder with no added artificial sweeteners, colour or flavours.
Pop into your local WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods to discuss all things gut health, immunity, and probiotics with one of our pharmacists or naturopaths. Always read the label and follow directions for use.
LGG®, BB-12® and LA-5™ are registered trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S
References
[1] Busch R, et al. Food Nutrition Sci. 2013;2013(11):13-20. doi:10.4236/fns.2013.411a003
[2] Hagan T, et al. Cell. 2019;178(6):1313-1328.e13. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.010
[3] Szajewska H, Kołodziej M. Aliment Pharm Therap. 2015;42(10):1149-1157. doi:10.1111/apt.13404
[4] Smith TJ, et al. Brit J Nutr. 2013;109(11):1999-2007. doi:10.1017/s0007114512004138
[5] Merenstein D, et al. Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2814. doi:10.3390/nu13082814
[6] Wenus C, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008;62(2):299-301. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602718
[7] Rautava S, et al. Brit J Nutr. 2008;101(11):1722-1726. doi:10.1017/s0007114508116282