Your gut is the largest defense center in your body. This is where most of your immune cells are located. That is why it is also referred to as the gut-associated immune system.
Why does a healthy gut strengthen the immune system?
The immune system is constantly being "trained" by gut bacteria. If you ensure a balanced gut flora, you are simultaneously strengthening your defenses. This is because a healthy gut flora prevents the multiplication of disease-causing germs in the gut.
A balanced bacterial community protects against invading germs and viruses. This applies, for example, to the lungs or the nasal mucosa. Above all, it applies to your gut flora. After all, around 70 percent of immune cells are located there.
Why are probiotics good for the gut?
Scientific studies show that respiratory diseases can be prevented or alleviated if you take probiotic cultures. Lactic acid bacteria, as found naturally in yogurt or kefir, support gut health. A large-scale meta-analysis of studies shows that the preventive intake of probiotics reduces the risk of catching a cold by one third.
The specific composition of gut bacteria varies greatly from person to person. However, there are bacterial strains with particularly positive effects on gut health. According to studies, these are primarily lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Probiotics (from the Latin pro = for and Greek bios = life) are foods that contain such viable microorganisms. These can contribute to a healthy, resilient gut flora. For example, by warding off unwanted bacteria. However, they, in turn, require nourishment.
What are prebiotics and what are synbiotics?
This is where prebiotics (from the Latin prae = before) come into play: Prebiotic foods usually contain indigestible carbohydrates that can only be broken down in the gut flora with the support of health-promoting bacteria. A prebiotic such as the carbohydrate inulin is found in significant amounts in chicory, artichokes, salsify, Jerusalem artichokes, or parsnips, for example. There are also so-called synbiotics, which offer a combination of pro- and prebiotics, i.e., bacterial strains and their "food".
What does a gut cleanse involve?
Sometimes the bacteria of the gut flora are not in balance. A gut cleanse can then help to regulate them again. So-called probiotics, viable microorganisms, support the gut environment in returning to a balanced state. Immune cells and defense substances are formed in the gut and distributed throughout the entire organism via the bloodstream and lymph vessels. To keep gut flora in a healthy balance, especially during times of stress or during and after taking antibiotics, a conscious intake of pro- and prebiotic foods or appropriate nutritional supplements is recommended.
Conclusion
More than 70 percent of immune cells are formed in the gut. The better the gut functions, the better you can support your immune system. A balanced gut flora is important for this. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics support the gut environment. Certain vegetables, such as artichokes, and fermented foods like kefir or kimchi are a boon for the gut. A gut cleanse with probiotics can make sense after taking antibiotics in order to bring the gut flora back into balance.
• Our gut as a second brain. Would you like to learn more about this? Read more here.
• Do you want to know which health products containing probiotics are available for an intact gut flora? Click here.
• Would you like to read more about strengthening your immune system? You can find out more here.
