Many people are surprised to learn that bacteria can be their friend during the cold and flu season. When the immune system is weakened, a person is more susceptible to infections, whether they take the form of a virus-as with colds and flu-bacteria, fungus or yeast infection. Recent research suggests that one way to boost your immunity may be to include "friendly bacteria" in your daily diet. How do you do it? Find out now.
Probiotics are the "friendly bacteria" provided by yogurt, other fermented foods and drinks or dietary supplements. Previously it was known that these bacteria could support gastrointestinal (GI) health by blocking and killing germs in the colon and were shown to shorten the duration of diarrhea, particularly the kind produced by rotavirus, common in infants and very young children.
Now researchers believe probiotics may enhance the immune system by stimulating the production and activity of immune cells located in the tissues that line the GI tract, as well as the mouth, respiratory system and urinary tract. These are known as the "mucosal tissues."
It's believed that up to 70 percent of the body's immune capacity may reside in these tissues. Taken altogether this is called the "mucosal immune system." It acts as a front-line defense against a wide variety of germs.
Research studies have observed that women taking probiotics recovered more quickly from vaginal infections, and infants given probiotics had a lower rate of urinary tract infections.
A study in patients carrying potentially harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae, demonstrated that regular intake of probiotics reduced the occurrence of these germs in the upper respiratory tract.
In addition to normal precautions against catching a cold or the flu-such as washing your hands frequently, getting enough rest, taking your vitamins, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables-adding probiotics to your daily diet or dietary supplement regimen may give your body an extra line of defense.
(I use probiotics every day, year-round, to help my immune system, and balance my intestinal bacteria. My favorite brand is Enzymatic Therapy's Acidophilus Pearls, which has a patented formula that doesn't require refrigeration, and guarantees a high level of live cultures. Click here to compare prices to buy Enzymatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls online.
Source: NAPSI
