YOUR GUT'S ROLE IN IMMUNE HEALTH

Did you know your gut supports your immune health? Well, sit down and get ready for an education.

Let’s face it, your gut is pretty amazing. As well as being responsible for your digestive wellbeing, it also plays a role in women’s health, mood and can even help support your immune system.

How does it achieve all this? Well, your gut is full of probiotics, or “good” bacteria – it’s estimated that about 10 trillion microorganisms live in your intestines1. These probiotics perform several jobs, one of which is crowding out harmful bacteria before it has a chance to develop into an infection or illness.

In fact, about 80% of immune activity is believed to take place in your gut2, which is why it’s important to support your gut bacteria in order to maintain your immune health. Consuming probiotics helps maintain the number of good bacteria in your intestine, which in turn can strengthen your immune system.

How can you support your immune health?

Probiotics are found in fermented foods and some dairy products. In particular, yoghurt is high in the lactobacillus bacteria strain, which is good for supporting immune health3. Taking a probiotic rich in lactobacillus can also help, such as Swisse Ultibiotic Daily Immune Probiotic, which can help support your immune system and reduce the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.

As well as looking after your gut health, you can also support your immune system by exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and maintain a healthy weight4. Hello wellness, goodbye cold!

This supplement may not be right for you. Read the warnings before purchase, which can be found on the label. If symptoms worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your healthcare professional. Follow the directions for use. Supplements can only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.

References:

  1. https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(01)96140-8/abstract
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23426535
  3. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/71/4/861/4729065
  4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system