Do you know that your immune system is located in your gut?
Our gut bacteria are our first line of defence against bad bacteria.
Our body, and especially our gut, is home to trillions of beneficial bacteria that live in perfect harmony, helping us to digest food, eliminating toxins, and educating our immune system to protect us against harmful microbes.
Scientists have named this microbial ecosystem the intestinal microbiome. Today science has reached a solid level of understanding of the correlations observed between gut microbiome structure and composition and health or disease.
Microorganisms“educate” the immune system, help digest our food by breaking down its content of dietary fiber and produce certain vitamins. Microorganisms are also an important part of the body’sfirst line of defense against foreign and pathogenic microorganisms. Both the number of microorganisms and their diversity are vital for maintaining the balance in the body.
80% of the immune system is located in the gut which makes a healthy intestinal mucosa and a balanced microbiota essential for a well-functioning immune system. A healthy microbiota can reduce the risk of infections and the need for antibiotics. A healthy gut is a health choice.
Moreover, not all probiotics involve the same mechanisms of action. Strain specificity is crucial to define the right probiotic for the right indication.
BioGaia’s probiotic strain L. reuteri DSM 17938 has immunomodulatory properties and contributes to gut healthy by restoring a natural balance in the gastrointestinal tract. It competes with bad bacteria adhesion receptors, which prevents bad bacteria from multiplying in the gut.
BioGaia L. reuteri acts as a “gate keeper” to keep intestinal lining healthy and prevent ‘leaky gut’. It helps to replace wounded cells. Faster recovery from pathogen infection, boost T-cells, neutralises bacterial toxins & viruses.
BioGaia L. reuteri DSM 17938 have been shown to reduce incidence of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) and reduce the duration of illness in healthy children and adults.
A study was done by Gutierrez-Castrellon P to evaluate daily administration of BioGaia Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 reduces the frequency and duration of Respiration Tract Infections (RTI).
A total number of 336 healthy children attending day care centres were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trail. They received BioGaia L. reuteri DSM 17938.
Out of 336 children, 168 were given BioGaia L. reuteri DSM 17938 while the remaining 168 children were on identical placebo daily for 3 months, after which they were followed up after a further 3 months without supplementations.
Research Findings Healthy children attending day care centres have a significantly reduced risk of suffering from RTI when given BioGaia L. reuteri DSM 17938 daily. The graph below shows 67% fewer days with RTI with BioGaia L. reuteri DSM 17938 compared to placebo* Moreover, this study demonstrates an economic benefit to both parents and community by using BioGaia L. reuteri DSM 17938 to prevent RTI in children.
67%
fewer days with Respiratory Tract Infections with BioGaia L. reuteri DSM 17938 compared to placebo
Nevertheless, we strongly support the reinforcement of our immune system by any scientifically valid strategy. Maintaining a healthy gut microbial diversity, intestinal dysbiosis in elderly, infants and the general population is important.
This study also showed a significant reduction in episodes and duration of diarrhea and Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI).
The study also support the view that Lactobacillus strains influence the immune responses beyond the gastrointestinal tract. It was observed a significant reduction in the number of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), using L. reuteri.
Moreover, combining a healthy and balanced diet together with prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin supplementation, among others, could help us reinforce our immune system especially during any virus outbreak.
