Bacteria and intestines
Bacteria are in our body 10 times more than our cells. Most of these bacteria are located in our intestines and most of them are quite harmless. Probiotics, one of the friendly bacteria species, provide various benefits on our health when consumed. According to some researches probiotics are helping to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, postmenopausal osteoporosis, mood swings, and so on. But the question remains, what other health issues can probiotics tackle? Can it affect and help the health of the immune system? How do probiotics work to fight against viruses and bacteria like the common cold, the flu, or even pneumonia?
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide many benefits to our health when taken into the body. These are usually bacteria, but some yeast species can also function as probiotics.
Each of the many existing probiotic bacteria provides different benefits to our body. The most common probiotic groups are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Interestingly, different types of probiotics address different health conditions. Therefore, it is important to select the right type of probiotics.
How can bacteria strains help improve the immune system?
Actually the word bacteria has a negative connotation, but not all bacteria are created equal. Lactobacillus reuteri, for example, is a strain of bacteria that is part of the major lactic-acid producing probiotic bacteria. It’s meant to help with gastrointestinal issues, but it also comes with more exciting benefits.
Lactobacillus reuteri is a super bacteria strain in its own right. It stimulates the production of white blood cells that can help fight off viruses and other harmful bacteria that can negatively impact the immune system.
What about Lactobacillus Plantarum? What are the benefits?
This particular plant-derived strain has been known to protect against pneumonia. Lactobacillus plantarum helps white blood cells fight off this infection and prevent it from spreading to the respiratory system.
Like all other lactobacillus strains mentioned, Lactobacillus rhamnosus has immune health properties that can help prevent the spread of viruses as well. However, Lactobacillus rhamnosus is generally helpful in fighting off viral infections, like the flu. By helping the production of more white blood cells, lactobacillus rhamnosus can help keep us healthy if our immune system is compromised.
That is why considering probiotics in our daily life is essential. All three of these probiotic bacteria can help ward off harmful pathogens and can help us return to normal life as intended, while also aiding with the relief of menopausal symptoms.
How to increase probiotics in guts
We can get probiotics from nutritional supplements as well as from foods prepared by bacterial fermentation. For example, yogurt, kefir, Sauerkraut (fermented shredded cabbage), Tempeh (fermented soybean product), Kimchi (fermented, spicy Korean side dish), Miso (a Japanese seasoning), Kombucha (fermented black or green tea drink) and pickles are probiotic foods we can consume in our daily life.