This Winter, Help Maintain Your Immune System With Regular Consumption of Probiotics

Ah-choo! The cold winter months are here. To help keep your immune system working at its optimal level, it’s key to keep up good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. And part of good eating is incorporating probiotics–also known as “good” bacteria–into your diet.

Probiotics are defined as “living microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts,” according to the World Health Organization. These benefits include improving bodily functions such as immune function, regularity, digestion and detoxification.

“A lot of press is given to the ‘bad’ bacteria, so numerous folks do not realize that some bacteria are excellent for you and should be consumed on a every day basis,” explained Densie Webb, Ph.D., R.D., registered dietitian, columnist and co-author of the book “The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!”

Our bodies have their own natural defense mechanisms, which protect us from invading “bad” bacteria and viruses. 1 main component of the body’s defense program is immune function. About 70 percent of the body’s immune program is located within the digestive tract, where specialized cells play an crucial role as a first line of defense against invading bacteria.

“Research suggests that probiotics may possibly have a beneficial impact on the function of the intestinal lining and also the regulation of crucial components of the immune program,” said Miguel Freitas, Ph.D., Medical Advertising Manager, The Dannon Organization Inc. The ecosystem of bacteria-also known as microflora-that occupies the lining of the intestinal tract also acts as a physical barrier. “Regular consumption of probiotics, therefore, helps regulate the level of ‘friendly’ bacteria, reinforcing this barrier and maintaining intestinal well being,” he added.

We caught up with Dr. Webb to discover a lot more.

Q. How can I incorporate probiotics into my diet plan?

A. You’ll find numerous delicious fermented items, such as smoothies, yogurts and cultured dairy drinks like DanActive, that contain probiotic bacteria and can simply be incorporated into your every day diet plan. Not just are they a source of probiotics, they make fantastic calcium-rich snacks, providing about 10 percent to 25 percent of the Every day Value for calcium per serving.

Q. Ought to I only take probiotics when I’m feeling under the weather?

A. It is greatest to aid maintain your immune program powerful all year round. Certain probiotics might help strengthen the body’s natural defenses whilst providing a standard source of “friendly” bacteria. Though benefits vary depending on the sort and quantity of probiotic bacteria you consume, professionals agree that every day consumption of probiotics is probably the most beneficial.

Q. What suggestions do you’ve for keeping my immune program powerful?

A. Initial, eat a healthful diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, which contain plant compounds referred to as phytonutrients that might play a role in boosting immunity. Eat foods like fish which are rich in omega-3 fats, vitamin E-rich foods like nuts, avocados and vegetable oils, and foods rich in zinc (seafood and lean red meat) and vitamin C (oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, bell peppers). A daily source of certain probiotics in the form of a cultured dairy item may also aid strengthen your body’s natural defenses. In addition, physical exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and get plenty of sleep.

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