Probiotics and immunity

Did you know 70% of your immune system is actually in your gut? That's why it's so important to nourish your gut flora to enhance the immune system. It's also why we've packed our new Immune Support supplement with probiotics!

What is our immune system really made up of?

Let’s start by looking at the bigger picture. The immune system is made up of a large network of interconnected organs, cells and chemicals that help our bodies to fight infections. Key components of our immune system include white blood cells, antibodies, the lymphatic system (a network of tissues and organs that help to body get rid of toxins and waste material), the spleen and the thymus gland. All of these work together to tackle any foreign material that we may come into contact with. Not everything is going to be harmful - but our immune system helps to ‘screen’ bacteria, chemicals and viruses that we come into contact with every day. It decides whether or not it’s harmful, and you guessed it, destroys it if it’s going to cause harm, pretty amazing right?!

Supporting the immune system - what you need to know!

We need to nurture our immune system every single day. If we look after it, then it will look after us. But what’s the best way to do this? Well, believe it or not, the answer can be as simple as making sure you get plenty of sleep, eating plenty of immune-boosting fruit and veggies, managing your stress levels and ditching the sugar! BUT, if you do really want to give your immune system that little bit extra, there is something else that has been shown to support immunity - and that’s taking probiotics! 

Gut health and immunity - the perfect partners!

As we’ve said, when it comes to immunity, nourishing the gut and our immune system go hand in hand - let’s just say they’re the perfect partners! Eating lots of plant-based foods, including some fermented foods and drinks daily, keeping stress to a minimum and getting regular exercise are all things that are proven to support gut health; but what about probiotics. How do they actually help?

Probiotics and immunity - let’s talk science!

Whilst it’s important to remember that a healthy, balanced diet, powered by plants alongside regular exercise is never a substitute for any probiotic - probiotics alongside these things can really help to give us an immunity boost! But how? Well, the beneficial bacteria that are found in probiotics help to increase the diversity of bacteria within our gastrointestinal tract (AKA the gut!). A rich, diverse bacterial community has been shown to support our immune system, and reduce the risk of being struck down by any invading nasties. When we nourish our gut bacteria, our immune system becomes balanced. Our white blood cells and antibodies that are key players in destroying harmful bacteria, are ready just at the right moment!

We've just launched our brand new Immune Support product, which is jam packed full of Bacillus coagulans - powerful probiotics - which will help to enhance your immune defence. You can find out more about our new formula here.