Colds, coughs, flu, tonsillitis, infections and viruses are symptoms and/or pathologies that turn out to be uncomfortable and disturbing for those who suffer from them. There are certain times of the year that lead us to experience this frequently, and above all there are people who, when they come out of a common cold, are already entering another virus and it becomes a permanent cycle. Will we be able to defend and protect ourselves against this?
Of course it does, and fortunately there is a lot we can do to help our body defend itself. Firstly, it is essential to manage our basic care, stress control, good sleep, exercise and a diet rich in key vitamins and minerals for defenses, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc. But, did you know that one of the most effective supplements to support your immunity is a Probiotic? And of course, it makes a lot of sense if we take into account that our immune response is largely based on our intestinal function.
How do they act?
Beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria live in our intestine and are able to stimulate the natural function of our immune system. They act permanently by maintaining the correct stimulation, giving a quick and effective response to possible invaders. In one study, a combination of 12.5 billion of the patented Lab4 strain pool (Combination of two strains of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. Lactis) was administered to young children in conjunction with Vitamin C daily, demonstrating a decrease in the appearance of colds and even in those who contracted the infection the symptoms were reduced, they did not require the excessive use of medications (antibiotics) and the days of school absenteeism decreased.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG has been shown in other research to be particularly effective in reducing the number, severity and duration of respiratory tract infections in children. Therefore, the consumption of Probiotics, including the Lab4 combination and the L. Rhamnosus GG strain ( MINDLINX POWDER - MINDLINX CAPSULES), should be a fundamental part of a winter wellness protocol to reduce risks and rapid recovery.
What happens to your gut bacteria when you take antibiotics?
If we take antibiotics for an infection, we must remember that along with destroying the infection, our beneficial bacteria will also be destroyed, causing an imbalance and perhaps having a long-term negative effect on our immunity. The use of probiotics can help restore and accelerate the growth of intestinal microbiota affected by the use of antibiotics. On the other hand, the use of probiotics can also reduce side effects such as intestinal discomfort and diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics.
Probiotics for Autoimmunity
Do you suffer from an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjorgen's disease? Do you think your condition worsens in winter? We often feel that the lack of sunlight, cold and humid weather, along with changes in diet during this time can facilitate the development of an outbreak. Although there is no clear factor that causes this, we know that it would be of great help to boost our vitamin D levels, increase the consumption of antioxidants in the diet and consume probiotics as an easy and effective way to keep the immune system balanced.
The barrier between the outside world and our body is the intestinal lining which acts as a protective barrier for what enters our body. Often, this lining is damaged and becomes hyperpermeable, allowing larger molecules and allergens to pass through, promoting inflammatory responses. This is known as Leaky Gut, which can be a trigger for autoimmunity in which the immune system can err and treat harmless cells and/or molecules as threats or pathogens.
The loss of bacterial balance, or Dysbiosis, increases the probability of the development of this altered immune response by favoring permeability and a continuous cycle of inflammation. Therefore, if we restore the balance in the intestinal microbiota through probiotic supplements, we reduce inflammation and improve permeability, with which we could modulate the immune response. Specific strains, such as Lactobacillus Salivarius, have been shown to increase the level of anti-inflammatory molecules in the body and reduce localized inflammation in the intestine. In other studies, it has been shown that the set of Lab4 strains when administered for 12 weeks showed a beneficial effect in modulating the immune system by reducing inflammation.
In summary, probiotic supplementation may be useful in supporting an autoimmune protocol through the ability of these supplements to balance the immune system. However, if the user is taking immunosuppressive medications, it is recommended to first consult with their treating doctor.
What should I look for when choosing a probiotic for my Immunity and Defenses?
It is essential to use the right bacteria in the right quantities to have the desired effect on the immune system and our defense system, but what strain to choose? What dose? Let's simplify this information based on recent research and our clinical experience:
- For coughs, colds and other respiratory tract infections: At least 3 Billion Lactobacillus Rhamnosus in children up to 3 years of age, 10 billion per day in older children (MINDLINX POWDER) and 20 to 30 billion Lab4 per day in adults (BIOACIDOPHILUS ).
- During and after the use of antibiotics: Up to 30 billion Lab4 (BIOACIDOPHILUS FORTE) during the course of the antibiotic, taken at least 4 hours away from it to promote the survival of the probiotic supplement. After finishing the antibiotic, it is advisable to take higher doses for a short time to help minimize the effect on the intestinal microbiota and reduce side effects (DOPHILUS FORTE PLUS).
- Immunity and Chronic Inflammation: At least 25 to 30 billion potency of the Lab4 (BIOACIDOPHILUS FORTE) strain pool
We must remember that there are beneficial bacteria in our intestine and these must live in balance with others that can be harmful, this balance is vital for our immune system. By using human strains like the well-researched Lab4 strain pool at the right dosage, probiotic supplements can go a long way toward maintaining this bacterial balance.
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