When autumn arrives and the cold season begins, many people wonder how to best strengthen their immune system. Vitamin C and frequent handwashing are often mentioned but an important part of the body’s defence system actually resides in a place many forget, the gut.
Here, Dr. Shahram Lavasani, an experienced Immunologist with a Ph.D. in Immunology and Inflammation research from Lund University, and also the researcher behind GutMagnific®, answers some common questions about the gut, gut microbiota, and the body’s natural defenses.
Is it true that a large part of the immune system is located in the gut?
– Yes, up to 80% of the immune cells are found in the intestinal mucosa. Here, the immune system is educated and trained, partly with the help of the gut’s microorganisms. A balanced gut microbiota helps the immune system recognize and manage substances that do not belong the body such as viruses.
What role does the gut barrier play in this?
– The gut lining acts as a protective barrier. It allows nutrients from food to pass through but also prevents unwanted microbes from entering the body. If the gut barrier is in good condition, the work-load on the immune system is reduced.
Can the gut flora influence how we handle viruses, such as colds and flu?
– A balanced gut flora supports the body’s ability to manage infections. This involves both activating the immune system in the right way and keeping unnecessary inflammatory reactions under control.
How can probiotics help during colds?
– Probiotics is a collective term for live lactic acid bacteria naturally found in, for example, yogurt, sauerkraut, and fermented vegetables. A large part of the immune system resides in the gut. Here, immune cells are trained to distinguish between what is harmless and what the body needs to defend itself against. By contributing to a balanced gut microbiota, probiotics can help the immune system function properly and influence how the body responds to infections like colds.
Do you need to take extra probiotics when you are sick?
– No, the most important thing is to maintain a stable and balanced gut flora as a foundation. This is built up over time by taking probiotics regularly. It is not a quick fix to “boost” the immune system when you feel like you are coming down with something, but rather a long-term strategy to give the body the right conditions to defend itself.
Probiotics as extra support for the gut
When autumn and winter arrive, not only the airways are affected – the gut can also react to changes in habits and environment. Taking care of daily routines is a good foundation for health, and for those who want to, probiotics can be a way to complement the diet.
