Immune System and Probiotics

Oct
06
2013
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By Alan
They estimate that there is 100 trillion bacteria living in your gut and is the human equivalent of an environmental ecosystem. Our personal microbe population is losing its diversity and threatening our health.   Your immune system, at least 70% of which is located in your gut - relies on the makeup of your intestinal bacteria.

Probiotic organisms switch on the body's protective signaling mechanisms:
  • Boost populations of immune cells that play a role in tumor inhibition.
  • Upregulate immune cytokines to battle the early stage of cancer or other threats.
  • Suppress bacteria that convert pro-carcinogen molecules into carcinogens.
  • Suppress the inflammatory response as the cancer or infection threat fades.

References 

Furness JB, Kunze WA, Clerc N. Nutrient tasting and signaling mechanisms in the gut.  II.  The intestine as a sensory organ: neural, endocrine, and immune responses. AM U Physiol. November 1999;277 (5 Pt 1):G922-8.

Khosravi A, Yanez A, Price JG, Chow A, Merad M, Goodridge HS, Mazmanian SK. Gut microbiota promote hematopoiesis to control bacterial infection. Cell Host Microbe. March 12, 2014;15(3):374-81.

Everard A, Cani PD. Diabetes, obesity and gut microbiota. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2013 Feb; 27 (1):73-83.

O'Hara AM, Shanahan F. .Mechanisms of action of probiotics in intestinal diseases. Scientific World Journal.  2007;7:31-46.

DeMoreno De LeBlanc A, Matar C, Peridigon G. The application of probiotics in cancer. Br J Nutrition. 2007;70(2):55-68.