Infections occur when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the body and begin to multiply, causing harm. Good bacteria, also known as probiotics, can help prevent infections in several ways, including promoting competitive exclusion, enhancing the immune system, reducing inflammation, and protecting against various infections. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different ways good bacteria help prevent infections.
Competitive Exclusion
It is common for probiotic bacteria and harmful pathogens to compete for space and nutrients in the body. Probiotics work by colonizing the gut, (or other mucosal surfaces) which prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infections. This form of competition is an effective process that helps keep you healthy by preventing infections from developing or worsening.
Enhancement of the Immune System
Probiotics have been shown to enhance the immune system, helping our bodies ward off infections. By promoting the production of antibodies and strengthening the immune response, probiotics can help the body protect against invading pathogens more effectively.
Production of Antimicrobial Substances
Through the production of antimicrobial substances, probiotic strains such as bacteriocins and organic acids effectively inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. By creating an unfavorable environment for pathogens, these substances further reduce the risk of infections in the body.
Maintenance of Gut Barrier Function
The gut barrier carefully regulates and filters various inputs such as food, molecules, and toxins. Its three major lines of defense include the mucus, immune, and mechanical barrier. By contributing to the maintenance of gut barrier function, probiotics help to strengthen the intestinal lining and prevent the entry of harmful bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream. This is essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall health.
Reduction of Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections. It may appear in the form of abdominal pain, fever, weight gain or weight loss, joint pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and more. Various supplements and probiotics have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation in the gut and other parts of the body, which can lower the risk of infections.
Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Infections
Antibiotics can provide effective and life-saving treatments for many illnesses and infections. However, some antibiotics can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, increasing the risk of antibiotic-associated infections such as yeast infections, and more seriously, Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection. By supplementing with probiotics alongside prescribed antibiotics, you can help restore this balance and reduce the risk of these, and other, infections.
Protection Against Vaginal Infections
A healthy vaginal microbiota is crucial for reproductive, and overall health. When there aren’t enough “good” bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bacteria or lactobacilli, harmful bacteria, including Gardnerella, E.coli, and Mycoplasma can interfere and cause an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus crispatus have shown promising signs of preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast that can lead to vaginal infections. When choosing probiotics that improve feminine health, it is important to read labels carefully to ensure you are supplementing with the right strain of lactobacillus to ensure efficacy and safety.
While probiotics can play a beneficial role in preventing infections, it’s important to note their effectiveness may vary. From probiotic strains, dosage and duration of supplementation, and individual variations in gut microbiota composition, there are numerous factors that can impact the potency and benefits of different probiotic strains. While probiotics should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment, especially in cases of severe infections, they can provide complementary benefits to support overall health and immune function. By consulting with a healthcare professional, you can determine the right probiotics for preventing certain infections.
