Probiotics
Viruses and bacteria enter the system through the mouth or nose, then travels to the intestines and stomach before reaching the bloodstream to spread to different body parts. If your intestinal wall is weak, bacteria and viruses could spread through the bloodstream. However, it can effectively block them if it’s strong, and probiotics can help reinforce that wall. A healthy gut strengthens the immune system, thus making it easier to fight virus infections, including flu. In addition, there are probiotic strains that help increase IL-10 in the body. These are cytokines or small proteins that prevent or decrease inflammation. It also aids in strengthening the mucosal membranes, thus avoiding respiratory infections.
The number of CFUs or colony-forming units will tell you how many live strains are in a dose. The recommended number of CFUs per day is 10 to 20 billion for adults and 5 to 10 billion for kids. There are several brands of probiotic drinks out there, but they vary in the number of CFUs they contain. So, check this information to ensure you are getting the recommended amount.
