• Immune and digestive systems

Immune and digestive systems

Strong immune defence begins in the gut.

As a digestive organ, the gut (or intestine) ensures that the body is supplied with nutrients. The foods and supplements we consume are broken down (digested) along the digestive tract and in the gut, and the assorted vitamins and minerals are then distributed through the body to their main areas of action. Good digestive performance is thus essential for physical well-being.

But our gut can do much more than just help with digestion. The gut is also a vital part of the immune system. As the largest immune organ, about 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, so it’s important to promote good digestive health in order to boost immunity. The gut directly determines the body’s natural powers of defence.

The 400 m2 surface area of the gut lining contains thousands of defence cells. Healthy gut flora support these cells in their important task of defending the body against unwanted intruders and pathogens, we sometimes call “bad bacteria”. The gut flora consists of 400 to 500 different types of useful or “friendly” bacteria, all of which have their own specific tasks.

Gut flora can be disturbed by a combination of stress, drugs (especially antibiotics), poor eating habits and physical strain, and this disturbance may weaken the gut’s own immune system. However, if the gut flora is healthy, it forms a natural protective barrier against troublesome bacteria. Taking probiotics can help keep a healthy gut flora.

Good vs. Bad bacteria

Did you know there are more than 400 species of bacteria that live in the gut? This may sound alarming, but these species are often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria. Good bacteria promote digestion and help the body absorb the nutrients from your food. In addition, certain strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus work like a protective wall against harmful intruders in the gut and prevent unhealthy bacteria from taking refuge. Essentially, they activate the immune system and thereby strengthen the body’s own defences.

The good news is that you can easily influence the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. You can help keep a high level of good bacteria by taking a probiotic supplement like Multibionta.

Probiotics boost immunity after antibiotic treatment

Antibiotics kill bacteria, but aren't smart enough to only target the harmful bacteria that are causing the illness. Antibiotics kill friendly bacteria too. Thus, antibiotics disturb the gut flora, resulting in a loss of vitamins, minerals and trace elements and a weakening of immune defence.

After treatment with antibiotics, it's important to replenish the friendly bacteria in the gut flora by taking probiotics. Regenerating the gut flora boosts the immune system.

As a food supplement with the special combination of probiotics, vitamins and minerals, Multibionta is suitable as an accompanyment, as well as after, antibiotic treatment.

Probiotics help people with lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the major sugar found in milk. People who cannot digest lactose may suffer from cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of an enzyme called lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the gut. Probiotic bacterial cultures produce the enzyme lactase which actively breaks down lactose, so taking probiotics can be extremely helpful for people with lactose-intolerance.