Bacteria are naturally found in our bodies. “Good” bacteria in food can strengthen the immune system. According to a research, kids who drink a mixture of good bacteria, known as
probiotics, suffer from colds much less than those who do not. What is more, these children often manage to fight the infection without the need of antibiotics. Studies have proven that
probiotics improve the immune response to viruses and “bad” bacteria.
80 percent of the immune system us located in the digestive system, so it is perfectly logical for probiotics to be an effective viral and flu remedy. The strong immune system is the primary defense barrier against all disease. In order to make full use of its functions, we need to maintain a healthy gut bacterial balance (optimal balance is 85% good bacteria versus 15% bad bacteria).
New researchers, focusing on kids between the ages of 3 to 5 years, conclude that children recover much faster after probiotic treatment. For the purpose of the study the kids have consumed one bacterial strain, or a combination of
probiotic strains, twice a day for six months. In the table below you can see the findings from the study, compared to normal time for treatment of children.
Healing rate compared to normal therapy
| Symptoms | Placebo therapy | Probiotic therapy |
| Fever | 53% | 73% |
| Cough | 41% | 62% |
| Stiffy nose | 28% | 59% |
What makes probiotics so important
The ratio between good and bad bacteria is one of the most important factors that determine optimal health. They are also essential for:
- Proper development of the immune system
- Protection of the gut flora from pathogenic microorganisms that can cause diseases
- Digestion and absorption of some carbohydrates
- Production and absorption of vitamins and minerals
- Elimination of toxins
- Restraining pathogens
- Prevention of allergic reactions
- Provision of vital support to the immune system
How to avoid the flu this year
Now is the time for us and our families to start making changes in our health maintenance. Positive change can help us stay away from colds and flu. This can be achieved easily, without the need for vaccination. Below are the main steps:
- Maintain optimal vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D deficiency is the most probable reason for catching seasonal flu viruses. By receiving optimal vitamin D levels, you help your organism fight all kinds of infections. One study points out the relationship between vitamin D and respiratory infections. According to the researchers, people with lower blood levels of vitamin D suffer from colds and flu, even cancer, more often than those with higher levels.
- Increase the intake of probiotics. Fermented foods or high – quality probiotic supplements support the health of the digestive and immune systems.
- Avoid or exclude sugar from your diet. Sugar reduces the immune system functionality almost immediately after consumption.
- Get enough rest. When the organism is exhausted and tired, it becomes an easy target for colds and flu.
- Learn to handle stress. We are exposed to stress on a daily basis, but if it is an integral part of your everyday life, your organism will be unable to fight flu and other harmful agents.
- Exercise. Physical activity stimulates the blood flow, which promotes the functions of the immune system and improves its work, thus protecting us from disease.
- Consume enough Omega – 3. Good sources of this essential fatty acid are krill oil and fermented cod live oil.
- Regularly wash your hands. By washing your hands, you reduce the likelihood of viral and bacterial spread to other parts of your body, as well the chance of transmitting them to other people. Always strive towards the use of organic soaps, suitable for the whole family.
