Ah-choo! The cold winter months are here. To help keep your immune system working at its optimal level, it’s key to keep up good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. And part of good eating is incorporating probiotics–also known as “good” bacteria–into your diet.

Probiotics are defined as “living microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts,” according to the World Health Organization. These benefits include improving bodily functions such as immune function, regularity, digestion and detoxification.

“A lot of press is given to the ‘bad’ bacteria, so several folks do not recognize that some bacteria are good for you and ought to be consumed on a every day basis,” explained Densie Webb, Ph.D., R.D., registered dietitian, columnist and co-author of the book “The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!”

Our bodies have their own natural defense mechanisms, which protect us from invading “bad” bacteria and viruses. One main component of the body’s defense system is immune function. About 70 percent of the body’s immune program is located within the digestive tract, where specialized cells play an important role as a very first line of defense against invading bacteria.

“Research suggests that probiotics may possibly have a beneficial impact on the function of the intestinal lining as well as the regulation of critical components of the immune system,” said Miguel Freitas, Ph.D., Medical Marketing and advertising Manager, The Dannon Company Inc. The ecosystem of bacteria-also recognized as microflora-that occupies the lining of the intestinal tract also acts as a physical barrier. “Regular consumption of probiotics, consequently, helps regulate the level of ‘friendly’ bacteria, reinforcing this barrier and maintaining intestinal wellness,” he added.

We caught up with Dr. Webb to understand a lot more.

Q. How can I incorporate probiotics into my diet plan?

A. You will find numerous delicious fermented items, such as smoothies, yogurts and cultured dairy drinks like DanActive, that contain probiotic bacteria and can simply be incorporated into your every day diet plan. Not merely are they a source of probiotics, they make excellent calcium-rich snacks, offering about 10 percent to 25 percent of the Daily Value for calcium per serving.

Q. Should I only take probiotics when I’m feeling under the weather?

A. It’s finest to assist maintain your immune system powerful all year round. Particular probiotics may assist strengthen the body’s natural defenses whilst providing a normal source of “friendly” bacteria. Although benefits vary depending on the sort and quantity of probiotic bacteria you consume, experts agree that every day consumption of probiotics is probably the most beneficial.

Q. What suggestions do you’ve for keeping my immune system powerful?

A. First, eat a healthful diet plan that consists of lots of fruits and vegetables, which contain plant compounds known as phytonutrients that might play a role in boosting immunity. Eat foods like fish which are wealthy in omega-3 fats, vitamin E-rich foods like nuts, avocados and vegetable oils, and foods wealthy in zinc (seafood and lean red meat) and vitamin C (oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, bell peppers). A daily source of particular probiotics within the type of a cultured dairy product may possibly also aid strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Furthermore, physical exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and get plenty of sleep.

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