Mainstay strategies for supporting your immune system (think getting ample vitamin D, prioritizing quality sleep, and eating nutritious foods) remain valuable. But more and more people are turning to probiotic supplement, using carefully chosen strains to help support immune health.* That’s where probiotics come in. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have positive health benefits on the gut microbiome when consumed. But not all probiotics are created equal. Some strains support the immune system more effectively than others , so be sure to look at the label before purchasing. One in-vitro study published in Immunology indicates that Lactobacillus may be effective at triggering the expression of viral defense genes3, therefore stimulating the immune system. “They’re also protective against harmful bacteria, like E. coli,” Gandhi says. “Some colon studies show these bacteria help support the immune system and a healthy gut,” Gandhi adds.* For example, one small study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition had one group of elderly participants consume dietary Bifidobacteria (specifically HN019) for six weeks, while the other group served as a control. The researchers found that those who consumed the probiotic showed enhanced levels of natural immunity4.
