It goes without saying that your body has to be frequently nourished so it functions properly and does not negatively affect your overall health. Your gut accounts for 70% of your body’s immune system, according to research. 

With these facts in mind, make sure your gut health is always at its best so it can function properly and enhance your immune system function. Learn how to properly take care of your gut with these helpful tips:

1. Avoid sugar and sweeteners. Consuming too much sugar and sweeteners may increase the risk for gut dysbiosis or gut microbe imbalance.
   A 2022 study revealed that excessive sugar consumption and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) were linked to disruptions in your intestinal barrier. This causes the gut’s permeability to increase, allowing bad bacteria to enter your gut, negatively alter your gut’s flourishing “ecosystem,” and potentially reduce immunity while raising your infection risk.
2. Manage stress levels. According to authors of a 2019 study, instances of stress and depression may alter your gut bacteria’s composition due to factors like stress hormones, inflammations, and autonomic changes.
   Moreover, stress and depression may drive some people to eat certain food that can influence gut bacteria (both positively and negatively). Because of the mentioned events, metabolites, toxins, and neurohormones may be released by the gut bacteria and influence mood and eating behavior.
   With this in mind, try to keep your stress levels low. Meditation, walking, getting a massage, practicing yoga, or even spending time with loved ones may keep these stressful feelings at bay.
3. Exercise as much as you can. Aside from helping you maintain ideal weight and keeping you toned, exercise can benefit gut health too. Physical activity may help maintain ideal balance within the gut’s microflora, enhance gut bacteria diversity, and address dysbiosis or dysfunction. Findings revealed that exercise may help:
   • Improve ratio between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes (two types of bacteria) that may assist with weight loss and reduce risk for gastrointestinal issues and obesity-related pathologies
   • Promote development of good bacteria that may play a role in boosting immune capabilities, strengthening barrier functions, and reducing risk for obesity and metabolic diseases
   • Stimulate bacteria that produce substances that may help shield the body against gastrointestinal issues and colon cancer.
   When choosing a workout routine, always consider your current health status and fitness levels. If you have injuries or other comorbidities, consult with a doctor to know the type of exercise that’s good for you without putting you at risk for more injuries.  
4. Eat fiber-rich food: This nutrient may help maintain adequate amounts of good bacteria in the gut, assist in promoting good bowel health, and aid in managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Good fiber-rich choices include broccoli, green peas, chickpeas, lentils, beans, and whole grains.

Do Probiotics and Prebiotics Help the Gut?

Experts have long discussed the potential roles of probiotics and prebiotics when it comes to gut health — and the results are promising. 

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are often labeled “good” or “helpful bacteria.” Examples of well-known probiotic strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. On the other hand, prebiotics are a type of plant fiber that serve as a “food source” that may help healthy bacteria grow and thrive in your gut. What’s good about these nutrients are their availability in your diet, so you can add these food choices into your meals today:

• Probiotics: Fermented food like kefir, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut 
• Prebiotics: Whole grains, asparagus, bananas, watermelon, garlic, onions, apples, and leeks

You may also find these nutrients in some supplements too, especially probiotics. These supplements often contain certain good bacteria strains and help additional nourishment for your gut 
However, do remember that these supplements are best taken alongside a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Moreover, not all probiotic supplements are made equal, so make sure to choose the supplement that really is suitable for your current condition. If possible, ask your doctor which probiotic is appropriate for your immune system.

Which Probiotics Can Be Beneficial for Your Immune System and Overall Gut Health?

There are actually many probiotic strains to choose from that can help provide your body with a much-needed health boost. One of these is Lactobacillus, and the good news is that it can be found in Biome® Immune! This supplement has a unique formulation that contains three notable gut- and health-boosting ingredients:

1. Lactobacillus plantarum: This probiotic may help balance good and bacteria in your gut.
2. Fucoxanthin-rich seaweed: This ingredient boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities that may help protect against cell deterioration and assist in removing toxic substances from the body.
3. Beta-glucan: It may help stimulate the immune system so your body’s defenses against allergies become stronger.

Overall, BIOME® Immune won’t just provide beneficial probiotics and prebiotics for better gut health, but also help reduce the risk for frequent allergies and assist in strengthening your body’s immunity.

Take one (1) to two (2) capsules of BIOME® Immune capsules daily after meals, or as directed by your physician. Store your supplements in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

BIOME® Immune capsules are available in Mercury Drug, SouthStar Drug, and Watson’s branches and in other drugstores. You can also purchase these online on Lazada and Shopee.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

¹  Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara G, Frati F. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Sep;153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):3-6
² Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Volume 20, Issue 9, 2022, Pages 1912-1924.e7
³ Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, Volume 28, 2019, Pages 105-110
⁴ Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:3831972
⁵ WebMD, April 1, 2022
⁶ WebMD, September 16, 2022