As autumn brings cold and damp weather, the flu season is imminent – in addition to the ongoing corona pandemic – and people increasingly inquire about natural ways to prevent colds and infections. Unfortunately and misleadingly, there is still talk of defending yourself against viruses and bacteria. But what many writers forget is that only a small number of the bacteria known today are actually detrimental to our health. A much bigger group among them is able to boost our immune system, protecting us from common colds or influenza.

Studies have shown that including probiotics – i.e. healthy and stimulating bacteria – in your diet means that you will be less likely to catch infections during the cold season, or recover faster if you do. Here, lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are particularly well proven. We find them, among others, in probiotic yoghurt, fruit (e.g. apples) or fermented vegetables.

A few weeks ago, the University of Mainz published a new study on this subject. It found that enterobacteria “are able to produce, by utilising specific foods […], the polyamine spermine”. Polyamines have anti-inflammatory properties and are a key group of the metabolites which enterobacteria excrete, depending on their food intake.

In an article for the field-related magazine “Laborpraxis”, the university says: “For our gut, the challenge lies in repelling pathogens while simultaneously tolerating commensals, i.e. peacefully coexisting bacteria and food antigens. To do so, a well-balanced gut flora is crucial.” And this gut flora (gut microbiota) also depends on what you eat. Up to 1,000 different bacterial species will coexist in a healthy gut. If the beneficial among them are in the majority, they will be able to repel pathogens, i.e. bacteria or viruses which cause disease. A completely natural way to help prevent colds or infections.

 

Sources:

https://idw-online.de/de/news753928

https://www.laborpraxis.vogel.de/ernaehrung-polyamine-staerken-darm-und-immunsystem-a-963088/

https://www.aponet.de/ernaehrung-und-fitness/probiotika-gut-gewappnet-gegen-winterinfekte.html

https://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.wie-staerkt-man-sein-immunsystem-sieben-tipps-wie-man-sich-vor-grippe-und-co-schuetzt.d4dbaf03-3e4f-4b27-a3c5-22e2f7b77bf2.html

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