Understanding the Role of Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics in our Immune System

(BPT) – Many people reach for vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry supplements to supercharge their immune health, but there’s another option to consider that can directly impact the immune system – postbiotics that provide immune support at a cellular level.

The majority of our immune system is located in our gut and GI tract. In fact, millions of immune cells are located in the intestines, so it makes sense that the foods we eat and the supplements we take impact our immune system.

Healthy gut nutrition that supports the immune system includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. You may have heard of pre and probiotics, but postbiotics are not as well known to many people. Here’s what you need to know about these three related components:

Probiotics: These live microorganisms (mainly bacteria and yeasts) impart health benefits to the body when consumed. In general, probiotics help maintain a healthy population of microbiota (or flora) living in the gut, positively affecting digestion and overall well-being. Probiotics are found in fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and kombucha, as well as dietary supplements.

Prebiotics: These are nutrients, such as dietary fibers and minerals, that feed and promote the growth of the healthy bacteria living in the gut. In other words, prebiotics are the food probiotics need to thrive. Prebiotics are found in many whole foods you eat, such as apples, bananas, asparagus, legumes, and wheat. Some probiotic supplements also include prebiotic ingredients.

Postbiotics: These are not living microorganisms, but rather nonviable microbial cells that provide health-promoting properties when consumed. Referred to as the probiotic paradox, scientists report many of the beneficial effects from live cells can also be obtained by consuming a population of dead cells, such as postbiotics.

Postbiotics are the third and final piece of the biotics that work through the gut to support your health. However, not all postbiotics are equal and if you choose to take a supplement, it’s important to look at the ingredients.

For example, IMMUSE™ LC-Plasma is a patented heat-treated strain of Lactococcus lactis from science technology companies Kirin Holdings Company Ltd and Kyowa Hakko Bio. Co. Ltd. It is clinically shown to activate your body’s natural defenses at the cellular level to provide immune support year-round.