By Abby Sauer, MPH, RD, LD Did you know that your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to 100 trillion bacterial cells?
That is equal to about 3 pounds of bacteria. This consists of a combination of good bacteria and bad, or harmful, bacteria. With all that bacteria, it's no wonder that our GI tract is home to more than 70% of the body's immune system.
So how are our GI tract and immune system linked?
The GI tract contains lots of lymphoid tissue, which is part of the body's immune system that helps protect it from bacteria and other foreign bodies. This lymphoid tissue is known as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). MALT is a scattered system of lymphoid tissue found in various sites of the body, such as the thyroid, lungs, salivary glands, and GI tract. The lymphoid tissue in the GI tract is called gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). The lymphoid tissue found in the GI tract is actually the largest concentration of MALT found in the entire body, with about 400 square meters of GALT. And, 60% of immunoglobulins (antibodies that play a critical role in mucosal immunity) produced by the body are secreted into the GI tract.
How are prebiotics tied to the picture?
Prebiotics are food for good bacteria that are considered beneficial for health and well-being. NutraFlora®* is a natural prebiotic fiber that leads to health benefits, including digestive tract health. NutraFlora selectively fuels the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. These good bacteria convert NutraFlora into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), the preferred energy source for cells of the large intestine.
NutraFlora prebiotic fiber leads to the production of SCFA in the GI tract, which results in immune system benefits including:
- Preventing pathogenic or bad bacteria from overcrowding the GI tract
- Suppressing inflammation
- Activating white blood cells
- Producing GALT, a key factor in your body's immune response
Studies have shown an increase in the amount of beneficial bacteria and subsequent decrease in the amount of bad bacteria with just 1 gram of NutraFlora per day.1
Our bodies are complex and dynamic, especially when it comes to our immune response. By maintaining a wholesome level of prebiotics and beneficial bacteria, you can help support digestive tract health. Foods such as bananas, onions, and yogurt contain a healthy dose of prebiotics. Or try Ensure Plus®, a convenient source of the prebiotic NutraFlora for digestive tract health as well as essential vitamins and minerals for good health.