In the latest episode of her Menopause Mastery podcast, Betty sits down with Natasha Trenev, known as the mother of probiotics. Natasha has been a leader in the study of probiotics for healthy microbiota and has led lectures around the world. She shares her insights about how the immune system is affected by probiotics.
Most of Your Immune Function Resides in Your GI Tract
Our bodies are like a bustling city, and our intestinal tract is the center of all the action. It’s where trillions of microbes try to find their place, either by fooling or cooperating with our immune system. Did you know that between 70 and 80% of our immune function occurs in our GI tract? That’s right, a whopping 27 feet of our digestive system plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy.
Imagine a Star Wars scenario, where microbes communicate with immune cells on our intestinal wall using photon light emissions. They send signals to bolster protection when undesirable elements are present, or calm down when it’s just food passing through to nourish our bodies. These microbes have the power to communicate with our immune system and even fool it, leading to autoimmune diseases.
The Role of Probiotics
So how do probiotics fit into the picture? There’s a common belief that adding soil-based organisms can automatically improve gut health. However, it’s important to note that these organisms, although naturally present in minute amounts in our GI tract, shouldn’t be consumed in large numbers. They can transform into regular bacteria and produce toxins that harm our bodies, triggering immune responses and gene fluctuations.
The issue becomes more complex considering the processed food we’ve been consuming for four decades. The diversity and richness of our microbiome are significantly lower compared to other countries. Buying multi-strain probiotics won’t magically create diversity. In fact, it’s often just a marketing tactic used by companies to sell similar products under different labels.
It’s crucial to understand that our microbes hold the key to our immune system’s control. When our microbiome is in balance, we have a harmonious relationship with our immune system. But this partnership goes beyond immunity—our microbiome also influences other aspects of our health, including mental well-being.
So, if you’re looking to boost your immune system, consider incorporating probiotics into your daily routine. But remember, not all probiotics are created equal. Call (972) 930-0260 to consult with Betty to find the right strain and dosage for your specific needs.
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