With the cold weather, flu, colds and other infections become more common. Probiotics and fermented foods play an important role for those who want to strengthen their immune system. Dr. Zeynep Güler Yenipınar, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Istanbul Rumeli University, emphasized that intestinal health forms the basis of the immune system and that creating a stronger body against winter diseases with proper nutrition is a scientifically proven fact.
The Immune System and the Importance of Probiotics
The immune system is known as one of the most important defense mechanisms that protects the body against infections and diseases. According to Dr. Zeynep Güler Yenipınar, probiotics and fermented foods play a critical role in the stronger functioning of the immune system and a more resistant body to diseases. Intestinal health is an area where more than 70% of immune cells are located, and therefore increasing the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora helps the immune system to function more balanced. Probiotics are of great importance in this process.
Relationship Between Intestinal Flora and Immune System
Probiotics and fermented foods protect the body against harmful microbes. Beneficial bacteria in the intestines create a protective barrier against harmful pathogens and make the body more resistant to infections. Yenipınar stated that probiotics found in fermented foods strengthen the immune system by reducing chronic inflammation in the body, and that these foods also provide more nutritional support to the body by increasing vitamin and mineral absorption.
Gut Flora and Immunity After Antibiotics
The imbalance in the intestinal flora that occurs after the use of antibiotics can negatively affect the immune system. However, probiotics help protect the immune system by balancing the intestinal flora after antibiotics. Dr. Yenipınar emphasized that individuals receiving antibiotic treatment should be careful about their probiotic intake for this reason. Yenipınar also emphasized the importance of regular bowel movements for a healthy digestive system and said that digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea can be prevented thanks to probiotics.
The Relationship Between Gut Health and Mood
The intestines are described as the “second brain” because hormones such as serotonin and dopamine produced here directly affect mood. A healthy intestinal flora contributes positively to a person’s general health by reducing the negative effects of stress on immunity.
Foods That Strengthen Immunity
To strengthen the immune system, Dr. Zeynep Güler Yenipınar recommends including probiotic and fermented foods in the daily diet. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, boza, kombucha (Kombu tea) are among the foods that strengthen the immune system with their probiotic content. In addition, foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger and turmeric and fruits rich in vitamin C such as orange and kiwi are among the foods that support the immune system. Yenipınar stated that foods with natural antibiotic properties such as garlic and onion also strengthen the immune system.
Other Tips for Immunity During Winter
Dr. Yenipınar, who emphasized that consuming enough water is also important to protect against diseases during the winter months, said that drinking 2-2,5 liters of water daily helps the immune system function properly by cleansing the body of toxins. He also noted that regular sleep and stress management also have important effects on immune health.
As a result, Dr. Zeynep Güler Yenipınar said that maintaining a healthy intestinal flora is of great importance for the immune system to remain strong, and suggested that probiotics and fermented foods provide a natural and effective way to increase body resistance, especially in the winter months, and suggested that these foods be included in the diet.
