Flu or influenza is a serious respiratory tract disease caused by the flu virus. It’s been a frequent health problem since it is uncontrolled but has no definite cure. There are remedies available but only for corrective functions (relief of symptoms). Up to now, the most reliable remedy that’s been developed is the influenza vaccine, which can be used in preventing the flu disease.

Symptoms

A individual with flu can manifest symptoms like cough, body malaise/ body fatigue, diarrhea, fever, nausea, headache, sore throat and nausea. These influenza symptoms may be mild and may become severe enough to impede the infected person from doing activities of daily living. There are certain medicines used to alleviate these symptoms but the stated medications can’t completely cure flu.

Moreover, flu is regarded as self-limiting. It follows that this illness may heal on its own based on the immune reaction of the body. Mostly, people infected with influenza can feel better after two weeks. However, the severity of the illness can also cause a deadly complication, pneumonia, a bacterial respiratory disease. Being conscious of the worst health threat that influenza can cause, medical experts do not wish to become lenient.

Influenza

They conduct various researches which would maximize the efficacy of influenza vaccine since it’s the most efficient preventative treatment identified. One of the important findings was that the specific immune response of the body against influenza can be improved by consuming probiotics for 6 months before having a shot of influenza vaccine. The research was led by Dr. Giuliano Rizzardini and the finding has been published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

In the stated study, the subjects were randomly selected. Some were administered with probiotic microbes Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis (in capsule) and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. Those subjects administered with probiotics have significantly increased level of antibodies, especially IgA and IgG. Antibodies are elements of the immune system which detect and destroy antigens such as viruses (e.g. influenza virus), bacteria and other harmful substances.

Probiotics

Probiotics are indeed providing extensive health benefits. These are good microbes which were primarily incorporated into dairy products (e.g. yogurt) and other food supplements to keep the gut healthy. But as of the moment, probiotic microorganisms exceed the expectations of health specialists. As stated earlier, a study finding revealed the ability of specific probiotic bacteria to boost up specific immune response, especially against influenza. Also, bear in mind that probiotic products aren’t medications that directly treat disorders.

These are manufactured to enhance the protective capabilities of the immune system. Besides, a healthy immune system is one of the keys to easily recover from other illnesses and even to avoid sickness. Always remember to consult your physician prior to ingestion of any nutritional supplements, such as probiotics, for safe consumption. Bear in mind that there may be medical conditions that require physician’s supervision when taking any therapy such as those people that are immunocompromised.

Conclusion

Generally, the immune booster property of probiotics really brings benefit against influenza and increases the body’s shield against any disease and even various ailments. Therefore, taking probiotics is only saying “No” to any sort of illness.