Get a Strong Immune System

Lately, there have been a lot of commercials making the connection between a strong immune system and the digestive system. How exactly does this work? Evidence has proven that eating foods that contain a high level of prebiotics and probiotics, such as yogurt, can help keep the digestive system in balance and help our bodies effectively absorb the nutrients in our food. This balance ensures strengthened immunity. But how, exactly, do they work?

Prebiotics

Prebiotics stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. They are nondigestible, but they promote health by inhibiting the growth and activity of pathogenic organisms. Because these bad organisms can inhibit absorption of important minerals and vitamins, such as magnesium and iron, prebiotics should be included in your daily diet.

Probiotics

The main difference between pre and probiotics is the fact that prebiotics are live microorganisms. These live active cultures are an amazing way to keep the immune system strong. One study has proven that the consumption of yogurt actually minimized the presence of Staph bacteria in, of all places, the nose. They help keep the balance Mother Nature intended: not to kill all bacteria but to support the growth of "good" bacteria.

Subsequently, probiotics don't just help the digestive system. Studies have found that probiotics also play an important role in keeping allergies at bay, including skin allergies such as eczema. Women also benefit greatly by consuming probiotics found in yogurt, as it keeps decrease yeast colonization. This means that the chances of getting a yeast infection are almost non-existent.

If you want to enjoy the abundant health benefits yogurt possesses, make sure you are buying yogurt that contains live active cultures, otherwise all bets are off. If your yogurt says "heat treated after culturing", rest assured that all of the healthy bacteria have been destroyed. Yogurt that contains live active cultures also is highly effective in lowering bad cholesterol levels (LDLs) and preventing cancer, in addition to being high in calcium.

As you can see, regular consumption of live active cultures, prebiotics and probiotics is necessary in keeping the immune system in balance. Not only is yogurt high in calcium and protein, it also has many anticancer properties and helps keep cholesterol levels regulated. A one cup serving of plain yogurt in your smoothie can help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies. Ounce for ounce, yogurt is worth its weight in gold in keeping the body running smoothly.