Ageing brings with it reduced immunity and several diseases. Dr Neerja Hajela tells you how probiotics can help in improving intestinal health for better immunity

The fear of COVID -19 lurks everywhere. While children and adults are able to cope with the situation, it is the elderly who suffer the most. They are overcome with anxiety, fear and a sense of loneliness. Not only that, they are also worried about their health because of their weak immunity which makes them more vulnerable to the infection.

Intestinal health — linked to immunity

However, ageing is a natural process and immunity can be improved and maintained by eating a well-balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle. This is also a simple and practical way of reducing the risk of infections and need for antibiotics and medication.

 More recently scientists have shown that it is also possible to build your immunity by improving intestinal health. This is because more than half the body’s immune system is located in the intestine and therefore besides digestion, the intestine, which is also the largest immune organ of the body, plays an important role in protecting us from diseases and infection.

Intestinal bacteria — important for intestinal health

The intestine however cannot function without bacteria and contains 100 trillion bacteria that weigh almost 1.5 kg. These bacteria are essential for digestion of food, absorption of nutrients and for training and developing the immune system. The kind of bacteria determines the strength of the immune system and therefore it is important to have more numbers of the beneficial ones also called probiotics for a well- balanced and strong immunity.

However, as we age, our intestines age too and there is a slow but steady decline of the probiotic bacteria. This coupled with muscle weakness results inpoor digestion and weak immunity. Therefore, it is important to replenish these bacteria by increasing the consumption of scientifically tested probiotic products to strengthen the immune system.

Probiotics are closely associated with the immune system right from the moment we are born until we grow old. They are the first line of defence and shield us from invading bacteria and viruses.

Most often elderly suffer from constipation, diarrhoea and other digestive problems. One of the best benefits of a probiotic for the elderly is that they improve digestive function and help to improve their immunity.

Ageing also affects the immune system which increases the risk of catching cold, flu and pneumonia. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that regular consumption of a probiotic drink reduced the incidence of viral infections in a group of healthy elderly population.

There is some evidence that probiotics can improve brain function especially mood and depression which is common as we age. Probiotics therefore help you stay well by giving your immune system the boost that it needs and gain greater level of wellness.

With the close connection between the intestine, probiotics and immunity, it makes sense to improve intestinal health for better immunity.

The writer is Secretary, Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Science Foundation (India)