How do you strengthen your immune system sustainably?

Veröffentlicht am: September 04, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

Autumn marks the start of the cold and flu season. Children who have spent most of the summer outdoors are now spending more time indoors again. Direct contact with other children makes it much easier for bacteria and viruses to spread.

Children are particularly susceptible to germs!

This is because their immune system and body are not yet fully developed and their resistance and ability to adapt to the environment are relatively weak. Children can be affected 6-10 times a year with symptoms ranging from a runny nose to fever, resulting in frequent absences from school or daycare. 

When we think of the common cold, we often think of reactive treatment (acute), but research shows that it can be beneficial to take a proactive approach (prevention) as well.

➤ Children are affected by infections 3 times more often per year than adults!

Probiotics for a strong immune system

An American study carried out in 2009 investigated the use of a combination of probiotic strains (bifido and lactobacillus cultures) to support the immune system of children. The frequency and duration of colds or flu-like symptoms were measured in healthy children aged three to five years. The children were given a daily probiotic supplement for a period of 6 months.

The results of the study showed a significant reduction in fever (-72.7 %), cough (-62.1 %) and runny nose (-58.9 %). The number of sick days was also reduced by almost half and the reported antibiotic consumption was reduced by over 80% in the children who took the combinations of probiotic strains.

 

Most important results of the study on probiotic use compared to placebo:

  • Support for respiratory diseases with reduced symptom duration from 6.5 to 3.5 days
  • A decrease in the incidence (number of new cases) of respiratory symptoms
  • A significant reduction in the use of antibiotics
  • Reduction in the number of sick days and days absent from school or daycare centers

According to the study, probiotics are therefore a safe and effective way to reduce the frequency of fever, cough and runny nose. They also minimize the need for antibiotics.

Probiotics minimize the need for antibiotics by 84.3 %!


The significant study confirms that a proactive approach to supporting the immune system at an early stage can be an effective way to combat the cold and flu season. This is especially true for children, who are sick more often than adults. Probiotic supplementation can provide the support parents are looking for to see their children happy and healthy in the classroom.

 

Probiotics for young and old

But not only children benefit from probiotics. Adults can also use them to strengthen their immune system.

Did you know that 80 % of the immune system is located in the gut?

It is therefore not surprising that people who have healthy intestinal flora are healthier. Probiotics help you to maintain your intestinal flora by promoting the good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of the bad ones. This protects the entire immune system.

 

Sources (in English)

Leyer, G. J., Li, S., Mubasher, M. E., Reifer, C. & Ouwehand, A. C. (2009, August). Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children. Pediatrics, 124(2):e172-9, doi: 10.1542/peds.2008-2666