The majority of the immune system is located in the gut and GI tract. In fact, millions of immune cells are located in the intestines. 

Healthy gut nutrition that supports the immune system includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. You may have heard of pre- and probiotics, but postbiotics are not as well known to many people.  

Probiotics: These live microorganisms (mainly bacteria and yeasts) impart health benefits to the body when consumed. In general, probiotics help maintain a healthy population of microbiota (or flora) living in the gut, positively affecting digestion and overall well-being. Probiotics are found in fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and kombucha, as well as dietary supplements. 

Prebiotics: These are nutrients, such as dietary fibers and minerals, that feed and promote the growth of the healthy bacteria living in the gut. In other words, prebiotics are the food probiotics need to thrive. Prebiotics are found in many whole foods, such as apples, bananas, asparagus, legumes, and wheat. Some probiotic supplements also include prebiotic ingredients. 

Postbiotics: These are not living microorganisms, but rather nonviable microbial cells that provide health-promoting properties when consumed. Referred to as the probiotic paradox, scientists report many of the beneficial effects from live cells can also be obtained by consuming a population of dead cells, such as postbiotics. 

Postbiotics are the third and final piece of the biotics that work through the gut to support health. However, not all postbiotics are equal and it's important to look at ingredients. 

For example, IMMUSE LC-Plasma is a patented heat-treated strain of Lactococcus lactis from science technology companies Kirin Holdings Company Ltd and Kyowa Hakko Bio. Co. Ltd. It is clinically shown to activate the body’s natural defenses at the cellular level to provide immune support year-round. Backed by 29 published studies, IMMUSE is shown to activate pDCs to support immune system health at the cellular level.

Critical cells of the immune system 

The immune system is made up of many different types of cells. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells — commonly called pDCs — are leaders of the immune system. Think of pDCs as the quarterback of the immune cell team. Once they are activated, they help activate other critical immune cell types like natural killer (NK), killer-T, helper-T, and B cells, providing more comprehensive immune support. 

• The pDC is a unique type of immune cell that acts as the commander of the immune system. Once activated, pDCs recruit and stimulate other important immune cells. 
• NK cells are involved in the first-line immune response, immediately responding to any outside stimuli the body encounters. 
• B cells are part of the longer-term adaptive immune response and specialize in the production of various antibodies. 

• Helper T cells coordinate the adaptive immune response by communicating with other immune cells and assisting them in their unique role. They help stimulate B cells, increasing the production of antibodies, and support killer T cells. 
• Killer T cells are part of the adaptive immune response and respond to antibodies produced by B cells. 

Education opportunity

Learn during the Naturally Informed virtual event Immunity: Mastering the Market on March 1. Dr. Citrolo cover the latest research during the talk Postbiotic Immune Activation with IMMUSE™ LC-Plasma: An Innovative Approach to Immune Health. Register here to attend live, or to view on demand after the event.