A weak immune system puts your health at risk. Most people only worry about their immune system during cold months, when colds, flus, and viruses are running rampant. But your health should be a priority all year. Recent research has shown that immunity is directly linked to having a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

The GI tractis a prominent part of the immune system. One component of the gastrointestinal system is the intestinal bacteria of the gut flora. This good bacteria works to prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria in the gut. If the beneficial bacteria in your GI tract becomes imbalanced, it can cause a long list of health problems, including constipation, gas, hormonal problems, candida infections, anemia, vitamin B deficiencies, high cholesterol, and chronic diarrhea, just to name a few.

Probiotics are organisms, such as good bacteria and yeast, that can improve intestinal function and promote a healthier immune system. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. When taken together, probiotics and prebiotics may be a powerful prescription for optimal health. A recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a probiotic supplement may even help women lose weight, which in turn may help lower the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

While prebiotics and probiotics can be found in many foods, taking supplements can give you an extra dose of immune strength. NutraSense offers several high-quality probiotics and supplements to help balance gut flora and improve immune function. Dr. Shahani’s probiotic products, including Dr. Shahani’s L. acidophilus and Dr. Shahani’s Pro-Flora, are a great way to improve your intestinal health and overall body function. Dr. Shahani was a pioneer in the field of probiotics and is considered to be one of the world’s leading authorities on probiotics and their role in digestive health.

ImmuneSense with EpiCor from NutraSense strengthens and balances the immune system function and defends against germs and viruses. In a recent published study from Ghent University in Belgium, EpiCor was shown to act like a prebiotic in a sophisticated gut health model by boosting the good bacteria in the gut, similar to how insulin works. EpiCor also increases levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which, among other things, are known to prevent pathological conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and cancer. Research reports a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory compounds called cytokines as well. Both leading to a balanced, healthy GI tract.

Don’t wait until winter, when germs and viruses are out in force, to get your immune system in prime condition.