The Value of Probiotics In Cold and Flu Season

Source: International Probiotics Association

Probiotics become more popular once the cold and flu season starts. But is that attention warranted? Increasingly, the evidence is affirmative, according to the International Probiotics Association.  Research suggests that good bacteria, whether through fermented foods or supplements, have a beneficial role in respiratory infections including colds and flu.

Probiotics boost respiratory health by:

• Reinforcing intestinal walls against pathogens
• Shoring up the immune systemto fight infections

Economic costs of colds and flu

Respiratory infections including colds and flu are not only costly to health; the economic toll is also high with increased healthcare costs and lost work days.   Could probiotics relieve some of that burden? Two large meta-analyses assessed preventative effect of taking probiotics versus placebo.

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