It’s no surprise that the ‘Talk of the Town’… Ok.. the ‘Talk of the World” is all about viruses. More pointedly, the coronavirus. We are still relatively uninformed, as the health experts are learning by the second and on the front lines. This has created a enormous search by so many… ‘How best do I protect myself and my loved ones?’
With that in mind, we thought you may find the following study interesting.
Study: Gut Bacteria Stimulate Antiviral Signals in Lung Cells to Protect against Flu Virus
Published: Science News, Jul 8, 2019.
In a study of mice, an international team of scientists has discovered that signals from gut bacteria help to maintain a first line of defense in the lining of the lung: when mice with healthy gut bacteria were infected with influenza virus, around 80% of them survived; however, only a third survived if they were given antibiotics before being infected. The study was published in the journal Cell Reports*.
“Our study supports that taking antibiotics inappropriately not only promotes antibiotic resistance and wipes out the commensals in your gut that are useful and protective, but it may also render you more susceptible to viral infections,”
said Dr. Andreas Wack, a researcher at the Francis Crick Institute.
This is at least, a reminder, the health of the microbes in your gut are key to your overall health. Your immune system is linked to your gut health. Help keep a good balanced gut flora by eating foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, kimchi) and consider taking a well-balanced probiotic!**
*Konrad C. Bradley et al. 2019. Microbiota-Driven Tonic Interferon Signals in Lung Stromal Cells Protect from Influenza Virus Infection. Cell Reports 28 (1): 245-256; doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.105
** OneLifeUSA Vitamins March SALE: $1 OFF ProBalance Probiotics (well balanced 7 strain formula, including the all-important DE111 strain.) Expires 3-31-2020, limit 1.