81. Supporting Your Immune System through Gut Health with Tina Anderson and Kiran Krishnan

Antioxidants

Probiotics play a crucial role in producing essential antioxidants in the gut. Kiran Krishnan explains that certain animals, like flamingos and salmon, get their vibrant colors from carotenoids produced by gut bacteria. This discovery led researchers to investigate if humans also have such bacteria, finding that we do, and they are vital for our health 1. These bacteria, such as bacillus indicus, produce carotenoids that are absorbed at much higher rates than those from food, highlighting the importance of a nutrient factory within our gut 2.

It's amazing to me because we keep learning that these microbes are so responsible for the bioavailability of so many of our most important nutrients. And now you're telling me our antioxidants as well.

--- Kelly LeVeque

This internal production of antioxidants underscores the significance of maintaining a healthy microbiome.

   

Gut Health

The antioxidants produced by probiotics are essential for maintaining gut health. Kiran Krishnan emphasizes that these microbes are responsible for the bioavailability of many critical nutrients, including enzymes and methylated B vitamins, which are crucial for nutrient absorption and hormone production 2. Additionally, spore-based probiotics help increase the growth of keystone species in the gut, which are inversely correlated with chronic illnesses 3.

When you have high levels of achromancer or fecal and bacteria, you are protected against over 100 and 5200 chronic illnesses.

--- Tina Anderson

This highlights the importance of a diverse diet and the role of probiotics in supporting overall gut health and immune function.