Intestinal bacteria help prevent us from getting sick by prompting specialized immune cells to produce potent antiviral proteins, ultimately eliminating viral infections.
Here's a breakdown of how this process works:
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Beneficial Gut Microbes & Immune Response: The presence of healthy gut bacteria is crucial for a strong immune response.
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Activation of Immune Cells: These beneficial bacteria essentially "order" specific immune cells into action.
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Production of Antiviral Proteins: The activated immune cells then produce powerful antiviral proteins.
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Elimination of Viruses: These proteins work to eliminate viral infections, preventing illness.
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Weakened Response in Absence of Gut Bacteria: If a person lacks these beneficial gut bacteria, their immune response to invading viruses will be weaker and less effective. This increases their susceptibility to illness.
In essence, a healthy gut microbiome is a key player in your immune system's ability to fight off viral invaders and keep you healthy. Maintaining a diverse and thriving population of beneficial gut bacteria is therefore essential for optimal health and disease prevention.
