As we head into the winter months, is it possible to reduce flu and colds naturally? And the answer is Yes if you know how to properly combine a prebiotic with the right probiotics.

In fact, in a recent clinical study this combination of probiotics with a prebiotic reduced flu-like illnesses by 75% and colds by 39%.

And while most of the country is focused on the CoVid19 virus, it is important to note that in the 2019-2020 flu season, 62,000 Americans died from influenza. It is estimated that 70-85% of these deaths were in people aged 65 or older.

Colds and the flu are typically treated with medications to reduce the symptoms.

These medications typically do nothing to promote immunity. Or help boost your immune system to defend your body against the invading virus.

This is were probiotics can help.

75 to 80% of your immune health is determined by your gut health. Specific probiotic strains help to balance your gut flora to improve your immune system. Especially your immune system that helps you fight off the viruses that are responsible for the flu and colds.

This means that if you consume these probiotic species on a daily basis, then you can help maintain the needed gut flora to boost your immune system.

Several studies have identified five probiotic strains that help to reduce upper respiratory tract infections. They are:

• B lactis (BS01)

• L plantarum (LP01)

• L plantarum (LP02)

• L rhamnosus (LR04)

• L rhamnosus (LR05)

Now some would think that you could reduce flu and colds naturally by increasing your consumption of these five key probiotic species.

But a more effective way to increase their presence in your gut flora is to give them an ideal food source. This is where the prebiotic comes in.

Prebiotics are indigestible plant fibers to you. But they are an ideal food source for your probiotic species. One class of prebiotics called galactooligosaccharides, provide plant sugars that remain in your colon. They then feed and promote the growth of these beneficial gut microbes to enhance your immune system.

In a randomized, double-blind study of 250 healthy adult volunteers these five probiotc strains were combined with the prebiotic galactooligosaccharides. The study lasted for 90 day and was conducted during the flu season. These volunteers were given either a placebo or this probiotic-prebiotic blend. And the following results were observed:

• 75% reduction in flu-like respiratory illnesses

• 39% reduction in the number of colds

And for those who did develop the flu or cold, the following was observed:

• 37% reduction in flu symptom severity

• 19% reduction in cold symptom severity

• An average one-day reduction in the duration of the cold

• A three-day reduction in the duration of coughs

• And a 1.5-day reduction in the duration of all acute respiratory tract infections

I’ve written numerous articles on the importance of improving your gut health to improve your immune system. Here is another reminder that you can reduce flu and colds naturally, if you take the time to feed your gut with the right ingredients.

Blessing Lives Through Nitric Oxide Therapy!

Dan Hammer