The benefits of beneficial bacteria: Why are they essential for your health and immunity?

With the rapid advancements in preventive medicine and therapeutic nutrition, the world and health experts are increasingly turning their attention to the microbiome, or what is known as the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the human gut. Discussing these microorganisms is no longer a scientific luxury, but has become a fundamental pillar for understanding how the human body functions. Recent studies indicate that gut health is the primary gateway to overall health, prompting major health institutions, including the Saudi Council of Cooperative Health Insurance, to raise awareness of its critical importance.

What are beneficial bacteria (probiotics)?

Beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, are live microorganisms—trillions of microbes in total—that live harmoniously within the human digestive system. These organisms are not mere guests, but rather partners in life, playing a vital role in maintaining the body's biological balance. Their importance stems from their ability to combat harmful bacteria and prevent their proliferation, thus forming a protective shield against numerous diseases.

Why is the gut considered the "second brain" of a human being?

The importance of beneficial bacteria extends far beyond the traditional digestive process, directly impacting mental and psychological health. Scientists refer to the gut as the "second brain" due to its complex neural network that communicates directly with the brain. Research indicates that beneficial bacteria play a key role in the production and regulation of neurotransmitters, most notably serotonin, often called the "happiness hormone," a significant portion of which is produced within the gut. This explains the close link between digestive health, mood stability, and reduced stress and anxiety.

Scientifically proven health benefits

These microorganisms offer numerous benefits to the body, the most prominent of which can be summarized in the following points:

• Boosting natural immunity: Medical evidence indicates that approximately 70% of the immune cells in the human body reside in the gut. Beneficial bacteria train the immune system to distinguish between friendly and harmful cells, thus reducing the chances of infection and inflammation.
• Improving the efficiency of the digestive system: These bacteria help break down complex dietary fibers that the body cannot digest on its own, and convert them into beneficial fatty acids that nourish the intestinal wall.
• Production of vital vitamins: They play a manufacturing role within the body, contributing to the production of essential vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin K, which are important for blood and nerve health.
• Prevention of chronic inflammation: A healthy balance of the microbiome helps reduce inflammation levels in the body, which is a key factor in preventing modern diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Weight management and metabolism: Comparative studies have shown that people with a healthy weight have a different bacterial diversity than those who are obese, indicating the role of bacteria in regulating metabolism and burning fat.

Maintaining good levels of beneficial bacteria requires a healthy lifestyle based on eating fermented foods (such as yogurt and natural pickles) and avoiding the excessive use of antibiotics without medical advice, to ensure the continuation of this vital balance that protects both body and mind.