It is hard to imagine a more knotty problem than the interaction of probiotic bacteria and our immune systems. The main reason, of course, is that they are both still more mystery than certainty. Then you take all the variables in each, combine them, and the permutations make understanding a real challenge.
The question implied by the article on allergies is "If I take probiotics and they 'strengthen' my immune system will I be more likely to suffer auto-immune disorders or malfunctions?" A good question and one I have asked myself.
The short answer, I think, is this: when the immune system makes a mistake and reacts to something not a threat--like my recently acquired serious allergy to beef, pork and lamb--it is not because it is weak or strong so much as it is responding to a stimulant that it mistakes for a threat. Of course, that's just one of the problems a rogue immune system can get us into. But here is the other side of that answer: there is absolutely NO evidence that a weak or weakened immune system gives you any health advantage nor is there any evidence that it won't make the same mistakes that a strong immune system might. In fact, recent research at the University of Virginia now thinks that my allergic reaction to beef, pork and lamb isn't to a protein (the usual triggers) but to a sugar. All of this is due to a tick bite(s) that has confused my immune system into thinking that a Philly cheesesteak or a pork chop is actually a giant tick injecting me with its saliva! Or something close to that.
Keep your immune system strong. It is, I think, better than the alternative.
Comment Reply
It is hard to imagine a more knotty problem than the interaction of probiotic bacteria and our immune systems. The main reason, of course, is that they are both still more mystery than certainty. Then you take all the variables in each, combine them, and the permutations make understanding a real challenge.
The question implied by the article on allergies is "If I take probiotics and they 'strengthen' my immune system will I be more likely to suffer auto-immune disorders or malfunctions?" A good question and one I have asked myself.
The short answer, I think, is this: when the immune system makes a mistake and reacts to something not a threat--like my recently acquired serious allergy to beef, pork and lamb--it is not because it is weak or strong so much as it is responding to a stimulant that it mistakes for a threat. Of course, that's just one of the problems a rogue immune system can get us into. But here is the other side of that answer: there is absolutely NO evidence that a weak or weakened immune system gives you any health advantage nor is there any evidence that it won't make the same mistakes that a strong immune system might. In fact, recent research at the University of Virginia now thinks that my allergic reaction to beef, pork and lamb isn't to a protein (the usual triggers) but to a sugar. All of this is due to a tick bite(s) that has confused my immune system into thinking that a Philly cheesesteak or a pork chop is actually a giant tick injecting me with its saliva! Or something close to that.
Keep your immune system strong. It is, I think, better than the alternative.
June 6, 2011 - 10:15amThis Comment
Reply