Imagine lowering your risk of the flu with something as simple and delicious as a pickle. Well, it might be possible! Japanese research suggests that a pickled turnip popular in Japan known as suguki may help strengthen your immune system’s resistance to the flu virus.
So what’s the secret behind this unassuming pickle? The answer lies in a powerful strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus brevis.
The Immune-Boosting Power of Lactobacillus Brevis
Japanese scientists have been intrigued by the potential immune-boosting powers of Lactobacillus brevis found in suguki. According to lead researcher Naoko Waki, laboratory tests have shown promising results on animals: “Our results show that when a particular strain of Lactobacillus brevis is eaten by (lab animals), it has protective effects against influenza virus infection.”
It’s important to note that suguki enthusiasts in Japan have long claimed that this pickled food boosts health. However, until now, its powers have never been clinically proven. Researchers are currently conducting a study focusing on the effects of the probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis KB290) on people and are hopeful that foods containing these microorganisms may be the next superfood.
How Do These Bacteria Help?
You might be wondering what makes these bacteria so potentially helpful. It turns out that they are remarkably resistant to stomach acid, which is usually too acidic for most bacteria to survive in. Their secret weapon in this battle is a protective layer of sugars called exopolysaccharides.
“We know that exopolysaccharides have immune-boosting effects in other similar bacteria, so we wonder if the exopolysaccharides of KB290 are responsible for the effects we see,” says Waki.
These bacteria are not only hardy, but they also seem to have the ability to protect our immune systems from invasion by viruses like the flu. And if the tests prove effective in humans too, we could have a new weapon in our arsenal against this common seasonal enemy.
Probiotics for Preventing the Flu
So how can you take advantage of the potential flu-fighting power of probiotics like Lactobacillus brevis?
While the specific strain of Lactobacillus brevis found in suguki might not be readily available in your local grocery store, there’s a wealth of other probiotic-rich foods that can help you maintain a healthy, balanced gut. Here are a few examples:
- Yogurt: Probably the most well-known probiotic food, live-culture yogurt is packed with beneficial bacteria that can help support your immune system.
- Kefir: This fermented milk drink is an even richer source of probiotics than yogurt and also contains beneficial yeasts that help combat pathogenic bacteria in your gut.
- Sauerkraut: Made from fermented cabbage, this tangy condiment is rich in various strains of probiotics as well as being high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Kimchi: A spicy Korean cousin of sauerkraut, kimchi also boasts plenty of beneficial bacteria and a host of other health benefits.
- Miso: Made from fermented soybeans, miso is a staple of Japanese cuisine and contains a variety of probiotics and other beneficial compounds.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can not only provide you with a delicious variety of flavors and textures but also help your immune system stay strong and ready to fight off the flu.
The Takeaway
While more research needs to be done to confirm the flu-fighting potential of Lactobacillus brevis and its presence in suguki, there’s plenty of evidence to demonstrate the overall benefits of probiotics for our health.
Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet is not only a tasty way to support your immune system but can also promote digestive health, improve mental well-being, and even help balance your body weight, among other benefits. So the next time you’re feeling under the weather, consider reaching for a delicious probiotic food instead of—or in addition to—your flu shot.
