Microbiome and immunity: new discoveries after the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a kind of stress test for science of the human immune system. Millions of observations of the course of the disease have shown that the same virus in different people causes radically different consequences - from asymptomatic carriage to severe course. In search of an answer to the question "why so differently", researchers around the world have increasingly turned their attention not to the lungs or blood, but to the intestines. It is there, in a complex community of trillions of microorganisms, that today they are looking for the key to understanding how our immune defense is formed and works.
Why scientists are paying renewed attention to the microbiome
The connection between gut microbiota and immunity has been known for a long time, but it was the pandemic that gave this topic a new impetus. In 2020–2023, dozens of studies appeared that compared the composition of the microbiome in patients with mild and severe COVID-19. The results were consistent: people with more severe disease were more likely to have reduced microbial diversity, a deficiency of anti-inflammatory bacteria, and signs of dysbiosis that persisted for weeks and even months after recovery. This prompted scientists to formulate a hypothesis: the state of the microbiome before infection may partly explain how well the body is able to fight it off.
How bacteria train the immune system
About 70-80% of the cells of the immune system are located in the tissues associated with the intestines. The bacteria that live inside us are not passive "neighbors" - they "train" immune cells every day, helping them to distinguish dangerous microorganisms from harmless ones. The products of the vital activity of beneficial bacteria, in particular short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), strengthen the intestinal mucosal barrier, reduce chronic inflammation and stimulate the formation of regulatory T-cells, which control the strength of the immune response. Scientists are also increasingly talking about the "gut-lung" axis: the state of the intestinal microflora can affect how effectively the body resists respiratory infections.
New scientific discoveries in recent years
Post-pandemic studies have yielded several important discoveries. First, the link between a sufficient amount of the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila and a milder course of viral infections has been confirmed - this microorganism supports the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Second, low levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, one of the main "producers" of anti-inflammatory compounds, are associated with longer recovery from illness and symptoms of the so-called post-covid syndrome. Third, there is evidence that the diversity of the microbiome on the eve of vaccination can affect the strength and duration of the immune response to vaccination. These observations change the view on prevention: maintaining the microbiome is no longer considered a secondary habit, but as a full-fledged part of the body's defense strategy.
By the way: it is precisely for targeted support of the immune system that the Ediens team has developed a niche pharmabiotic "To strengthen immunity" - a complex of clinically studied strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Enterococcus faecalis, which help the body more effectively resist infections.
Protective bacteria: key members of the microbiome
Bifidobacterium is one of the first "settlers" of the intestine, supports mucosal immunity and prevents pathogens from attaching to the intestinal wall.
Lactobacillus — produces lactic acid, maintains a healthy pH environment, and inhibits the growth of opportunistic flora.
Akkermansia muciniphila — strengthens the protective mucous layer that separates pathogens from the intestinal wall.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is one of the main producers of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids.
Bacteroides — processes dietary fiber, maintaining a stable and diverse microbial environment.
How to support your microbiome and boost your immunity today
Diversify your diet: the wider the range of plant foods and fiber, the richer the composition of the microbiome.
Add fermented foods — sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt with live cultures.
Use pre- and probiotics as directed, especially after taking antibiotics.
Monitor your sleep and stress levels — chronic stress disrupts the balance of microflora no less than malnutrition.
Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics, which kill beneficial bacteria along with harmful ones.
Consider a personalized microbiome analysis to understand exactly which bacteria your body is lacking.
If you want to act not at random, but to understand which bacteria your body lacks, start with an in-depth analysis of your microbiome and a personalized nutrition plan based on it.
Instead of a conclusion
The pandemic has shown that immunity is not a separate system that works on its own, but the result of a complex interaction between the body and the billions of bacteria that live inside us. New studies confirm what Ediens experts have been saying for years: taking care of your microbiome is one of the most effective and affordable ways to support your own immune defense. Understanding the composition of your own microflora allows you to choose a truly personalized strategy — from nutrition to choosing probiotics — instead of acting at random.
Short questions and answers (Q&A)
1. Does the microbiome really affect the severity of viral infections?
Answer: Yes. Studies from 2020–2023 consistently show that patients with more severe COVID-19 have a higher incidence of reduced microbial diversity and a deficiency in anti-inflammatory bacteria. This is not the only reason for the severity of the disease, but the microbiome is an important and, most importantly, modifiable factor in the immune response.
2. How long does it take to restore the microbiome after illness or antibiotics?
Answer: In most people, the basic balance of microflora is restored within a few weeks with proper nutrition, but it can take several months for the full diversity of species to be restored. This is when it is especially important to support the gut with fiber, fermented foods, and, if necessary, probiotics.
3. Is it possible to "pump up" immunity with one specific product or probiotic?
Answer: No. The immune response is shaped by the diversity of the microbiome, not by a single strain of bacteria. There are no universal “magic pills” — it is more effective to support the microflora comprehensively: with nutrition, sleep, stress reduction and, if necessary, targeted probiotics tailored to specific gaps in your own microbiome.
4. How do I know if I have dysbiosis that affects my immunity?
Answer: The most accurate way is to have a laboratory analysis of the composition of the microbiome (for example, NGS sequencing), which shows the real ratio of bacteria in your gut. This allows you to build a personalized nutrition and probiotic selection strategy instead of acting randomly.
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