Discover the health benefits of HOWARU™ probiotics
1. The digestive system: our largest immune organ
At eight metres or 26 feet in length and with a surface area equivalent to the size of a football field, the human gastrointestinal tract is the organ in greatest contact with the environment. The gastrointestinal tract is responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients and contributes to the excretion of waste products. But this is not its only function. The gut is also our largest immune organ, responsible for 80% of the body‘s antibody production. The inner surface of the gastrointestinal tract consists of a layer of cells called epithelium covered by a mucus layer. The gastrointestinal tract also hosts the intestinal microflora that is made of various bacteria, which supports the defence of our body and other functions of the digestive system.
2. The gut microflora
The intestinal microflora contains more than 1 kg bacteria totalling some 100 billion bacterial cells in all, 10 times more than the number of cells in our body, a number which is beyond our imagination. Many of these bacteria are beneficial, others potentially detrimental. Some can be both or have no known function at all. Due to the varying environment within the tract, the bacteria colony differs depending on the location. For example, the stomach and upper part of the small intestine are only slightly colonised as, here, the acidic conditions are not favourable to bacteria. The bacteria count is higher in the lower part of the small intestine and higher still in the colon.
Babies have no such microflora before they are born. Colonisation begins at birth with bacteria from the mother. These intestinal microflora are essential to the creation and maturation of the gut immune system after birth and develop during the first years of life. At around three years old, the composition of the microflora is highly complex and will remain so throughout adulthood. Balanced intestinal microflora are highly important to maintaining the intestine and, indeed, the body in healthy working order at all the stages of life.
3. The immune system
It is all about the right balance. The gastrointestinal immune system comprises three elements:
The gut microflora - protect the body against ingested microbial pathogens.
The gut mucosa and epithelium - provide a physical barrier, maintaining balanced intestinal permeability while hindering the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria.
The related immune system - acts via a series of mechanisms that produce specific white blood cells. These cells generate antibodies fighting against pathogens that enter the body.
The intestinal microflora live in complex and delicate symbiosis. When they are in balance, potentially harmful bacteria are kept under control. However, this balance is subject to many challenges and can be disrupted by a number of factors, such as inadequate nutrition, antibiotic therapy, extensive travelling, surgery, diseases, germ exposure and ageing. When imbalance occurs, pathogenic bacteria gain an opportunity to grow in the intestine, causing digestive disorders or disease.
4. HOWARU Health benefits
HOWARU Probiotics are friendly bacteria which, when ingested in adequate amounts, bring a health benefit to the consumer. HOWARU Probiotics help to maintain balanced intestinal microflora and act directly with intestinal cells to benefit the gastrointestinal tract.
Human clinical studies conducted in several countries have shown that the consumption of HOWARU™ prevents intestinal disorders, in particular with children, improves intestinal well-being, reduces the risk for infectious and non-infectious diseases and enhances our natural immune response.
In short, they:
balance the composition of the intestinal flora.
reinforce the mucus layer
improve immune parameters
The effects of HOWARU Probiotics vary according to the amount consumed. But experts agree that daily consumption contributes to maintaining a healthy digestive system and improve our body’s natural defence.
Beyond their mere nutritional qualities, products containing HOWARU™ make a difference to your body day after day.
