How to support natural immunity during infectious periods? The role of the brain-gut axis in maintaining the body’s immunity Review article
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Published:
Nov 30, 2025
Keywords:
gut microbiota, gut-brain axis, butyric acid, immune system
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Abstract
A weakened immune system is most common during the fall and winter months. Typically, previous viral or bacterial infections and medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics also negatively impact the immune system. This deficiency can be further exacerbated by poor diet, stimulants, or chronic illnesses. Supplementation with carefully tested probiotics and butyric acid is a solution to restoring the proper microbiota composition and functioning of the brain-gut axis. These improve not only the immune system but also the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is impaired by dysbiosis.
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Waśko-Czopnik, D. (2025). How to support natural immunity during infectious periods? The role of the brain-gut axis in maintaining the body’s immunity. Medycyna Faktow (J EBM), 18(3(68), 439-442. https://doi.org/10.24292/01.MF.0325.16
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References
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3. Slavich GM, Irwin MR. From stress to inflammation and major depressive disorder: a social signal transduction theory of depression. Psychol Bull. 2014; 140(3): 774-815.
4. Kumar LS, Pugalenthi LS, Ahmad M et al. Probiotics in Irritable bowel syndrome: a review of their therapeutic role. Cureus. 2022; 14(4): e24240.
5. Lupu VV, Ghiciuc CM, Stefanescu G et al. Emerging role of the gut microbiome in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome: a literature review. World J Gastroenterol. 2023; 29(21): 3241-56.
6. Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G et al. Expert consensus document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014; 11(8): 506-14.
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8. Zhang M, Wang Y, Zhao X et al. Mechanistic basis and preliminary practice of butyric acid and butyrate sodium to mitigate gut inflammatory diseases: a comprehensive review. Nutr Res. 2021; 95: 1-18.
9. Seethaler B, Nguyen NK, Basrai M et al. Short-chain fatty acids are key mediators of the favorable effects of the Mediterranean diet on intestinal barrier integrity: data from the randomized controlled LIBRE trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022; 116(4): 928-42.
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