The intestine creates a true barrier between the external environment and our body. This barrier is spread out over 23 feet and a surface roughly the size of a tennis court, that is, over 2150 square feet. The defenses of the intestine consist of three levels of guards: the intestinal microflora, the intestinal lining and the intestinal immune system. DanActive and its L. casei Immunitas™ work on these 3 levels of the intestine's natural defenses: - 1st defense level: the intestinal microflora. Our digestive tract's microflora is a complex ecosystem of "good" and "bad" bacteria; in fact there are over 400 types of bacteria found in your digestive tract. This flora forms a dense layer that acts as a barrier against colonization by harmful bacteria. The development of the digestive tract's microflora occurs in stages throughout life and it is important to keep this microflora in balance. However, things such as poor diet, stress and other environmental conditions can influence its development. - 2nd defense level: intestinal lining, a physical barrier Both a mucosal and epithelial layer of cells line the digestive tract to create a barrier effect. This barrier effect provides a protective function by physically helping to prevent the passage of unwanted elements into your body. A key factor impacting the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and epithelium is the microflora. Thus, the importance of keeping your microflora in balance.
	- 3rd defense level: the intestinal immune system About 70% of your body's immune system is found in the digestive tract. The digestive tract's immune system is often referred to as GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue) and works to protect the body from invasion. The GALT is made up of several types of lymphoid tissue that produce and store immune cells that carry out attacks and defend against harmful bacteria.