# Benefits of Probiotics--Biodetoxification
## 3. Probiotics--Detoxification in the Human Body
### Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota and Immunomodulation  
Probiotics help maintain the balance of intestinal microbiota, which supports digestive processes and improves the intestinal barrier. Good intestinal health promotes the effective removal of toxins by preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. Probiotics are effective in treating a wide range of illnesses, including intestinal-related conditions, in many ways, including lowering intestinal pH, metabolite production, pathogen colonization and multiplication, increasing the host immune response, and binding toxins [117; 118; 119]. The primary way that probiotics affect human health is through their capacity to protect and maintain the gut epithelium's healthy function by (i) directly influencing the epithelium--goblet cells express and secrete mucin, and epithelial cells secrete more \(\beta\)-defensin; (ii) boosting mucosal immunity--increasing cells that produce IgA; and (iii) lowering the number of pathogens and/or their gene expression [97; 120; 121; 122]. Probiotics can stimulate the immune system, which improves the body's overall ability to defend against toxins and pathogens. Good functioning of the immune system accelerates regeneration processes and helps in the elimination of unwanted substances. Lymphoid tissue associated with the intestines (gut-associated lymphoid tissue, GALT) is an element of the immune system. It forms part of the larger immune system of lymphoid tissue associated with the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, MALT). Mucous membranes of the digestive system are a barrier that protects the body against infections and the development of systemic inflammation. Within GALT, there are 70-75% of the entire immune system's lymphatic cells. Thanks to this, the intestines are called the main pillar of the immune system. In addition, GALT is responsible for the recognition, capture, and control of harmful pathogens taken with food. Its activation takes place at the time of birth. The gut microbiota is closely related to the activation and modulation of the immune response throughout human life [123; 124; 125]. The primary colonization of the newborn during childbirth and the simultaneous contact of the first intestinal bacteria with GALT are the main factors affecting the development of immune tolerance. The intestinal microbiota affects both the cytokine balance (the balance of Th1/Th2/Th17) and the modulation of nonspecific immunity. Intestinal bacteria modulate cytokine balance by affecting regulatory T cells (Tregs). Inactivated Tregs do not secrete cytokines. It is only after activation that they begin to produce the transforming growth factor beta-TGF and II-10, and thus inhibit the proliferation of effector cells (b-sophils, eosinophils, and mast cells) and their secretion of proinflammatory cytokines [126]. The microbiota, by inducing TGF and IL-10 secretion, affects the differentiation of T helper lymphocytes (Th): Th1, Th2, Th17. Th1 lymphocytes are involved in the cellular immune response. In the case of increased stimulation of Th1 lymphocytes, we are dealing with inflammatory diseases. Th2 lymphocytes are involved in the humoral type of response. In the case of an excessive response of Th2 lymphocytes, an increased number of allergic reactions is observed. Th17 lymphocytes, in turn, play a role in antibacterial and antifungal defense, and may also be important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The role of the pro-health microbiota, including probiotics, is to ensure that the cytokine balance of Th1/Th2/Th17, and thus the immune tolerance, is maintained. A lack of bacterial stimulation has been shown to reduce the production capacity of IL-10 and TGF by Treg lymphocytes [127]. It should be emphasized that the intestinal microbiota also increases innate immunity, including the synthesis of secretory IgA (slgA) or defensins (natural antibacterial proteins).