How Does Gut & Immunity Shield You?

Immunity is a remarkable defense mechanism that guards your body against a multitude of harmful invaders. Interestingly, it begins its crucial work in your gut, highlighting the intricate relationship between your digestive system, your gut, and your immune system. What we eat scientifically affects the diversity and composition of bacteria in the gut, which, in turn affect immune cells. In fact, approximately 70% of your immune cells are located in your gut. David Heber at UCLA Health continues to state that “Nutrition is a key modulator of immune function.”

So, there is indeed a relationship between the gut microbiota and immunity. Did you know that your gut microbiota is unique to everyone.  It plays a key role by introducing antimicrobial peptides to fight against pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides are essential components of innate immunity that control pathogen growth within the intestine. 

Immune System has Two Parts

Innate Immunity

Innate immunity forms the initial defense, serving as the frontline against invaders. It includes physical barriers such as your skin and mucous membranes, which act as the first line of defense against pathogens. Within your gut, mucus and beneficial bacteria help create a protective barrier that shields you from harmful microorganisms.

Adaptive Immunity

Adaptive immunity, the second facet of your immune system, furthers highlights the gut-immunity connection. The gut microbiota influences adaptive immunity. For instance, ”the intestinal microbiota modulate the intestinal mucosal adaptive immunity and interactions between immune cells.”

Within your digestive tract, specialized immune cells known as Peyer’s patches help your immune system learn and remember specific pathogens. These patches contain immune cells that continuously scan the gut’s contents for potential threats. They keep “pathogens at bay, therebypreventing a large number of infections.” When they encounter a pathogen, they initiate the production of antibodies tailored to combat that specific invader.

Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Gut

Maintaining a healthy gut is pivotal for overall immune health. The gut microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract provides essential health benefits, particularly by regulating immune homeostasis.

Proper Nutrition

Proper nutrition and hydration play a crucial role in supporting both gut and immune functions. A diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which contribute to a well-functioning immune system. Additionally, adequate hydration ensures that the mucous membranes lining your gut remain effective barriers against pathogens.

Exercise

I always knew that exercise and a well-balanced lifestyle contributes to gut and immune health. According to National Library of Medicine, exercise can promote the diversity of gut microbiota that, in turn, supports immune function. Reducing stress is also important for your immunity.  Adequate sleep prevents the weakening of the gut-immunity axis.

Stopping Unhealthy Habits

Unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can negatively affect the gut-immunity connection.  Smoking is a major risk factor for intestinal disorders, as it affects the pH level in the intestines and creates inflammation that disrupts the balance of gut bacteria, impairing immune responses. Excessive alcohol consumption can harm the lining of your digestive tract and weaken immune defenses.

Care for Your Gut

As mentioned earlier, the unique gut microbiota starts at birth based on what the mother provides to the fetus and baby later on.  It continues to change throughout a person’s life, influence by factors of age and overall health.

However, cleaning your diet, eating foods good for your gut, regular exercise, sufficient rest, and stress management, is a powerful way to promote and maintain a robust immune system. Your immune system is your body’s guardian, and understanding its connection to your gut underscores the significance of caring for both to ensure lasting health and vitality.

Some Solutions:

For the Immunity & Gut

i26 Hyperimmune Egg Powder

i26 Hyperimmune Egg Chewables

Ultimate Microbiome

Root Beer Belly

Pre+Probiotics

For Immunity

Beyond Immune Fx

Seasonal Immune Pak

These products are a great immunity support products that work with the Peyer’s Patches.

RYL-Beta500

RVB-300

For a Restful Sleep

As you read, getting enough sleep is crucial for a healthy gut and immunity. It’s actually crucial for your overall body health to function efficiently including for children who are growing. Night time is when your body repairs itself. Lack of sleep can slow down your body and create stress.

Beyond Sleep Gummies

For more ideas how to sleep better check out my blog posts: “Summer Sleeping Woes?” and “Trouble Sleeping?“

For Relieving Stress

Stress is telling your body to make a change. It could be the way you handle your life, your stuck, mental issue and lack of sleep. You need a healthy functionally body to have good health. I have some great blog posts about relieving stress. There are “Don’t Let Stress & Anxiety Take a Toll on Your Body” “Why is Inner Peace so Important” and “Declutter Your Mind for Total Well-Being.” Some have products and some don’t. Check them out.

Important to Contact Me for Guidance

The human body is complicated. When It comes with immunity and your gut microbiota, everyone has a unique microbiota with different symptoms. So contact me so I can guide you with what may help you. Simply set up a complimentary consultation or email me.