Immunity & Gut Health

You might have wondered before why there could be two people exposed to the same bugs (bacterial and/or viral) and one gets sick and the other is seemingly fine…the answer lies in the health of the two people’s immune systems and their ability to combat the bugs!

Did you know that 80% of your immune system is in your gut?
It’s all about your gut’s microbiome and a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria within it. If the bacterial balance is out then your immune system is weakened, so it is important to make some effort to gain and maintain a healthy microbiome (see tips below!)

What dampens your immune system?

There are several factors, which include:

• Sugar (especially refined) has been shown to suppress immune function for 5 hours after consumption. The longterm affects to consider too are that the ‘bad bacteria’ and yeast in your gut will thrive on a high-sugar diet and have an affect on the ‘good bacteria’.
• Toxic overload – Alcohol, smoking, medication overuse (eg. anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, steroids)
• Unhealthy diet – In addition to avoiding sugar, we also need to avoid over-processed food in order to obtain enough of the right nutrients to aid with digestive function and promote a healthy gut.
• Stress – Chronic stress has been shown to affect normal bacteria in the gut and contribute to a leaky gut.
• Infections and gut imbalances such as parasites, yeast overgrowth and Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO).
• Sedentary lifestyle or a lack of exercise.
• For the new/newish parents – the health of our immune system is also dependant on prior exposure to ‘bugs’, so trying to keep a sterile home for your babies may not be benefiting them in the long run.

What strengthens your immune system?

As you now know, by improving your gut health you will be benefiting your immune system…here’s a start:

• Regularly take a quality probiotic supplement to replenish and maintain the ‘good bacteria’ within your gut
• Include fermented foods in your diet – think yoghurt, kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet with fresh whole foods and limit sugar and processed foods
• In addition to looking after your gut, the old faithfuls to promote healthy immune function include:
• Vitamins C, D and zinc
• Sufficient and routine sleep habits
• Exercise
• Reduce stress
• For the parents – It’s normal for babies to put almost everything in their mouths as it exposes their immune system to bugs at an early age so that they’re able to more efficiently combat them later on
• Get adjusted! Your immune system and nervous system are one and the same, so improving your nerve system with chiropractic care will help your immune system too.