What you need to know in order to optimise your immune system and how to treat the gut.
The gut and the immune system
70-80% of the immune system is located in the gut, so it makes sense to look after the health of your gut in order to strengthen the immune system.
Taking immune boosting herbs and nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc are great strategies in improving the immune system, but they are merely secondary weapons in the fight against viruses and bacteria. The most impactful approach in boosting the immune system is improving the function and health of your gut.
The billions of bacteria that live in the gut make up what’s called the microbiome. The microbiome is an internal ecosystem that benefits us in numerous ways, including facilitating the absorption of nutrients, regulating our appetite, producing neurotransmitters as well as regulating our mood and immune system.
The ability of your gut to absorb the nutrients that you ingest from the food you eat, or the supplements that you take, is highly dependent on the health of your gut bacteria.
A poor functioning gut will have reduced ability to assimilate the nutrients you ingest leading to nutrient deficiencies, a major component in poor immunity.
The microbiome and the immune system
The microbiome is also beneficial to the immune system due to its ability to mobilise an attack on invading pathogens and prevent the infection from taking hold. A strong microbiome exists when there is a healthy ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut. The best strategy for achieving and maintaining this healthy ratio of good to bad bacteria is by feeding the good bacteria and starving the bad. The good bacteria like eating prebiotics which are found in fibrous foods such as garlic, onion, asparagus, unripe bananas and chicory root (all high FODMAP, apart from unripe bananas). Bad bacteria enjoy sugar and processed foods.
The Low FODMAP diet
Increasing the good bacteria in your gut can be a challenge on a low FODMAP diet as many of the foods high in prebiotics are also high in FODMAPs. Including a fibre supplement that has been given the FODMAP friendly tick is a great way to get the prebiotics without the bloat. FEED from The Gut Cø contains pre and probiotics that are low FODMAP and will help increase the good bacteria and lower the bad ones.
Other factors that can have a negative influence the gut microbiome are gluten, alcohol, medications especially antibiotics and stress. A way to minimise the impact that modern life has on the gut, is to include a daily prebiotic to your routine.
Pernille Jensen, Naturopath says “I personally look at prebiotics as my insurance policy, similar to taking a multivitamin; I know I don’t live the perfect life and that sometimes I am under pressure, drink a little alcohol and don’t sleep enough, but taking my daily prebiotics keeps my gut healthy and this in turn means I have a stronger immune system and my mood is more steady.”
The Gut Cø {nutraceuticals} FEED
Look for prebiotics that have been certified as FODMAP Friendly tick such as FEED and Repair by The Gut Cø.
FEED is The Gut Co’s naturopathically formulated blend of prebiotics and probiotics which act as food for your good gut bacteria.
REPAIR is a complete, naturopathically formulated super powder of ‘skin vitamins’ designed to aid in skin health and strengthen your hair and nails. It also aids in strengthening the gut lining which contains 70% of the immune system. You can buy from The Gut Co online www.thegutco.com.au, and be sure to follow them on Instagram @thegut.co and Facebook @TheGutco.
Written by: Pernille Jensen (Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist)
Reviewed by: Kiarra Martindale (Accredited Practising Dietitian)
