Gut Health and Immunity: The Role of Nutrition in Feeling Your Best

If you’re concerned about catching illnesses like the flu or the latest COVID-19 strain, a positive first step is to find ways to boost your immunity. But did you know that the functioning of your immune system depends largely on what happens in your gut?

About 70% of your immune system is housed in your digestive tract. The healthy bacteria living in your gut are essential to the proper functioning of your immune responses. Understanding the importance of gut health can help you make positive nutritional choices that support your ability to resist illness and infection.

The Gut Microbiome

While there are harmful micro-organisms you need to keep out of your gut, it’s essential to promote the growth of healthy bacteria. These minuscule organisms keep your body balanced and “communicate” with your immune cells to reduce inflammation and susceptibility to infection.

These healthy, communicative bacteria make up your gut microbiome, which exists in the pocket of your large intestine or cecum. The gut microbiome contains up to 500 bacterial species. It’s a system that drives how your healthy bacteria communicate with your immune cells. If you find yourself more susceptible to colds and other illnesses lately, it may be wise to consider the health of your gut microbiome.

How to Support Your Gut and Boost Your Immune System

What we eat has a direct impact on our gut health. The good news is that you have significant control over the composition of your gut microbiome and, in turn, your immune responses. Being smart about nutrition is an excellent first step, and seeking guidance from a holistic nutrition counselor nearby can give you a dietary edge.

Foods vary significantly in their nutritional value and capacity to propagate healthy micro-organisms in the gut. You want food that fortifies intestinal cells and prevents conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Incorporate these gut-friendly foods:

• Probiotic foods like yogurt-best not from cow’s milk
• Colorful fruits and vegetables
• Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, legumes, non-starchy vegetables
• Healthy fats like olive, avocado, and grape seed oil
• Wild caught Salmon and other fish containing omega-3 fatty acids
• Protein mostly from plant sources
• Natural spices and herbs
• Foods with prebiotics, such as sauerkraut, garlic, onions, leeks, artichokes, and asparagus
• Fermented Soy-based products like miso and tempeh
• Fermented cheese, like cheddar and gouda

The most effective and important prebiotics are undigestible plant fibers, the parts that get separated when you put vegetables through a juicer.

Nourish Your Gut and Boost Your Immunity Naturally

When it comes to staying healthy, virtually all roads lead back to nutrition. Building a healthy diet that positively fuels your gut microbiome is essential but perhaps not easy for everyone. That’s why Blatman Health and Wellness Center provides nutritional guidance that supports whole-body health. If you have questions about boosting your gut health and immunity, our qualified providers can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or obtain more information.