Gut and Immune System: All About The Microbiome Connection

It’s well known that your gut has a strong connection with your skin, weight, and even emotions. But did you know that your immune system is strongly linked to your digestive system as well?

Today, we will analyze their relationship as well as ways to support your defense mechanisms from your inside.

The Gut and Immune System Connection

According to recent studies, it doesn’t matter how many vitamin c you are taking, if your gut is unhealthy, your immune system will be compromised too.

The reason behind this is tracked back to your gut microbiome and its strong connection with your defenses, and therefore with your body´s ability to defend itself from bacteria and viruses.

What is the Microbiome? 

Your microbiome is the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living within your digestive tract. They not only break down food into nutrients but also send warning signals to your body’s immune system when they sense potential dangers like viruses and infections.

What Happens if your Microbiome is Compromised? 

If your microbiome is not at its optimal point your whole health will be in danger. Since your microbiome also controls your immune system, a poorly balanced gut bacteria will translate to a higher proposition to become sick.

How Can I Identify If my Gut Microbiome is Unbalanced?

An unhealthy gut microbiome will show up in many forms that go far beyond inflammation or diarrhea. The following symptoms can indicate that your microbiome is unhealthy:

• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, or bloating.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Poor immune system.
• Headaches, brain fog, memory loss.
• Sleep issues.
• Excessive fatigue.
• Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema, or rosacea.
• Cravings for sugar or carbs.
• Arthritis or joint pain.
• Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD.
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease or Crohn’s

*If you notice at least 2 of these signs, we highly encourage you to call your doctor.

How Can I  Improve My Microbiome? 

To support your immune system, and your overall health, we highly encourage you to take good care of your gut.

The following tips will help you improve your gut functioning while balancing your microbiome:

• Eat a diverse diet: Include greens, legumes, fiber, etc.
• Eat fermented foods: Kimchi, kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt are great choices.
• Limit your artificial sweetener intake.
• Eat pre-biotics: Prebiotics are types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Artichokes, bananas, asparagus, and oats are great sources.
• Consume Polyphenols: Polyphenols are plant compounds found in red wine, green tea, dark chocolate, olive oil, and whole grains. They are broken down by the microbiome to stimulate healthy bacterial growth.

Remember, when it comes to supporting your immune system, and your overall health, taking care of your body from the inside out is a must.

What is your favorite way to support your microbiome? Share it in the comment section!

At Rehealth, we believe that having informed patients is the only way to deliver optimal healthcare. Visit our website to find out more interesting content and be a part of an amazing health integrated community!