At Healus we talk about gut health a lot. In our clinic, gut health is the first thing that we address whether someone appears to have digestive issues or not. The reason for this is that your gut has a huge influence over other systems in your body, including your immune system, brain function, nervous system, hormone production, and even cardiovascular health. To be more specific, your gut is responsible for 80% of your immune system. This is why the health of your digestive system is so important, because the rest of your body is a reflection of it.
Understanding the Microbiome
In order to explore the relationship between your gut and your immune system, we need to understand the microbiome. The microbiome refers to the trillions of microbes that live in the gut. Of these trillions there are thousands of different species of microbes, all striving towards living together in harmony. These microbes have been with you since the day you were born! During the birth process your microbiome forms as you are exposed to different bacteria. This newly formed microbiome begins to then develop your immune system.
As you grow, your microbiome continues to influence and direct your immune function. And, the strength of your immune system depends on how balanced your microbiome is. There are multiple factors that affect the health of your microbiome including lifestyle, diet, medications, and emotions. The makeup of your microbiome will change throughout your life, and therefore so will your immune system.
An ideal microbiome is balanced. Which means there is a healthy combination of microbes that live in peace with one another. When your microbiome is healthy, your immune system will be strong. If you have any sort of health compromise, then that is your indication that something is off in your microbiome.
Boost Your Gut Health to Boost Your Immune Health
The first step to strengthening your immune system is to address your gut health. Immune boosting supplements like Vitamin C and D will only get you so far if you have a compromised microbiome. As mentioned previously, there are several factors that can throw off the balance of your microbiome. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the factors that have the biggest impact.
#1 Diet
The food you feed your body has a huge impact on your microbiome. For instance foods that are high in fiber help to make good bacteria. Where as foods that are processed or high in sugar can end up cultivating bad bacteria, which throws off the balance of the microbiome. With everything you consume you are either influencing the microbiome in a positive or negative way.
#2 Environmental Toxins
One of the more recent negative impacts on our microbiome is the increase in chemicals and heavy metals in our food, water, and body products. Non organic foods sprayed with pesticides are an obvious example. But unfortunately our soil is so polluted with chemicals and heavy metals that even organic food contains some of these elements. The average water supply in the U.S. contains alarmingly high levels of toxic dissolved solids. So much so, that you can even absorb these toxins while you are taking a shower. Body products such as lotions, deodorant, and makeup are a huge culprit that are easily overlooked as well. The chemicals found in these products can leach into your skin and get into your tissues. Not only do these environmental toxins have a negative impact on our microbiome, but they affect multiple systems in our bodies.
#3 Medications
There is no doubt that there are life changing pharmaceuticals out there. Antibiotics for example, have saved us from dying from minor infections. But the reality is that every medication that has a positive effect, usually has a negative one as well. Overuse of antibiotics can wipe out the good bacteria in the microbiome. Birth control feeds fungus like candida, which can have a very negative impact on your gut health. While necessary at times, medication comes at a price. Unfortunately, many of us have been overprescribed throughout our life, which completely alters the normal makeup of our microbiome.
#4 Lifestyle and Stress
By far the biggest impact on our gut is our thoughts and feelings. We all know that stress isn’t good for your health for a number of reasons, but the gut in particular has a very interesting relationship with our emotions. Because of the gut-brain connection, our emotional state can directly influence our microbiome. In my clinic I’ve seen patients that eat perfectly, take all the right supplements, but still have IBS flare ups whenever they are anxious and worried. Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression will do some damage. Learning how to manage stress and elevate our emotions can result in a positive impact on our microbiome.
Taking the First Step
When you become aware of all the different factors that affect your microbiome, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Healing your gut and strengthening your immune system does take time. There is no quick and easy solution, but it is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. In my clinic the first step we take with the majority of my patients is a 2-week gut cleanse. This detox is designed to jump start your digestive health by encouraging a gut healthy diet, and cleansing out excess toxins and waste. Studies have shown that in just 3-4 days of eating different food, your microbiome begins to change. Combine a healthy diet with eliminating toxic waste, and in just two weeks, with the help of this detox, you can dramatically change your microbiome for the better and give your immune system a much needed boost.
To learn more about how a 2-week digestive cleanse can jumpstart your gut and immune health, click here.