Most of us are concerned about how robust our immune system is currently…….
But you might not be aware that…
80% of your immune system is located in your gut- GALT gut associated lymphoid tissue.
Maintaining a healthy immune system goes hand-in-hand with having good gut health.
But how do you know if your gut is healthy?
It’s confusing because many people suffering from “leaky gut” (medical name is increased intestinal permeability) or another gut-related disorder do NOT have digestive symptoms. You may not even know that your gut is struggling until it manifests in illness or disease (remember the wisdom of Hippocrates: “All disease begins in the gut.”)
There are three important steps needed for optimal gut health.
- A gut-healthy diet
- Barrier function
- A healthy ratio of bacteria
A Gut-Healthy Diet A Gut-Healthy Diet.
The top 3 foods that contribute to ‘leaky gut’ are grains, dairy, and refined sugar. Moreover, the foods we are most intolerant to are often the ones we consume frequently, which may or may not cause any digestive symptoms! An elimination diet is the gold standard for identifying hidden food allergies. By strictly removing the above-mentioned foods for at least 30 days, it can help determine whether or not your body actually tolerates them.
Barrier Function
The primary function of the small intestine is to act as a selective barrier by allowing some particles into the body (like nutrients and water) while keeping others out (like bad bacteria). When the gut becomes “leaky” it compromises the gut’s barrier function ability.
A leaky gut is basically what it sounds like: your intestines develop tiny holes that allow for undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins to slowly leak through the gut wall and into the body.
This constant influx of toxins into the body triggers the underlying immune system (which again, is mostly located in the gut). An immune system that is always being triggered ‘on’ can lead to autoimmunity and other immune system disorders.
Healthy Ratio of Bacteria
Among other things, the good bacteria in our gut help to protect us against pathogens and regulate our immune system responses. Ideally our gut contains roughly 80% “good” probiotic bacteria and 20% “bad” pathogenic bacteria…this is what a healthy gut looks like. Unfortunately, this ratio is reversed in most people, who don’t have nearly enough probiotics and too many disease-causing bacteria inhabiting their microbiome.
If you’re wanting to support your gut health/immune system the best way we can do that is by booking an appointment with me (Katherine), Nicki or Chloe by either calling us 43432844 or through our online booking system on our website https://acornoak.com.au/booking/
