Immune Function and your Gut Health
Our gut microbiota is the system of microorganisms in one’s gastrointestinal tract
Have you ever wondered why some people have a more difficult time than others recovering from common illnesses? It is well documented that 70-80% of immune cells reside in the gut and therefore, maintaining balance within the gut microbiota should be our first step towards proper immune function.
Gut imbalance (dysbiosis) can increase susceptibility to illness, atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma as well as many other inflammatory & autoimmune conditions. There are several factors that contribute to microbiome dysbiosis. This article will shed light on the importance of gut health and naturopathic methods that can support optimal immune function.
What Causes Gut Dysbiosis
Gut Dysbiosis is an imbalance of bacteria and microbes in the body. The human body contains nearly one hundred trillion bacteria and microbes. Most of these bacteria are commensal, meaning they are beneficial and support regular digestion, metabolism, and healthy immune systems - protecting us from harmful infections and pathogens.
Dysbiosis happens when there is an imbalanced amount of friendly bacteria and harmful strains or species of bacteria. It is often due to one or a few of the following factors:
● Antibiotics and antibacterial medications
● Poor diet habits - such as increased consumption of sugars, refined starch, processed foods, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients
● Emotional imbalances, stress, anxiety, or depression
● Poor dental hygiene
● Excessive alcohol consumption - to name a few.
This is when the body becomes a feeding ground for the growth and reproduction of harmful microbes. An unhealthy bodily environment attracts illness. This may explain why some people have a harder time recovering from the exact same cold or flu virus.
How to tell if you have a gut imbalance
Symptoms of dysbiosis in the body can be mild/short-lived - to more serious chronic conditions. A few common symptoms are:
● Chronic fatigue
● Acid reflux or heartburn
● Food intolerances
● Digestive problems like gas & bloating
● Acne, skin irritations/ rashes
● Inflammation, stiff or aching joints
● Anxiety or depression
● ADHD or other behavioral issues
If someone has had any of these symptoms or conditions, they may suffer from gut dysbiosis- which in some cases may be the root cause of a weakened immune system.
Supporting a healthy microbiome & immune system
Naturopathic medicine focuses on identifying and removing the obstacles to health and provides a road map to supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Once the bodily environment is beginning to show signs of homeostasis, stimulation of the body’s natural healing processes begins. In order to build a healthy gut microbiome and a well-functioning immune system, diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and supplementation (if needed) are areas that naturopathic medicine addresses.
At Nova Naturopathic Integrative Clinic, doctors believe that everyone has an inherent healing process. It is the doctor’s role to support, facilitate and augment this process in partnership with the patient. There is a range of modalities and therapies available to assist in the process of supporting gut health and a well-functioning immune system, including:
● Nutritional Counseling
● Functional Lab Tests
● Supplements
● IV Nutrient Therapy
● Lifestyle counseling, and much more!
To learn more about gut health & supporting the immune system, book an appointment online with a Naturopath today, or call us at (587) 391-5753.
References:
● The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001875/
● Dysbiosis of the gut and lung microbiome has a role in asthma https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00281-019-00775-y