Immune System Re-Boot
The relationship between the gut and our immune system is something that is becoming more prevalent and more of a focus than ever before. Our gut and our immune system work together to produce nutrients, to create new healthy tissue and help protect the body from disease. Supporting this balance is key to supporting your overall health. Healthy lifestyle choices are essential to support this body balancing act.
Research continually tells us that eating a diet high in processed foods, sugars and too much alcohol can lead to inflammation. The immune system is designed to create healthy new tissue and eliminate toxins, but if the system is overloaded by unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits it struggles to do its job.
Nutrition is key when supporting your immune system.
Did you know, 70% of our immune system is located in the gut and GI tract!
Our lifestyle and our food choices influence not only how we feel, how much energy we have, but also our diet has a major impact on our immune system. When your food choices align with your digestive system, your system will be supported. A major factor is knowing if you have any food sensitivities. Food sensitivities or intolerances occur when the body cannot properly digest or break down certain foods, causing a digestive system response. Sometimes, our healthy choices don’t provide the results we want because if your body doesn’t digest that food properly you may not be able to extract or assimilate the nutrients from that food. We always recommend getting a food sensitivity test or a gutChek so your healthy food choices have maximum value. If the food you enjoy isn't enjoying you, it can lead to an irritated digestive system. This is why maintaining a balanced diet, knowing your intolerances to align with your digestive system is so important. Our food choices affect the diversity and the bacteria in our gut, which then affects our immune system. Foods that support a healthy gut are typically high in fibre, fresh fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables, healthy fats, wild caught fish and protein, all of these support digestion, decrease the risk of inflammation and support the gut microbiome. If you can increase the amount of diversity in your diet, by eating a variety of colours this also helps support your gut and ultimately your immune system. Adding herbs and spices are a great way to add phytochemicals that also support gut biome diversity.
We know that gut health plays an important role in your overall health and towards boosting your immune system. Gut health, your diet, knowing your intolerances and appropriate supplementation remains one of the most powerful ways to influence your overall health and wellbeing!