Boosting Your Immune System Through Gut Health

I’m going to jump right in – I’ve been getting a lot of questions from you guys about some of my favorite Immune Boosting strategies and with everything going on right now with COVID-19 – there’s no better time to focus on our immune system.

So what makes gut health so important, may you ask?

Our immune system and gut microbiome work together as a team – when there’s an imbalance in the gut, it allows for illnesses such as autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases like Celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis to flourish. Let’s not forget that the neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and memory, is primarily in the gut.

The human body holds over 100 trillion microorganisms, which, by the way, outnumbers the amount of cells we have in the body. Trillions of bacteria roaming our body both internally and externally may sound gross, but it’s actually very necessary for a healthy immune system. These bacteria live on top of our skin, in our mouth (yum) and not surprisingly, in our gut. So basically the human body is just a big glob of bacteria, in need of the perfect balance of good and bad microbes. Does that make sense?

Our gut BFFs, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, are a part of the good bacteria team and their job is to fight off unwanted pathogenic bacteria. Unfortunately, a lot of lifestyle factors affect the balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut, like overusing antibiotics. Then we mix this with the intense daily stressors we experience every day (financial stress, a shitty boss, relationship drama), and a diet full of sugar and too many carbs – you’re basically inviting the bad bacteria to take over your body.

Gut Health Tips For Your Immune System

Eat Fermented Foods and Take a Probiotic

Greek yogurt

Kombucha

Kimchi

Kefir

Sauerkraut

Tempeh

Miso

Fermented Veggies

This is my absolute favorite probiotic brand – been taking it for years, GI-approved, works instantly.

Eat Your Prebiotics

Onion

Honey

Bananas

Garlic

Jerusalem Artichoke

Asparagus

Lifestyle Factors

Avoid sugar and sweeteners

Reduce stress

Get plenty of rest

Exercise

Eat your veggies