January begins a new and exciting year, but it’s also the peak of flu season. With all the different flu strains and COVID variants, now is the perfect time to strengthen the immune system by going to the source, the gut.
Why the gut? Well, the digestive tract is where you find the gut flora, where microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses interact. Some are good, and others are not. Approximately 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. When the gut is well balanced, many diverse colonies of microorganisms live in harmony, each with unique roles and responsible for fighting foreign invaders entering the body. But sometimes, environmental factors, diet, stress, and travel can cause an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
Research shows when this happens, the unbalanced gut may weaken the immune system and result in various inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory diseases are not immediately detectable, but a weak immune system makes you more susceptible to catching colds and harmful viruses. A weak immune system also extends the recovery time it takes the body to eliminate these deadly viruses and bacteria.
Most people rely on vaccines and boosters for protection against these diseases. That’s a personal choice, but maintaining a robust immune system by eating empowering foods that help maintain a well-balanced gut flora benefits the entire body. While there’s much more to the connections between the gut and the immune system, research supports that food empowers the body. Making some lifestyle changes and adding the following foods to your diet will help support a healthier and more robust immune system.
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- Avoid packaged processed foods. The chemicals used in processed foods are linked to microbiota imbalances.
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- Stay away from artificial sweeteners and limit refined sugars. These hurt the gut.
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- Research shows a diet high in fruits and vegetables contains plenty of fiber and is also full of phytochemicals linked to gut health.
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- Choose foods with the plant compound polyphenols that have many functions in the gut, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, spices, dark chocolate, and red wine.
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- Eat more plant-based meals. Plant-based foods promote a more diverse gut.
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- Finally, hydrate, get plenty of exercise, and don’t forget to use your hand sanitizer when necessary.
No doubt, the connections between the gut and immune system are powerful.
The proper lifestyle and food choices can determine whether they work for or against us.