The Gut IS the Immune System
When I began incorporating fermented foods and probiotics into my diet, my frequent seasonal colds suddenly dwindled. I was getting sick once a year, rather than once a month. By supporting my gut bacteria, I was drastically improving my immune system.
It is estimated that 80-85% of the immune system lies in the gut (Campbell-McBride, 2010). How does that work? After all, isn’t that simply a part of our digestive system?
The gut houses over 500 species of bacteria, often referred to as gut flora. Although science does not (and will never) fully understand the full relationship between the bacteria housed in our bodies, it is known that these creatures play specific roles in homeostasis and growth, including nutrient absorption, mucosal barrier function, support of gut lymphoid tissue, and immune function.
Due to their vital interactions with the human body, these organisms in the digestive tract has been referred to as “an organ within an organ.” Additionally, the amount of bacteria in the gut out numbers our body cells by ten times (keep in mind that bacteria cells are much smaller than body cells). In a way, we are just a shell to house this civilization of bacteria.
Immune Benefits of Fermented Foods
So just what role does beneficial gut flora (a.k.a probiotics) play in immunity? We have only scratched the surface of this topic. But these interesting findings give a glimpse into the role of gut flora boosting our immune system:
- Lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus paracasei (found in naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt) produces the enzyme lactocepin. This enzyme destroys immune system messengers called chemokines. In a healthy gut, chemokines guide defense cells to an infection but they exacerbate an autoimmune response in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. As a result, consuming sources of lactic acid bacteria potentially reduces the autoimmune responses in the body (Technische Universitaet Muenchen, 2012).
- A strain of the probiotic Bifidobacteria secretes gama-aminobutyric acid. Macrophages, immune cells that engulf bacteria and virus-infested cells, have butyric acid receptors and–when activated by a presence of the acid–lead to a reduction in the production of inflammatory compounds (American Society for Microbiology, 2012).
- The cell walls of Bifidobacterium contain Muramil Dipeptide, a substance which activates the synthesis of lymphocytes (Campbell-McBride, 2010). Lymphocytes, immune cells that produce antibodies, are responsible for acquired immunity (Campbell et al, 2009).
- In one study, scientists examined the effect of kefir (probiotic-rich fermented milk) on the immune functions of young rats. The rats were given kefir daily for 28 days and inoculated with cholera toxin (CT) on two different days during the period. The young rats eating a daily dose of kefir exhibited significantly higher CT antibodies than the control group (Thoreux, Douglas, 2001).
What happens when there is an imbalance of gut flora?
As the examples above show, healthy gut flora is key to a fully functioning immune system. Unfortunately, in the modern world, gut flora is easily thrown out of whack.
Antibiotics destroy and mutate beneficial bacteria while fostering the overgrowth of opportunistic strains. Additional drugs and toxins, including the birth control pill, stress, formula instead of breast milk, and pollutants (and more factors) contribute to the dysbiosis. Diet plays a huge role, as the consumption of refined starches and sugar feed pathogenic flora and yeasts (Campbell-McBride, 2010).
Gut flora is our immune system. To support these good bugs, the two steps include starving the pathogenic bacteria and consuming sources of probiotic bacteria.
Opportunistic flora thrives on refined carbohydrates, such as grains and sugar. A person with a highly dysbiotic gut may need to eliminate all grains, sugar and processed foods for a couple of years in order to starve out the pathogens. This change not only removes the fuel for the bad bacteria, but it removes the polysaccharides that leak through the gut wall and cause allergic responses. Polysaccharides may be incorporated back into the diet without these results after the gut has sealed and formed a protective layer of flora.
For more information on comprehensive gut flora support, read my posts The Leaky Gut Guide and 10 Reasons to do the GAPS Diet.
If you are generally healthy, you won’t need to take such drastic steps. Remove processed foods and refined sugars and make your own treats and desserts with whole food ingredients like soaked grains, honey and maple syrup.
Besides starving the pathogenic flora, one must repopulate the gut with proper flora by consuming sources of probiotics. Often, people fall for marketing ploys and eat sugary, commercial yogurt with the assumption that it will restore flora balance. The most potent and effective sources of probiotics, however are from naturally fermented, unprocessed foods. I eat lots of homemade sauerkraut, fermented carrots and homemade goat milk yogurt for probiotics. I also take this clinical strength probiotic.
This is a great article, thanks!
Glad it is useful!
It is funny the timing of your post I believe the same thing and now that flu season is upon us I have upped my consumption of sauerkraut and plain yogurt a few weeks ago. Truly a great informative post. B
It seems like your body inherently knows what it needs to prevent the flu!
I drink a lot of elderberry juice and take Sambucol; the last time I was sick was Dec 2010.
Wow… 2 years without illness? That is awesome!
Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasures’ Make Your Own! Monday link-up.
Check back tomorrow when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! 🙂
this is really good, i just had the flu and it was awful! i even had a flu jab 3 days prior to getting the flu which sucks. Im not bothering with flu jabs anymore..same thing happened last year i had a flu jab. am eating lots of veggies, probiotic yogurts and sauerkraut. i like the elderberry juice and sambucol tip from Sandra. Will have to see if they sell those here in Germany! 🙂
I’m sorry you got the flu! I don’t really think flu shots are beneficial, either–I don’t bother with them. Hope all your femented foods keeps you healthy!
Aww thanks Lauren! 🙂
While it is true the immune system begins with the stomach and it is wise to avoid the well advertised liquid sugary probiotics, a good brand of plain acidphillus and probiotic in a capsule at a high strength is excellent and recommended by many naturopaths. It’s also easy to consume.
Yes, I agree. A lot of the probiotics on the market won’t do any good. That’s why I think fermented foods are the best source! And a good brand of acidophillus is a great supplement, too!
Re-reading comments, I have not been ill since 2008. Before that, I would get colds and at least one nasty flu/virus once a year. I visited a good naturopath who told me I had a sensitivity to sugar so I don’t eat a lot of it. I was also low on nearly all vitamins and minerals. I take vit c and vit d3 daily, also iron, vit b-100, magnesium and calcium, and a small variety of other bits and bobs. I also drink plenty of filter water. It’s amazing the difference. The dr’s could not find anything wrong other than anaemia if ever I went, but this has been very good. If ever I wake up feeling a little off colour I tap, and it goes away. I never need painkillers, tapping always works 🙂
Amen to tapping! I LOVE EFT! And vitamin C and D are awesome for boosting your immune system. It seems like you have a great routine for staying healthy!
Can anyone recommend a good brand of probiotic supplements? I don’t always have ferments on-hand and would like to add a supplement.
Thanks!
Can you put up the recipe for your homemade sauerkraut? I hate the stuff, but I want to learn to like it (for reasons mentioned by you, and by others in the comments). Thanks!
I’ve been putting Young Living (food grade) lemon and peppermint oil in my water for the past year and a half, and sip it through out the day. I have not been sick once since I started. This year with the horrible winter, everyone around me has fallen ill to something. If I even start to thing I feel it, I take some Olive Leaf extract. It’s worked.
Do you have any opinions or thoughts on using food grade essential oils directly into water for consumption? (I just tap 2 drops or so of each in my water bottle at the beginning of the day and sip)
Thanks! Your blog is amazing!!!!!!!