The Powerful Connection Between Gut Health And Immunity
It is often said that true wealth is having good health. After all, without it, how can you truly enjoy anything?
But, what does it mean to be healthy in 2024 and how do we improve our health, not just in the immediate sense, but for the long term? These are valid questions and this article aims to help you demystify fact from fiction, so you have a blueprint to improve your vitality.
There is one surprising area of your health that has long been neglected. Still, science is proving far too frequently that this hidden world is inescapably tied to your health, happiness, and longevity - your gut microbiome.
That’s right, looking after your gut health may well be the key to improving almost every other marker for optimum health and while science continues to invest in researching this fascinating world, we can speculate that the importance of our gut will continue to prove itself.
So, strap in and let’s explore the hidden world that not only lives within you but is also you.
What is the microbiome?
Your microbiome is a world of wonder that lives within your gut. It has an entire ecosystem comprising trillions of microbes and bacteria that form colonies in and along your small and large intestines, and beyond. Consider that each square inch can represent a country or large city, with different ‘breeds’, each doing their own thing.
Believe it or not, there are almost as many foreign microbes in your body as there are human cells and that raises the question of how much of you is truly human. The striking thing is that many of these microbes perform functions necessary for your body’s survival, like digestion, enzyme production, and even training your immune system.
It’s fair to say that you depend on those microbes to function normally and of course optimally. At the same time, those microscopic creatures also depend on you to stay alive, as we provide the environment and fuel to sustain them. In science, this is called a symbiotic relationship because we both need and benefit from each other.
What are the implications of gut health?
Curiously, everything we eat has an impact on our gut health, and our gut health has noticeable implications for our wider health. Think of it like the ripple effect, but where what you throw into the pond also really matters.
Using the pond as a relative example, consider that the pond has a variety of organisms like fish, plants, algae, and microorganisms that you cannot see, but are there, and they all interact in harmony to support one another’s existence.
Each type of organism plays a specific role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. For instance, fish control algae growth (by eating them), plants provide oxygen (to nourish the fish and everything else), and microorganisms help break down organic matter and waste products. Together, they keep the pond clear and healthy.
Now, let’s say you introduce a new element into the pond—like adding extra nutrients (similar to a dietary change or a supplement). In small amounts, this can be beneficial, helping the plants grow faster or providing more food for the fish. However, if too many nutrients are introduced, the algae could multiply uncontrollably, leading to algal blooms.
These blooms can deplete the oxygen levels in the water, suffocate the fish, and eventually destabilise the entire ecosystem. The same is true if you introduce unhealthy or toxic ingredients, only it will happen much quicker.
In the same way, introducing a new factor into your gut microbiome, such as an antibiotic, junk food, or a radical change in diet, can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria. If harmful bacteria or other microbes begin to overgrow—like the algae in the pond—the system can tip into a state of imbalance, known as dysbiosis. This may lead to digestive issues, weakened immunity, or even more serious health conditions like inflammatory diseases.
Restoring balance in both the pond and the gut requires carefully re-establishing harmony, either by reducing harmful elements or replenishing beneficial ones, like adding friendly gut bacteria or adjusting your diet to support a healthy microbial community.
That said, Biobalance aims to help you keep your little pond in perfect harmony, so you can enjoy a healthier you. We understand this can be difficult for busy mums with little ‘tums’ to take care of, so we have made it easier with our range of supplements that easily fit into your routine.
Nurturing your gut microbiome
Taking care of your gut health means paying close attention to what you put into it, and how much. It even means considering when to start and stop eating, but also takes into consideration other important lifestyle choices, like sleep, exercise, dietary supplementation, and even hydration.
It is time to stop thinking of wellness and health in isolation and start looking at it holistically. This means taking a ‘zoomed out’ view of your body and considering the whole as well as its parts.
This is especially true for working women who lead active family lives. The constant demands take a physical toll on your body, so supplementing is an important way to prioritise your health.
If you remember the pond analogy from earlier, your entire body is much the same. Looking after your sleep and mental health will impact your gut health, and your gut health affects your immunity, and your immunity keeps you from getting sick or healing you when you do fall ill.
The connection between gut health and immunity
Your immune system is a complex defence system that protects you against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It consists of specialised cells, tissues, and organs that work together to detect and eliminate threats, while also distinguishing between harmful and harmless substances.
It’s a bit like the old game ‘Space Invaders’, where the object of the game is to prevent ‘badies’ from crossing the barrier into your wider system. If you remember the game, the avatar was a spaceship shooting enemy invaders or asteroids. Much like any astro-pilot would, your immune system needs training and microbes play a key role in providing that training.
They do this by helping your body distinguish between harmful pathogens and harmless substances. This process begins early in life and continues throughout adulthood, helping to shape a balanced and effective immune response.
There are various ways in which gut microbes interact and train immune cells. These include:
Microbial Antigens: Gut bacteria produce molecules called antigens that are recognized by the immune system. These antigens help immune cells learn which microorganisms are harmless (such as beneficial gut bacteria) and which are harmful (like pathogens). This helps the immune system build tolerance to beneficial microbes and reactivity to harmful invaders.
Regulating T-cells: Gut microbes influence the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are critical for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune responses. Tregs help prevent the immune system from overreacting to harmless substances, reducing the risk of inflammation and autoimmune disorders.
Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): Certain gut bacteria ferment dietary fibres into SCFAs (such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate), which support the immune system by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of Tregs. SCFAs also strengthen the gut lining, preventing harmful bacteria from leaking into the bloodstream, which could otherwise trigger an immune response.
Immune Cell Activation: Gut microbes can also activate dendritic cells and macrophages, which are part of the immune system's first line of defence. These cells "present" microbial antigens to T-cells, helping the immune system decide whether to attack or tolerate the microbes.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, your body is complex and your health relies on an entire network of cells and functions working in harmony, and this is especially true for your gut health, which accounts for over 70% of your immunity health.
You have heard the dictum - “you are what you eat”, well, it seems that as far as your health is concerned, it is strikingly true.
This article underscores the importance of maintaining a positive balance within your gut microbiome to support your wider health. More than this, we have provided you with insight into the alluring world that lives within you, so you may feel encouraged to be more conscious about what you introduce into your secret world and the consequences that may follow.
Biobalance is committed to helping busy women achieve balance and holistic wellness for themselves and their families. In future articles, we will take a deep dive into the specifics of what supports your gut development, including food, supplements, and lifestyle choices.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this, and strive for harmony, the Biobalance way.
