The link between digestive health & immunity

The link between digestive health & immunity

The gut is an integral part of the immune system, containing as many as 80% of the body’s immune cells[1] and acting as the immune system “command centre”, while still serving as a digestive organ.

Scientists are increasingly realising our gut is the point at which our bacteria and immune system meet. The human intestinal tract is home to approximately 300 to 500 bacterial species, comprising nearly 2 million genes, commonly referred to as the microbiome[2]. In fact, the number of bacteria within the gut is approximately 10 times that of all cells in the human body.

Immune cells and gut bacteria were once believed to be mutual enemies, with many trusting the purpose of the concentrated nature of the immune system within the gut was to fight gut bacteria. However, as research has progressed, it is now understood that gut bacteria play an important role in maintaining the balance of whole-body systems, including the immune system.

The immune system works to defend the body from pretty much any pathogen that can harm it. This process involves recognising the pathogen, neutralising the harmful substance, and in the process create memory cells to help recognise and fight the pathogen if it ever reappears.

While our microbiome is as individual as each of us, keeping intestinal flora in balance is one line of defence in keeping our immune systems strong to help fight unwanted pathogens in the body. Probiotics, like those contained in Herbs of Gold Probiotic + SB, have been shown to help restore beneficial gut flora while providing the added benefits of supporting healthy digestive system function and immune system health.

Supporting the health of both the digestive system and immune system can also be done with a variety of key nutrients, such as L-glutamine and zinc. Zinc is an essential trace element and one of the most important, but commonly overlooked, nutrients for immune health. Contained in a therapeutic dose in Herbs of Gold Ultra Zinc+, this multi complex formula also includes vitamin A, vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Herbs of Gold Gut Care features L-glutamine, supporting digestive system health and healthy digestive system function. L-glutamine is recognised as one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and is beneficial for both intestinal and immune system health.

[1] Wiertsema, S. P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J., & Knippels, L. (2021). The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system […..] throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimising treatment strategies. Nutrients13(3), 886.

[2] Quigley E. M. (2013). Gut bacteria in health […]. Gastroenterology & Hepatology9(9), 560–569.

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