Guide by Lauren Jane on Achieving a Healthy Digestive System and Robust Immune Response
In the concluding segment of our interview with naturopath Lauren Jane, we delve into the intricate connection between gut health and immunity. Lauren, known for her balanced approach, enlightens us on why maintaining a healthy gut is paramount for a strong immune system.
She elucidates that the gut's immune system—a veritable army of immune cells—engages in a continuous dialogue with the gut's microbiome, the trillions of microorganisms residing there. These gut residents primarily educate our immune cells to recognize and combat harmful foreign invaders.
As signs of an unhealthy gut, she cites digestive issues such as bloating, gas, urgency, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and nausea, which may point to an imbalance in the gut ecosystem. This imbalance, usually triggered by inflammation and overgrowth of harmful bacteria, weakens the immune system's response to invaders like the flu virus.
To improve gut health and consequently fortify the immune system, Lauren suggests limiting refined grains and sugars, embracing dietary diversity, and harnessing the power of probiotics and prebiotics. With a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds in the diet, we can nourish a diverse range of beneficial microorganisms and produce precious post-biotics that protect the gut.
Beyond diet, lifestyle factors play a significant role in gut and immune health. Regular physical activity promotes healthy digestion by stimulating peristalsis, aiding daily bowel movements, and enabling the eradication of unwanted bacteria and toxins. In contrast, factors such as alcohol, chronic stress, mood disorders, and anxiety can disrupt gut health and immunity.
For those seeking to safeguard their immunity by focusing on gut health, Lauren proposes simple, practical steps. These include daily stress-relieving activities, stomach massages before bed, maintaining a colorful, fiber-rich diet, and consuming pre- and probiotics. By employing these lifestyle adjustments, one can foster a thriving, balanced gut microbiome, enhancing the immune system's overall resilience and responsiveness.
In the realm of science, maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is essential for both health-and-wellness and mental-health, as it strengthens the immune system's reaction against harmful invaders like the flu virus. To achieve this, individuals should pay attention to nutrition, particularly by limiting refined grains and sugars, promoting dietary diversity, and incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into their diet. Additionally, fitness-and-exercise plays a significant role in gut health, as regular physical activity aids in healthy digestion, stimulating peristalsis and enhancing the removal of unwanted bacteria and toxins from the gut.
