Immune System Boosters For Health And Longevity
Today’s Topic Highlights:
The organs and digestive tract are unsung heroes in our daily life. It is extremely important to take extra steps in healing and strengthening this area of health.
Many diseases can be linked to an acidic blood pH or unhealthy digestive environment.
The beneficial bacteria in our digestive system are the body’s internal defense against foreign pathogens. More than 70% of our immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract, or “gut”.
Our GI tract also houses the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is a branch of the nervous system that links the brain and gastrointestinal tract via the vagus nerve. This is known as the “gut-brain connection”.
The key to ensuring a healthy gut lies in regularly feeding it probiotics. Bone broth, kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables like kimchi are all excellent sources of probiotics.
Between the pesticides in our foods, overuse of antibiotics, and chemicals in processed foods, our internal organs are under attack more than ever before. The organs and digestive tract are unsung heroes in our daily life. It is extremely important to take extra steps in healing and strengthening this area of health.
Your digestive tract is lined with trillions of live microorganisms. Some are beneficial, while others are harmful. These microorganisms collectively make up the microbiome of our gut, in the same way that humans collectively make up a society. The balance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria directly affects the immune system and overall health of our bodies. Many diseases can be linked to an acidic blood pH or unhealthy digestive environment.
The beneficial bacteria in our digestive system are the body’s internal defense against foreign pathogens. They are in a constant “good guy/bad guy” battle with harmful microbes. These harmful microbes seek to multiply in number and sicken the body by attacking various organs. In an ideal situation, the “bad guys” basically provide a reasonable amount of batting practice for the “good guys” to fight off, thus helping to maintain a healthy gut and strong immune system.
Gut health cannot be overemphasized. More than 70% of our immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract, or “gut”. Our GI tract also houses the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is a branch of the nervous system that links the brain and gastrointestinal tract via the vagus nerve. This is known as the “gut-brain connection”. Ever notice how constipation, bloating, irritable bowel, or even just an unhealthy meal can negatively affect your mood? This is why. The way we think and perceive is heavily influenced by the health of our gut.
For all the aforementioned reasons, it is also important to understand the link between antibiotics and gut health. Antibiotics essentially nuke the entire gut microbiome. This kills much of the beneficial bacteria. The harmful microbes obviously get killed too, but their absence is only temporary. New harmful microbes repopulate the destroyed landscape in short order. Antibiotics, although sometimes necessary, should only be used in situations where no other option is available. Always repopulate the gut with probiotic rich foods and quality vetted probiotic supplements after taking a round of antibiotics.
Below is a list of excellent probiotic sources, as well as the additional health benefits that accompany their gut healing properties. The more of them you incorporate them into your daily lifestyle, the better.