MicroMiracles by Ellen Cutler

Author:Ellen Cutler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rodale
Published: 2005-01-10T16:00:00+00:00

GUT HEALTH AFFECTS IMMUNE HEALTH

As you might imagine, the integrity of the intestinal lining and the coating of mucus that protects it is a major factor in determining whether food particles get into the bloodstream in the first place. In fact, the mucus serves as an important communication center for the immune system. When harmful substances, such as bacteria, parasites, allergens, and toxins, find their way into the gut, the mucus alerts the immune system to send in forces to defend the rest of the body against damage.

If the coating sustains damage or scarring, the intestinal lining becomes too permeable to prevent food particles from passing through. This sets in motion the chain of events that activates the immune system and prompts production of CICs.

Perhaps the most important strategy for maintaining a structurally sound gut is to support proper digestion. As long as food is thoroughly broken down, fewer food particles travel through the intestinal lining and stimulate what’s known as the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. If food particles never reach this tissue, they can’t penetrate and damage it, worsening an already leaky gut. Nor can they venture into the bloodstream and trigger an immune response.

Another protective measure is to increase production of secretory immunoglobulin A, or IgA. This antibody binds with food particles in the gut, keeping them from adhering to and passing through the mucous coating. If IgA runs low—which can happen when the intestinal wall is damaged—food particles are more likely to lodge in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. You can step up IgA production by taking a probiotic supplement,4 which is one reason that Dr. Ellen includes probiotics in her basic plan. (For a refresher on the basic plan, see here.)

Some experts believe that we humans would live longer if we took steps to improve our digestion and intestinal microflora. Several hundred species of bacteria—some 2½ to 3 pounds of living microorganisms—reside principally in the large intestine and to a lesser extent in the small intestine. Collectively, they far outnumber the cells in the rest of the body. They can have a tremendous impact on our health, for better or for worse.

This is why maintaining balanced intestinal microflora is so important: Any imbalance (a condition known as dysbiosis) can have a systemic effect on the body and cause all manner of illnesses. By the same token, a healthy gut supports a healthy body—one that is less vulnerable to serious ailments such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

Taking probiotics is a fundamental strategy for maintaining an optimal intestinal environment. They work with the bacterial species in the gut to create less hospitable conditions for harmful microorganisms and substances. The benefit is twofold: First, the intestinal wall and its coating are less vulnerable to damage; and second, the immune system is less likely to switch on and intervene.

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