Flu Immunity

Some of the most common questions we get pertain to immunity and boosting the immune system. This is especially true now that cold and flu season are approaching. In the spirit of education, we’re going to discuss the facets of immunity and pass along some of our most recent research…

Approximately 70% of your body’s immune cells are found in your gut, a fact that’s got everyone talking about immunity and its relationship to the digestive system. We’re going to skip the technical jargon and break the immune system down into its 3 main types – innate, acquired, and passive immunity -- to help make the connection between healthy digestion and your immunity.

Innate immunity – you’re born with it, and it’s specific to you as a human. This is your body’s immediate response to foreign substances. The skin, intestinal lining, and the tiny hairs in your respiratory system all play a part in this defensive process.

Your digestive system is a key player in supporting innate immunity. Many foreign substances that enter your body through the digestive tract are targeted and eliminated. Sound like a scene from an action movie? That’s about right – your digestive system is a happening spot! Not only does it break down nutrients so they can be absorbed and used throughout your body, it works overtime to keep your immune system healthy.

The intestinal lining (which includes your mucosal immune barrier) is vital to this process. The mucous barrier, cells in the intestinal lining, and the junctions between these cells all form a sort of fortress that keep harmful substances from seeping into your body through the intestinal walls. Your intestinal lining is a very complex and intelligent player in your immune system.

It makes sense, then, that healthy digestion also boosts the digestive system’s other function – healthy immunity. Minimally processed whole foods that are rich in nutrients help boost healthy, functional digestion. Digestive support supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, colostrum and more are also becoming popular ways to support digestive health, intestinal lining health, and immune health.