Did you know that your gut is your body’s primary defense against pathogenic bacteria and viruses that create illnesses?

I have been reading Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr.  Natasha Cambell-McBride and found the chapter on our Immune Systems so incredibly fascinating.

Here is a very brief summary of how our immune system is related to our gut flora:

• Bad intestinal flora weakens the immune system
• Antibodies (immunoglobulins) start to attack our own body tissues such as brain and nervous system
• The bifidobacteria (good gut bacteria) cell wall creates Muramil Dipeptide. These muramil dipeptide initiates the production of lymphocytes.
• Lymphocytes are what protect us from viruses and tumours.  They are able to recognize and kill or neutralize any foreign invader virus/cells. Source
• People with damaged gut flora have a lesser amount of lymphocytes
• Lymphocytes create immunoglobulins including Secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA).
• IgA is one of the most important as it is secreted in our bodily fluids and mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, genitals).
• Bad bacteria, viruses and parasites enter our bodies through our mucus membranes.
• IgA is critical for good mucosal immunity.
• IgA breaks down quickly but the good bacteria in the gut are able to slow down this process.

There is a lot more wonderful information in this book. As well as methods and supplements on how to heal your gut flora. You can also find out more information at the GAPS diet website.

Lacto-fermented foods have traditionally been used for keeping our gut flora healthy. These foods include milk kefir,  water kefir, kombucha, clobbered milk, yogurt, lacto-fermented fruits and vegetables. I have created videos on how you can make lacto-fermented sauerkraut and how to lacto-ferment fruit. All of these foods are loaded with beneficial flora for gut health.

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