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The gut-immune connection<\/b><\/p>\n
Did you know that around 70% of immune cells exist in your gut (alongside your gut microbiome)? This reinforces that your gut plays a key role in your immunity. Your microbes teach your immune cells what they need to protect you against (e.g. flu-causing viruses) and what is safe (e.g. the protein in peanuts). My colleagues at King’s College London found that people who ate a more varied diet full of plants, which nourish your gut bacteria, had a 40% lower risk of becoming unwell with certain viruses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to support this connection, add these foods:<\/span><\/p>\n They are filled with nutrients and phytochemicals like vitamins A, D, C, E, B6 and B12; folate, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, flavonoids, fibre, omega-3 and curcumin, all of which can support your immune health. If you\u2019re feeling particularly stressed or have a holiday escape planned, you may also want to consider a specific <\/span>combination of probiotic strains<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Lactobacillus rhamnosus,<\/span><\/i> LGG\u00ae – the world\u2019s most documented bacterial strain – and <\/span>Bifidobacterium lactis,<\/span><\/i> BB-12\u00ae – the world\u2019s most published Bifidobacterium strain \u2013 the combination of which has been clinically proven to support against the severity and duration of cold and flu and other respiratory tract infections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The gut-skin connection<\/b><\/p>\n Did you know that the microbes in our gut and on our skin can communicate? This may explain why many skin conditions, such as eczema and even premature ageing, have been linked to gut health. That being said, skin research is still in its early days, but you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by upping your plant diversity.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are three foods that can support this connection:<\/span><\/p>\n The gut-brain connection<\/b><\/p>\n We all know about gut feelings. But this has a scientific basis because the gut and brain are connected through several hundreds of millions of nerves. This means that what’s going on in your brain can influence what’s going on in your gut and vice versa. Disruptions in this system have even been linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Plus, a landmark study published in Psychosomatic Medicine (which is the official journal of the American Psychosomatic Society) also highlighted that the gut microbiome may actually influence the way we respond to stress, too.<\/span><\/p>\n Try nourishing this connection with:<\/span><\/p>\n Conclusion<\/b><\/p>\n So, whether you’re supporting your immune system, your skin, or your mind, it all starts with your gut. Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, and in the meantime, check out these <\/span>5 science-backed tips <\/span><\/a>for a healthy gut.<\/span><\/p>\n For more insights from Dr Megan Rossi, visit: <\/span>https:\/\/www.theguthealthdoctor.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n You can also find delicious plant-packed & fibre-fuelled recipes from Dr Megan Rossi on the Mindful Chef menu every month.\u00a0Just look out for The Gut Health Doctor badge.<\/p>\n\n
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