Table of contents:
- How do bacteria in the gut affect the human immune system?
- Too many bad bacteria in the intestines weaken the immune system
- The importance of maintaining digestive health for better immunity
Various health problems ranging from allergies, obesity, autoimmune diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, acne, chronic fatigue), autism, dementia, cancer, to depression can actually be associated with weakened immunity that is rooted in the failure of bacteria in the intestine.
The human digestive organs not only function to digest and absorb nutrients from the food that enters the body. However, in the intestine, there are various good bacteria that have various health benefits. The more types of good bacteria a person has, the better the impact on their health.
How do bacteria in the gut affect the human immune system?
It is estimated that the intestines contain 100 trillion bacteria. This amount is 10 times more than at other places in the human body. Through this diversity of bacterial colonies, the intestine, which is known as the second brain, can communicate directly with the brain, the center of all body functions. It is also through these bacteria that the intestines can feel and respond directly to what is happening in the body. For example, when you are panicking or depressed during stage fright, suddenly your stomach hurts and you want to vomit.
Apart from communicating with the brain, these bacteria also interact with the human immune system. In a healthy person's body, gut microbes stimulate the immune system as needed so that they are good enough to tame disease-carrying germs that enter the body (when you eat, forget to wash your hands), while at the same time also restraining them so as not to mistakenly launch a back attack on the body .
Every cell type of the immune system is affected by bacteria in many ways. Some bacteria have a powerful effect, while others have a much more subtle effect. Very few microbes produce no effect at all.
Some bacteria promote specific cell activity, while others inhibit the same cell activity. This opposite effect indicates a counterbalancing mechanism to ensure that no single bacteria can dominate its effects on the immune system. Likewise, some bacteria increase certain genes, while others decrease their regulation. This suggests that the microbes can balance the effects on gut genetic expression.
The existence of disturbances in both the communication pathways of bacteria and body cells as well as the harmony of various bacteria in the human gut can disrupt the function of the immune system and its metabolic processes.
Too many bad bacteria in the intestines weaken the immune system
Gut bacteria thrive depending on what you eat and the hormones your body releases. The number and types can increase along with adopting a good diet and healthy lifestyle. Feed them whole, fresh food and the good gut bacteria will multiply, which will benefit your immune system. Give them “junk” food, then the bad bacteria will take over your intestines, causing leaky gut, buildup of toxic free radicals, and especially inflammation which is at the root of many health problems.
Interestingly, the interactions between gut bacteria and the immune system go both ways: what happens to one affects the other. One recent study found that the number and variety of bacteria in the guts of obese people is less than in lean people. Other studies have shown that it increases in a group of gut bacteria called Firmicutes, and a decrease in a group of gut bacteria called Bacteroidetes, is also linked to obesity.
One study published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that children who are prone to tantrums have a greater diversity of bacteria. Although researchers aren't quite sure what the cause-and-effect relationship is, it could be triggered by stress hormones that can change the acidity of the gut. An erratic level of intestinal acidity can affect the survival of bacteria in the gut.
Likewise with babies who often have colic. These babies have bacterial counts Proteobacteria which is higher than children who never colic. Proteobacteria produce pain-causing gases in babies, which make them cry easily.
The importance of maintaining digestive health for better immunity
Therefore, if you want to improve your health, start with your gut. Digestive health can literally affect your entire body. The good news is that your gut bacteria colonies can change with what you eat.
Enrich your diet with high-fiber vegetables, low-sugar fruit, non-gluten grains, and legumes. Also, eat more probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, Korean salty kimchi, pickles, cheese and tempeh.
One study in Canada showed that consumption of probiotics can reduce fasting blood sugar levels and increase the activity of insulin secretion in people with diabetes. Probiotics can also help relieve depression and Alzheimer's because they contain a good bacteria called Lactobacillus. In the intestine, Lactobacillus is responsible for expelling bad bacteria, thereby strengthening the immune system to fight inflammation in the brain.
