We live in a fast paced world with high speed internet, fast cars, extraordinary technology and fast food. When you live in a world where time is money, health often stands neglected. More often than not, bad lifestyle practices bring about poor immune health which in turn leads to a lot of health conditions and ailments.
As you already know, your immune system is a complexly networked defense barrier that protects your body from harmful pathogens and external elements. It is the responsibility of your immune system to identify foreign invaders and keep infections at bay.
So, what happens when your immune system begins malfunctioning? Poor immune health can cause severe allergies and autoimmune disorders.
Immune system disorders
Every time your body is attacked by foreign invaders or germs, a healthy immune system initiates an immune response against them, enabling the body to fight and destroy the antigen before it causes further impairment.
A malfunctioning immune system causes-
Immune deficiency disorders - A disorder in which your immune system loses its ability to fight against infections. One may be born with this condition or it may be caused due to a surgery or due to certain forms of treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy.
Examples- Allergies, AIDS, Cancers etc.
Autoimmune disorders - A condition which causes your immune system to identify own body cells and tissues as antigens and issues an immune response to destroy them.
Examples- Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, Hashimoto's disease etc.
What causes a faulty immune system?
Poor gut health is considered one of the biggest causes behind a compromised immune system. Unless, of course, you were born with a faulty immune system!
Did you know that your gut forms over 80% of your immune system? Surprised?!
Your gut lining is made up of a partially permeable membrane that allows nutrients to pass through into the bloodstream while aiding the process of flushing out harmful waste products. When your gut lining becomes faulty, it permits harmful substances along with all the nutrients into the bloodstream. This condition is what you call the “leaky gut syndrome” and the unwanted particles trigger your immune system…
So we now come to understand that a healthy gut keeps your immune system strong and healthy.
Here are the top 5 ways you can heal your gut and improve your immune system-
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Watch what you eat
In most cases, food is what triggers off allergies. So, start an elimination diet and identify the food that causes problems. Allergy-causing foods include dairy, soy, gluten, corn, eggs etc. Eliminate one at a time to see what suits you and what doesn’t. And of course, stay away from processed food! -
Eat healthy
Go for fresh vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Most varieties are high in dietary fibers that boost your gut health. Try and include fermented food such as kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut and fresh pickles in your meals as they naturally improve gut bacteria. -
Take probiotics
Probiotics are highly recommended to improve gut health. A good probiotic helps to rebalance the good microbial fauna thus helping your gut heal faster. -
Health supplements
Sometimes, due to food elimination and diets, your body may be missing out on vital nutrients that are required to keep your defense mechanism working well. Therefore, it is best to consider taking health supplements such as superfood powder supplements. -
Sleep and exercise
Follow a daily exercise routine and sleep well because of physical activity and a good night’s sleep help beat stress and aid faster healing.
Once your gut feels well, you will surely see an improvement in the way your immune system functions. Don’t be surprised if you fall ill less often than you normally do or your allergy rates have come down.. Your healthy gut has got your back!
About The Author
Warrior Strong Wellness
Warrior Strong Wellness provides innovative and high quality transformational supplements and raises awareness and funds to fight childhood cancer by giving a portion of our proceeds to childhood cancer research. In our weekly blogs, we share wisdom about wellness and living a Warrior Strong lifestyle.