Your gut health can impact everything from constantly being sick to not sleeping well

Feeling under the weather all the time? Constant sniffles, lingering coughs, and sluggish days could mean your immune system isn’t in top form. But here’s the kicker: your gut health may be the real culprit. Did you know that 70% of your immune system resides in your gut? Let’s connect the dots between a weak immune system and an unhappy gut.

Quick Read:

A healthy gut can supercharge your immune system and help you fight off illness.
Signs like chronic stress can indicate an unhealthy gut.
Think of your brain and gut as essential workers; they must be in harmony for the benefit of your overall wellbeing.

A talented duo

Your brain and gut are constantly communicating, and this connection plays a big role in our health. No one enjoys being stressed and the effects of constant stress can even impact the gut, and in turn, the immune system. A recent study has discovered a link between the brain and special glands in the upper small intestine, called Brunner’s glands. These glands produce mucus that enable the good bacteria to grow and thrive. In the study, when these glands were removed in mice, the amount of Lactobacilli (good bacteria) dropped, leading to a higher risk of gut infections and inflammation. This highlights how important the brain-gut connection is for maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria and protecting the body from illness.

Signs of gut and immune system troubles

Wounds take longer to heal

Minor cuts and bruises are common in our everyday life. But if these take some time to heal, it is often an alert signal that your body isn’t getting the necessary nutrients to repair itself. These nutrients should be absorbed by your gut. To tackle this issue, it’s important to focus on improving blood circulation or chronic inflammation. Eat more gut-friendly foods that are filled with essential nutrients. And yes, regular exercise can also boost gut health and circulation.

Chronic stress

Stress is not your friend! It doesn’t get simpler than this. Constant stress = gut troubles. Ongoing stress can disrupt your gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria that keeps your immune system strong. Take the time to explore ways to manage stress that work for you. Make it a goal each day to do something that calms you and brings you peace and mindfulness. Do it for your gut and immune system.

Managing stress also has a lot to do with getting quality sleep. Everyone needs proper, restorative sleep to reset the mind and body, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. When you’re well-rested, you’re better equipped to handle the daily stresses that come your way, as sleep helps regulate the hormones that control stress. On the other hand, poor sleep can spike feelings of anxiety, irritability, and overwhelm, making it harder to cope with challenges.

Digestive problems

Recurring digestive issues like diarrhoea, nausea, or constipation can point to an imbalance in your gut microbiome. Without enough “good bacteria,” your gut can’t produce the nutrients your immune system needs.

Here’s an easy rule of thumb for better gut health. Think PGP:

Plant-based foods: Add more fruits, veggies, and wholegrains.
Good fats: Think olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
Protein: Prioritise lean sources like fish, chicken, or legumes.

Plus, cut down on processed, sugary, and salty foods. These culprits disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria.

Recurring illnesses

If you’re catching colds and the flu more often than usual, or taking a long time to recover, your gut might be out of sync. The gut produces immune-boosting compounds that fight off infections. So, a healthy gut is necessary to keep your body strong enough to kick these common infections to the curb.