Having frequent problems with your intestines is a sign of immune system problems . Can you relate to this situation? Be careful! If your immune system is deficient, problems are likely to arise in other parts of your body. In any case, dealing with a weakened intestine can be a major obstacle.

After all, it also helps maintain our well-being, beautiful skin and better mental health. Doubtful? Try sleeping with intestinal complications and notice how much pain, and consequently insomnia, increases stress and the appearance of tiredness.

Given this, learning more about the relationship between the intestine and immunity is essential for your quality of life. So, continue reading and stay up to date on the topic!

What is the function of the intestine?

Absorption in the intestines is the job to absorb everything that goes into our mouths in food and drinks so that nutrients are used and incorporated into the bloodstream. These include fat, cholesterol, protein, water, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and many others. Therefore, the different organs of the body can be nourished and our health can be maintained.

This process is achieved through the intestinal flora (or microbiota), which contains millions of bacteria useful for regulating our intestines. In that category, lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, akkermansia, and much more. Did you know this?

That is, some bacteria, when they inhabit our body, can cause health problems. Therefore, they must be combated. However, the ones we mentioned are aimed at strengthening the body and facilitating the absorption of nutrients.

How is microbiota formed?

You already understand that the microbiota, previously called intestinal flora, serves as a home for good bacteria. Their formation occurs from the moment the baby is born.

Thus, by around 18 months, the individual already has the microbiota formed to help with intestinal functions. Ideally, the home of bacteria should have maximum variety, which enhances performance . This occurs with breastfeeding, contact with the outside world and a healthy diet.

Consider that the intestine is the largest gateway to the body, due to its 300 m². This increases the region’s interaction with the immune system. In fact, around 70% of the body’s defense cells are present in the intestine.

How is the intestine responsible for immunity?

In the previous topics, you understood that the bacteria in the intestine help protect the region. Thus, just like the defense cells of the immune system, they can form barriers against invaders. This is the case with bad bacteria, viruses and fungi.

In other words, if the microbiota has the appropriate amount of bacteria and is functioning well, immunity is strengthened . On the other hand, situations that are opposite to these favor the appearance of bad bacteria and can affect the immune system.

An example of this is dysbiosis , an intestinal inflammation caused by numerous factors, including inadequate diet, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, ingestion of toxic substances, inadequate hygiene, etc.

It arises with an imbalance in the number of distribution of bacteria, where the bad ones outnumber the good ones . The main symptoms include flatulence, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and others. This is because dysbiosis can interfere with defense cells.

Do you notice a close relationship between the intestine and immunity? However, it is not only a problem of dysbiosis affecting the microbes and compromising the immune system. Other habits contribute to this problem as well: staying in emotional stress, overuse of medications, fatty diets, and much more.

How to strengthen the intestine’s defenses?

After understanding that the intestine is related to immunity and can enhance defense cells, it is worth discovering how to strengthen this relationship. In this sense, it is essential to focus on keeping the intestine healthy. Follow some tips below!

Select foods better

You can promote the good bacteria’s entry into your body through your diet. Prebiotics contain vitamins and minerals to nourish the body. They can be found in milk, yogurt, and fermented cheese.

If other elements are added, such as fruits, the benefits are enhanced. In any case, be aware that the effects on the intestine vary according to the quantity and type of microorganism.

For example, sugar-free, fat-free and colour-free versions of yogurt have high levels of protein. Therefore, they can help control weight and hunger, as well as improve digestion and prevent infections. On the other hand, some foods interfere with the diversity of the microbiota.

The most common are sugar and saturated fat, which are common in animal products such as meat and butter. Therefore, remember to prioritize foods that contain good bacteria and control your consumption of the others.

Eat your meals calmly

Just as food selection is important, you should eat it slowly to facilitate digestion. In other words, you may eat while watching your cell phone, the clock, the television, and other stimuli. This habit is increasingly common in modern life.

However, chewing quickly and without paying attention can trick your stomach or overload it . After all, you haven’t properly crushed your food. Another consequence is that you’re not making the most of the food, even if it’s healthier.

Control emotional problems

According to the studies, stress and anxiety fall into the category of the most common emotional problems of our age. However, they need to be controlled so that the intestines are not affected.

After all, the increase in hormone levels associated with these problems can cause harm to the organ. For example, it can reduce nutrient absorption and oxygenation of the intestine. It can also significantly reduce enzyme production in the region and blood flow in the digestive system. To make matters worse, intestinal complications due to stress can also indirectly stimulate other problems, such as insomnia.