As the seasons change and temperatures drop, strengthening immunity and keeping your body safe is likely top of mind. A global pandemic on top of cold and flu season is bound to make anyone nervous, and understanding how immunity in our bodies works is the first step in keeping you safe and well. ZENTS founder Cord Coen reflects back on his time in India, where he learned about the remarkable connection between gut health and immunity. Read on to hear how Cord uses this understanding to maintain a healthy immune system:
Gut Health and Immunity
Cord explains: “My teacher in India shared that a healthy gut is incredibly important for overall health and recovery for our mind, body, and spirit. 24 years later, scientists and doctors around the world are proving him right.
They are now calling the gut our second brain, because it’s controlled by its own independent nervous system—the enteric nervous system (ENS). A healthy gut microbiome directly influences are immune system, metabolism, hormones, and brain function—here’s how:
- A healthy gut balances and regulates our hormones. Research has shown that our gut bacteria produces 95% of our serotonin which regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
- A healthy gut strengthens our immune system. Gut health and immunity aren’t just related, they are intertwined. The gut is where our immune system interacts with bacteria, and it relies on an abundance of good bacteria—probiotics—to function properly.
- A healthy gut regulates our digestion and metabolism.
- A healthy gut improves our brain function as it produces neurochemicals that help the brain regulate basic physiological and mental processes.
You cannot heave optimal physical or mental health without a healthy gut.”
4 Life Hacks for Strengthening Gut Health and Immunity
“Here are four easy lifestyle hacks I use to improve my gut health, which in turn boosts my immunity—something we are all really focusing on right now!
- Probiotics: I have noticed a huge difference in how I feel ever since implementing probiotics in my wellness routine. There are several types but my favorites are soil-based probiotics. These contain a unique blend of gut-supporting organisms within three bacterial strains known to repair, regulate, and strengthen your system.
Other great strains to look for in probiotics are Lacto-Bifido and Saccharomyces Boulardii.
I combine these with prebiotics, which are essentially food for your good bacteria. I look for those with organic acai and the fiber larch arabinogalactan. - Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil: There is a vital link between the endocannabinoid system and gut health. I am so passionate about the many benefits of hemp oil, including the exciting new research on its benefits to our gut health. It plays a part in regulating digestion, combating inflammation, and communicating with the brain.
I use ANTARA Vitality Elixir each day with my morning tea. In addition to full spectrum hemp oil, this elixir contains our immunity blend of cinnamon, clove, and ginger essential oils. I also take it in the middle of the day if I need additional support for stress or concentration. Lastly, I take it before bed to help with sleep. - Healthy, whole foods: Perhaps most unsurprisingly, the food we consume has a direct connection to our overall wellness. In order to strengthen the relationship between your gut health and immunity, avoid processed foods and stick to those rich in fiber like fruit grains, nuts, and veggies, as well as fermented foods like kimchi (I love the brand Ozuké).
My go-to gut healthy meal includes a plate loaded with colorful vegetables, preferably varieties grown above ground, lightly cooked in organic coconut oil. I also include a small portion of high-quality protein drizzled with a healthy fat such as avocado oil. - Staying active: You know that movement is good for overall health, but much of that has to do with our gut health in particular, since a regular exercise regimen can improve healthy microbes. It is also true that exercising is good for digestion as it gets things moving (as our intestines contract). I set a goal to move my body in any way that brings me joy, for at least 30 minutes a day. Think of it as recess, not work! Mindset is everything.”
Research into the link between gut health and immunity—something holistic health practitioners in India have acknowledged for many years—is just now ramping up in Western culture. Soon we may discover even more benefits of a healthy gut on our bodies and minds.
Click here to read more from our founder Cord Coen and his health journey.
References:
Gut as second brain: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180529132122.htm#
Gut and serotonin: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/09/gut-feeling
Soil-based probiotics: https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/soil-based-probiotics-sibo/
Endocannabinoid system: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20117132/
Gut and exercise: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254616300163
