Gut Health

gut health

We’re all increasingly attuned to the powerful role of the gut in our health. Much of this science relates specifically to our gut microbiome and how it influences metabolism. Yet these commensal microbes also speak constantly with our immune system, especially in the gut, where around 70% of our immune cells are housed. This bidirectional transfer of information turns out to be essential to our wellness.

Our gut microbiome can influence our immunity just as our immune system changes the microbes. By sampling microbial components and metabolites, our gut immune system learns about the outside world and is modified accordingly. This information is converted into signals that alter gut and systemic health. Gut epithelial cells, which make up the majority of the gut lining, help broker communications between gut immune cells and the gut microbiome, as well as possessing intrinsic immune abilities.

The dynamic exchange between our immune cells and our gut cells and microbes may be impacted by lifestyle interventions like stress reduction, as well as dietary fiber and phytonutrient composition. An incredible amount of information transfer occurs in the gut each day, mediated by immunity, suggesting that interventions to improve the quality of this outside-inside interface will rapidly compound for better wellness