Immunity VI - Gut Immunity

by Peter Francis Cunneen, MATCM

Gut immunity is estimated to be as much as 70% of our overall immune picture. So it makes sense that what we feed our gut will have a major impact on our immunity. Feed it well and you produce a nourishing broth to warm your center, feed it poorly and you create a toxic swamp.

Being moderate with animal products is a good way to begin because eating these in excess loads us up on their inflammation-stimulating saturated fats. In addition, minimizing sugar and simple carbs, refined and processed foods will diminish the harmful inflammatory effects of these substances.

Whole grains, beans & fiber
What our gut needs is regular prebiotic fiber foods such as cooked whole grains (oats, barley among others) and beans (the combination of which gives you a leaner source of protein than animal foods and plenty of gut-loving fiber), vegetables and whole fruits. Research shows higher fiber intake is associated with an improved overall mortality rate.

A little fermented foods
In addition, we need probiotics, a very small amount of naturally fermented foods from “live cultures” (unpasteurised acidophilus, miso, tempeh, kimchi, lacto-fermented veggies, sourdough, almond or coconut yoghurt, sauerkraut, etc.) to jump-start gut functions. These fermented foods increase natural antibiotics, inhibit pathogenic growth of yeast, builds up antioxidants and neutralises problematic substances such as physic acid. Together, this creates an environment conducive for good digestion and strong immunity.

A combo Pre – Probiotic snack
Vinegar and the sour taste in general are astringent, tightening our surfaces to hold the energy in and resist external attack. This is why many historical herbal remedies during flu season were based on vinegar. You can use garlic (famous anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties) and rice vinegar to marinate some cruciferous veggies (prebiotic, immunity enhancing) for around a week (creating a probiotic naturally fermented food) and then use as an appetizer before meals or a between meal snack. However, do avoid vinegar if you get sick (see Immunity III post), so you can keep the pores open and sweat out the pathogens.

Our next blog will follow soon.