Are Immune Functions Affected by Digestion?
Your immune system is your body's first line of defense against infection and disease. The gastrointestinal tract, or GI tract, composed of your stomach and intestines, plays a key role in digestion and is also an important component of your immune system. Impaired digestion or an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria in your digestive system can affect the normal functioning of your immune system, leading to a decreased level of immunity and an increased risk of a number of digestive disorders.
DIGESTION AND IMMUNITY
Around 80 percent of your immune system functions are thought to stem from your digestive system, according to the The Center: Natural Health Specialists. A compromised digestive system can lead to a number of disorders that can be traced back to impaired immunity, including Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition characterized by abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and lack of appetite, and celiac disease, an immune system disease caused by a reaction to gluten. A healthy digestive system helps your body break down toxins ingested with food through the action of probiotics, or "healthy" bacteria. Poor digestion results in an inability to absorb nutrients required for proper immune functioning and a decrease in your body's ability to eliminate toxins.
CAUSES OF COMPROMISED DIGESTION
A compromised digestive system can have a number of causes. Stress, aging, alcohol consumption and low stomach acid are all common causes of impaired digestion. In fact, according to an article published in the "Nutrition Review," a reduced production of hydrochloric acid, or HCL, your body's primary digestive juice, is one of the most common causes of age-related digestive problems. Your body requires HCL to kill many harmful microorganisms present in food. An underproduction of HCL can compromise your immune system and lead to numerous types of digestive complaints.
BOWEL TOXICITY AND IMMUNITY
Bowel toxicity is a condition that most frequently occurs due to overuse of antibiotics or a low-fiber diet, leading to an increase in the amount of toxins in your intestines and liver. This condition can lead to a host of undesirable symptoms, including a compromised immune system, because your body cannot effectively eliminate toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. Among other possible symptoms, bowel toxicity can cause joint pain, sinus problems, bloating, gas, gastrointestinal dysfunction, fatigue and possibly even depression. According to naturopathic doctor Richard Anderson, a toxic bowel weakens your immune system because the toxic environment destroys "friendly" bacteria -- probiotics -- that keep "unfriendly" bacteria in check and help with the elimination of toxins.
PROBIOTICS, IMMUNITY AND DIGESTION
Research regarding the effects of probiotics on immune system functioning and digestion is ongoing. However, one study, published in 2000 in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," found that study participants who consumed milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis, a powerful probiotic, for a period of six weeks experienced a significant increase in immunity. Bifidobacterium lactis and other probiotics, including the Lactobacillus strain, are believed to stimulate your body's immune response and assist with healthy digestion, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. You can purchase commercially prepared probiotic dietary supplements online and in most drug stores. However, as with any dietary supplement, you should consult your doctor before using probiotics due to the possibility of side effects and interactions with certain medications.