Healthy Gut - Strong Immunity

HEALTHY GUT - STRONG IMMUNITY

Not only does the gut play a key role in providing the body with nutrients from food, it is also key to a healthy immune system. The intestines are inhabited by microbiota, i.e. beneficial microorganisms (mainly bacteria). The intestinal microbiota activates the immune system and coordinates its work throughout life, and the dense network of nerve cells transmits signals about any threat to the headquarters, i.e. the brain. Almost 80% of the immune bodies are formed in the intestines.

The intestines contain both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. Our friendly bacteria help regulate the immune system. When the balance between good and bad bacteria is disturbed, the immune system weakens and becomes unregulated. It may also become more prone to autoimmunity. This is because intestinal bacteria influence the development and maturation of the immune system associated with the mucous membranes. The mucous membranes of the organism are the first line through which factors from the external environment such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and antigens pass. The mucosa lines the inside of the nose and throat, but also the inside of the digestive tract. The lymphatic tissue of the mucous membranes comprises the individual mucosa of the organism. They are a system of "communicating vessels". Therefore, the poor condition of the intestinal mucosa may be closely related to the recurrent systems, e.g. respiratory or genitourinary. The defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa are to prevent colonization of the mucous membranes by pathogenic microorganisms. The mucosa is equipped with sensory cells that can quickly identify a threat and send a signal that triggers the next steps in the immune response. The mucosa is also a source of the sIgA class antibodies, which are the main mucosal antibody of the immune system. Speaking of the intestines, the essence of the intestinal barrier should also be mentioned. The intestinal barrier consists of the intestinal epithelium, mucosa and intestinal bacteria. Each of these elements ensures its proper tightness and plays an important role. The weakening of the connections between epithelial cells can lead to the so-called leaky gut. The consequence of this is the penetration into the body of what should be retained in the intestinal lumen. This stimulates the work of the immune system, which is why it is constantly stimulated. Excessive amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines is produced and chronic inflammation, the so-called silent inflammation.

Many people suffering from Lyme disease complain of various intestinal ailments, e.g. diarrhea, chronic constipation, change in the consistency of the stool (loose, watery stool or with mucus, blood), heartburn, nausea. abdominal pain, gas, a feeling of overflow in the abdomen. Some people struggle with this type of ailments long before infection occurs, i.e. the dysfunction of the digestive system began long before contracting Lyme disease. Others enjoy the good functioning of the digestive system all their lives until they develop Lyme disease. So note that Lyme disease is both the result of a weakened immune system and its cause.

To improve the functioning of the intestines, we recommend including in the therapy:

• Probiotics
• L-glutamine
• Sodium butyrate
• Omega acids (DHA and EPA)
• Digestive enzyme
• Borage oil as a source of gamma-linolenic acid

These products can be used in parallel with the herbs used in Lyme disease.

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when taken in the right doses, are beneficial to health. Probiotic bacteria compete with pathogens for a place in the intestines, thanks to which they maintain the correct composition of the entire microbiota. This helps to maintain the proper level of immunity of the mucous membranes and, consequently, supports the overall immunity of the body, which is extremely important for people suffering from Lyme disease.

Probiotic bacteria have a positive effect on the functioning of the entire organism because:

- Facilitate the digestive process,

- Help to break down unabsorbed food residues,

- Increase the absorption of vitamins and minerals,

- Can synthesize some B vitamins, vitamin K, folic acid,

- Inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria,

- Affect the work of the immune system, thus increasing resistance to infections,

- Stimulate the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, the so-called interleukins and interferon in the blood serum, which is beneficial in some immune diseases,

- Protect the intestinal microbiota during antibiotic treatment,

- Improve the blood supply to the intestinal mucosa,

- Some strains have antiallergic and anti-cancer properties,

- Reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance,

- Lower cholesterol.

Probiotics inhibit growth and even destroy harmful microorganisms in the gut by:

- Produce bacteriostatic and bactericidal substances,

- Fight pathogenic microflora for nutrients, vitamins, growth factors,

- Through the production of lactic acid, they lower the intestinal pH, which contributes to the direct fight against pathogenic and potentially pathogenic microorganisms.

How do I pick a good Probiotic?

In order to have a beneficial effect on our body, a probiotic must show the following features:

The effect of a probiotic depends on its type (strain) and its amount in a dose (1-40 billion).

To have a beneficial effect on the recipient, probiotics must be able to withstand the conditions encountered during gastrointestinal transit (stomach acidity, pancreatic enzymes, bile) and reach the small intestine and colon in viable form and in as many numbers as possible.

In order to reproduce in the body, the probiotic must be able to adhere to the cells of the intestinal epithelium. This adherence is transient, probiotics will be eliminated within a few days. It needs to be taken regularly for its beneficial effects to last.

It must produce substances that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes.

Many preparations are advertised with a multitude of different strains in one capsule. Meanwhile, contrary to popular belief, the number of strains does not translate into the quality of the entire preparation. It is important what specific strain of bacteria is in a given preparation and in what amount.

To be sure about the quality of a probiotic preparation, pay attention to the proper nomenclature of probiotic strains. The probiotic strain should be described according to the following pattern: genus (e.g. Lactobacillus) species (e.g. rhamnosus) and letter-numeral designation (e.g. LA 801).

Therefore, attention should be paid not only to the species name, i.e. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, but also to the name of the strain - LA 801, because only a specific strain of a given species exhibits clinically proven probiotic properties.

One of the best probiotics on the market that has caught our attention are the Lactiniane probiotics by PiLeJe. PiLeJe is a French company that offers only products of natural origin in doses consistent with the daily needs of the human body, characterized by optimal absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. The PiLeJe Laboratory has conducted numerous tests over the course of 20 years, on the basis of which the strains were selected (these strains are deposited in the National Collection of Microorganisms Cultivation at the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France) according to specific characteristics and needs.

For the general reconstruction of the intestinal microbiota, it is important that the probiotic contains bacteria from the Bifidobacterium and Lactibacillus groups. The Lactibiane Standard probiotic contains the above-mentioned strains and helps to regulate intestinal disorders and strengthen the intestinal flora of the digestive tract.

In the event of intestinal inflammation, it is worth introducing the stronger probiotic Lactibiane IKI for 3 months.

Be sure to add Lactobacillus helveticus strains if you have been diagnosed with Candida-induced candidiasis. Lactobacillus helveticus strains have been proven to inhibit the multiplication of Candida yeasts and their adhesion to the intestinal epithelium, they also reduce mucus secretion by Candida cells, which makes them less resistant. In addition, probiotic bacteria have a beneficial effect on the immune system, supporting defense mechanisms. The probiotic containing the Lactobacillus helveticus strain is Lactibiane CND10.

When your problem is diarrhea or loose stools, remember about the probiotic containing the Saccharomyces boulardii strain. Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast, not bacteria as is the case with other probiotics.

L-GLUTAMINE

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that is a source of energy supplied to the mucosa of the small intestine. If mucosal cells are damaged, glutamine can help rebuild it with new healthy cells. It also has immune boosting properties.

NOTE: L-glutamine should not be used by people with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, as well as by people with reduced liver efficiency.

SODIUM BUTYRATE

Sodium butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid. Short-chain fatty acids are the main substances that nourish the gut lining. They help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammatory processes in the intestines and the entire body. Sodium butyrate directly stabilize the structure and ensure the integrity and functionality of the intestinal wall, stimulate the growth of saprophytic bacterial flora, thus inhibiting the development of intestinal pathogens. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Butyric acid strongly inhibits the secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukins and is involved in immunoregulation.

OMEGA ACIDS

OMEGA 3 acids, which include DHA and EPA, are crucial for maintaining health. EPA is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and also helps soothe aching joints and muscles. Research shows that taking omega-3 fatty acids along with probiotics strengthens the intestinal mucosa.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

Digestive enzymes break down food components into the smallest molecules that make up them: proteins into amino acids, complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, and fats into free fatty acids. The Borrelia bacterium reduces the secretion of digestive enzymes. If your problem is gas, bloating, belching, heartburn or diarrhea, it is worth using preparations containing digestive enzymes.

FIBER

The intestinal microbiota, by processing dietary fiber, acquires energy, stimulates the immune system and supports the production of B and K vitamins. Short-chain fatty acids are the byproduct of fiber metabolism. A high-fiber diet increases the diversity of the gut microbiota. Fiber acts as prebiotics, that is, substances that are essential for stimulating the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics include resistant starch, inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides.

The sources of resistant starch are, among others: lentils, rice, groats, beans, raw oat flakes. chilled pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes and unripe bananas.

The source of inulin are, among others chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, asparagus, artichokes, leek, onion, garlic. Inulin, apart from its prebiotic properties, improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium.

The sources of fructooligosaccharides are, inter alia, onion, garlic, artichoke.

The recommended amount of dietary fiber in healthy people is 20-40 g.

If you are unable to provide the diet with a sufficient amount of fiber, you can use supplementation with inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides.

BORAGE OIL

Borage oil is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid. It protects and regenerates the intestines and the entire digestive system. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

WHEN TO START STRENGTHENING THE GUT?

The above scheme of bowel reconstruction should be started at the beginning of Lyme disease treatment and used throughout the therapy.