Have you ever lost yourself in a moment of laughter? Or experienced a gut feeling about a certain situation? These events are a common part of our human experience. They are easy to take for granted. However, these seemingly insignificant moments can play an important role in our health. Our digestive health and level of happiness greatly impact our healing process. Let’s explore how our brain communicates with our immune system to boost immunity.
Boost Immunity & Unlock Gut Health
Intestinal infections, food allergens, toxic chemicals like glyphosate2, trauma, stress, NSAIDs and most importantly antibiotics3 all contribute to poor gut health. Likewise, sugary baked goods, gluten, and processed meats produce inflammation in the digestive tract. This leads to lowering the amount of nutrients our body can absorb. Consequently, the immune system gets bogged down. In the end, all of these factors contribute to permeability of the intestines.
Leaky gut is the social term used for intestinal permeability. It occurs when the proteins that link the space between intestinal cells breakdown.1 This condition plagues our country.
When we take an antibiotic, we kill the infection. Unfortunately, we also kill the good bacteria. Specific types of good bacteria in the intestinal tract produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA). When bacterium eat certain types of starch, they secrete these SCFAs. Then, these fatty acids feed the intestinal cells. As a result, the cells begin to grow and fill in the gaps of the intestinal wall.
Leaky gut can contribute to numerous symptoms and conditions.4 It can lead to chronic diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and joint pain, just to name a few. Over time, leaky gut can even trigger autoimmune conditions.5
Healing the digestive tract is critical in order to boost immunity. However, it’s best to use caution when choosing a leaky gut protocol. Not everyone responds well to commonly promoted leaky gut products such as bone broth. L-glutatmine, found in bone broth, is a non-essential amino acid. In some cases, it may create downstream effects such as anxiety, heart palpitations, or neurological challenges. Due to these types of reactions, we tailor our protocols specific to each patient. This enables us to seal and heal the gut with great success.
Gut Feelings & Neurotransmitters
You’ve probably used the phrase, “I have a gut feeling.” Yet, most people don’t realize there is some surprising science behind this physical reaction. There are over 100 different substances classified as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters aren’t just produced in the brain. Different species of bacteria reside in the gut and create seven of the hardest working neurotransmitters. These are gaba, serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, histamine, nor-epinephrine and glutamate.6
95% of serotonin, 50% of dopamine, and high percentages of the rest are found in the gut.6,7 Once you realize this, it’s easy to see that the intestinal tract needs to be evaluated if you have a neurological or psychological disorder.
In discussions with clinical psychologists and genetic nutritionists, both have shared instances of psychiatric disorders being labeled a mis-diagnosis once the patient’s leaky gut was healed. Of course, this doesn’t happen every time. Also, there is a definite need for the services of mental health professionals. However, I’ve seen enough to conclude there is a huge misstep in the treatment of psychiatric and mood disorders. Treatment approaches must include healing the intestinal tract.
There are misconceptions around leaky gut. Many mainstream physicians don’t believe, or realize, it even exists. Others seem to blame everything on it. No wonder there is so much misdiagnoses of our patients. To boost immunity, this is one element that cannot be overlooked.
Neurology of Intestinal Health
The vagus nerve is the master nerve of the digestive system. Equally important, it’s also the primary mechanism for creating a state of well-being. The parasympathetic nervous system, receives calming information from the vagus nerve8 allowing the body to rest and digest. Consequently, the vagus nerve has an enormous effect on the entire body.
As the vagus nerve travels, it picks up information from other nerves. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, it produces many incredible health benefits and can boost immunity. An optimally functioning vagus nerve is critical for healing the digestive, cardiovascular,9 neurological and reproductive systems, as well as the repair mechanisms of the body.
Do It Yourself Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Boost Immunity
Here are three simple things you can do from home to stimulate the vagus nerve and boost immunity.
1 – Mindful Breathing
The first method for stimulating the vagus nerve is slow, rhythmic breathing. Mindful breathing is a great way to stimulate the vagus nerve.10
A common breathing technique is four-square breathing. Begin by breathing in for four seconds. Then, hold your breathe for a count of four. Next, breathe out for four seconds. Finally, hold your breathe again for another four seconds. Continue this for 6 to 12 cycles. Perform this routine 2 or 3 times daily to reap the benefits.
2 – Humming
Got your favorite tune stuck in your head? Hum it throughout the day. Humming helps modulate stress levels. It can also improve gastric secretions. This primes the digestive system for absorbing nutrients.
3 – Gargling
Another simple way to stimulate the vagus nerve is by gargling. Gargle with water for at least 30 seconds twice per day.
Empower the Immune System to Heal Troubled Digestion
If you have a chronic illness, your body is at war. Much of the time, there is a pathogenic cause for this war. The immune system’s fight against unbalanced bacteria and viruses can leave an absolute battlefield in the digestive tract.
Frequent or long-term use of antibiotics can have a devastating effect on the microflora of our intestines. Although these drugs can save the life of a septic patient, they are often over used when treating chronically ill patients. At times, they are prescribed for months or even years. Antibiotics wipe out natural and beneficial microorganisms. This ushers in adverse events, yeast, and other opportunistic infections.11,12
Oral antibiotics aren’t the only way that we wipe out good bacteria. In this age of pandemics, we can’t escape the message to wash our hands with soap to prevent the spread of germs. Natural soap is fine for repeated use. However, problems arise when anti-bacterial agents are added to the soap.
Triclosan is the most common antibiotic/anti-fungal agent used in soaps. Why is this a problem? The widespread use of antibiotics is too harsh for our biological system. It also leads to the very bugs we are trying to target becoming resistant to their use. Some of my patients get labwork done to reveal what type of antibiotics they are sensitive too. Most of the results indicate they have developed resistance to all but a few. 13
Simple Ways to Boost Immunity in an Age of Pandemics
The simplest way to boost immunity is through your lifestyle. The following lifestyle practices can boost your immune system.
1 – Expose Your Skin to Sunlight
Growing up on a farm, I would see our cats, dogs, and cattle laying in the sun. Animals intuitively understand light has the ability to soothe and heal.
To find proof that sunlight will help slow the spread of pathogens, you don’t have to look far. In 2019, Georgetown University published research showing that sunlight has the ability to modulate the immune system by energizing infection fighting T Cells.14
Sunlight can also increase your body’s production of vitamin D, which is known for boosting the immune system. Depending on your age, skin tone, and the time of year, twenty minutes of sunlight can have positive effects. Definitely, take precaution if you burn easily or have skin reactions to the sun.
2 – Get Restorative Sleep
Proper sleep is a necessity when your goal is to optimize your immune system. Research shows adults who sleep 6-8 hours and children who sleep around 10 hours per night, decrease their stress levels and increase their immune system function.15
3 – Experience Nature’s Negative Ions
Most of us feel better in the sun, by the beach, or in the mountains. Two things found in each of these areas are sunlight and negative ions. The number of negative ions in nature are staggering compared to those found indoors. When we experience nature, we are bathed in negative ions. These ions have been shown to create positive health outcomes.16
There are many benefits to getting out in nature daily. In fact, studies suggest children should play outside every day to improve their neurological and immunological systems.17
4 – Engage in Laughter
Last, but not least, laugh as often as you can. When we laugh, we secrete dopamine and serotonin. It’s easy to see the effects of these feel good hormones on someone’s face after a good episode of laughter.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Milton Berle
Researchers have highlighted the many ways we benefit from laughter.18 It has wide-spread effects on everything from psychology to immunity. Indeed, as Milton Berle said, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
These simple steps are a starting point for better health. If you feel stuck in your quest to find freedom from chronic illness, we are here for you. Contact us to find out how a personalized treatment plan can make all the difference in your health. Learn more here.
References
1.Gerbe, François, et al. “The Intestinal Epithelium Tuft Cells: Specification and Function.” Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, vol. 69, no. 17, 2012, pp. 2907–2917., doi:10.1007/s00018-012-0984-7.
2. Samsel, Anthony, and Stephanie Seneff. “Glyphosate, Pathways to Modern Diseases II: Celiac Sprue and Gluten Intolerance.” Interdisciplinary Toxicology, vol. 6, no. 4, 2013, pp. 159–184., doi:10.2478/intox-2013-0026.
3. Tulstrup, Monica Vera-Lise, et al. “Antibiotic Treatment Affects Intestinal Permeability and Gut Microbial Composition in Wistar Rats Dependent on Antibiotic Class.” Plos One, vol. 10, no. 12, 2015, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144854
4. Leech, Bradley, et al. “Association between Increased Intestinal Permeability and Disease: A Systematic Review.” Advances in Integrative Medicine, vol. 6, no. 1, 2019, pp. 23–34., doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2018.08.003.
5. Mu, Qinghui, et al. “Leaky Gut as a Danger Signal for Autoimmune Diseases.” Frontiers in Immunology, vol. 8, 2017, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00598.
6. “Neurotransmitters.” Neurotransmitters – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/neurotransmitters.
7. Hadhazy, Adam. “Think Twice: How the Gut’s ‘Second Brain’ Influences Mood and Well-Being.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 12 Feb. 2010, www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/.
8. “Response of the Autonomic Nervous System to Auricular Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve (x).” Case Medical Research, 2019, doi:10.31525/ct1-nct04130893.
9. Murray, Aaron R., et al. “The Strange Case of the Ear and the Heart: The Auricular Vagus Nerve and Its Influence on Cardiac Control.” Autonomic Neuroscience, vol. 199, 2016, pp. 48–53., doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2016.06.004.
10. André, Christophe. “Proper Breathing Brings Better Health.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 15 Jan. 2019, www.scientificamerican.com/article/proper-breathing-brings-better-health/.
11. Goodlet, Kellie J, and Kathleen A Fairman. “Adverse Events Associated with Antibiotics and Intravenous Therapies for Post-Lyme Disease Syndrome in a Commercially Insured Sample.” Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29672671.
12. Noverr, Mairi C., et al. “Role of Antibiotics and Fungal Microbiota in Driving Pulmonary Allergic Responses.” Infection and Immunity, vol. 72, no. 9, 2004, pp. 4996–5003., doi:10.1128/iai.72.9.4996-5003.2004.
13. Mobarki, Nuha, et al. “Antibiotic Resistance Crisis.” International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 2019, pp. 561–564., doi:10.24911/ijmdc.51-1549060699.
14. “Sunlight Offers Surprise Benefit – It Energizes Infection Fighting T Cells.” Georgetown University Medical Center, 13 Mar. 2019, gumc.georgetown.edu/news-release/sunlight-offers-surprise-benefit-it-energizes-infection-fighting-t-cells/.
15. “Can Lack of Sleep Make You Sick?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Nov. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757.
16. Mann, Denise. “Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes.” WebMD, WebMD, 6 May 2002, www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes#1.
17. Pellegrini, Anthony D., and Catherine M. Bohn-Gettler. “The Benefits of Recess in Primary School.” Scholarpedia, www.scholarpedia.org/article/The_Benefits_of_Recess_in_Primary_School#The_Benefits_of_Recess_in_Primary_School.
18. Savage, Brandon M, et al. “Humor, Laughter, Learning, and Health! A Brief Review.” Advances in Physiology Education, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28679569.
