(NaturalNews) As we approach the winter months, more and more people will come down with all types of illness. Chances are you have already seen people coming down with colds and possibly even the flu. And similar to most people, maybe you are fearful because you don't want to become another winter time flu statistic. Well, studies and research have shown that proper intestinal flora will equip you with a healthier immune system.
When babies are born, they have a very susceptible immune system. Because they are still developing aspects of themselves, such as their frontal lobes and intestinal lining, their immune systems lack the sufficiency an adult may have. A crucial factor in developing an immune system is proper intestinal strength and health. This can be achieved through intestinal flora eubiosis. This means an individual has all of the essential microflora that enable them to flourish. The "gut" flora have been linked to improving CD4+ T cell numbers, as well as inhibiting their depletion. This translates into stronger immune responses and immunity in general. Our intestinal lining is one of, if not the most important barriers we have against infection and disease. If this barrier is damaged or not functioning like it should be, we are susceptible to many different problems. In fact, research has shown that in HIV-1 ridden patients, increasing microflora, diminishes the speed of the virus as well as some of the concomitant infections the virus contributes to.
Further, flora has been linked to providing anti-inflammatory properties to individuals with auto-immunity. It is known that individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn's
disease have significantly increased levels of inflammation in their systems. This provides a rationale in using "probiotics" to help combat these diseases, due to the diseases' pro-inflammatory natures. Not to mention there is significant research that is now being presented dealing with micro-mimicry reactions due to intestinal fortitude discrepancies. This meaning, autoimmune reactions caused by the body attacking allergenic particles that "leak" into it due to dysfunctional "guts." When combing both concepts, you can see why intestinal health, specifically proper floral counts may contribute to the prevention of varying forms of disease. At the very least we can agree that intestinal health is a key contributor to providing a proper immune response toward sickness and disease.
So before you stand in line to receive your flu shot, ask yourself if you have provided your body the proper nutrients and supplies that it needs in order to properly defend you against disease.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23196853
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23196853
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22292110About the author:Dr. Joseph Bova runs Bova Health and Wellness, which is located in Latham, NY. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in March of this year and is currently enrolled in the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies where he will be obtaining his specialty diplomate in functional neurology. Dr. Bova is also an attendee of Dr. Datis Kharrazian''s functional medicine seminars dealing with additional education in understanding autoimmunity, neurological diseases, nutritional suggestions, hormone regulation and much more. Dr. Bova is thankful for everyday that the Lord gives him to help patients live their lives to the fullest. You can follow Dr. Bova on twitter at BovaJoe, or at BovaHealthandWellness.com.
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