What Do a Cold, Depression, and Hayfever Have in Common?

If you guessed that they’re all health conditions or even inflammatory ones, you’d be right. But there’s another intriguing link between these three seemingly unrelated issues: they’re all influenced by your gut microbiome, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in your digestive tract.

Wondering how tiny gut inhabitants could impact your throat, joints, or mood? Let’s explore how your gut influences these different areas and learn how to keep your gut from making you sick, sad, or inflamed.

Cold-Busting Colleagues: Your Gut and Immune System Work Hand-in-Hand

Your immune system’s primary role is to protect you from pathogens. Since these harmful microorganisms are often inhaled or ingested, it’s logical that the immune system would focus on your respiratory and digestive tracts. In fact, 70% of your immune system is housed in your gut. This immune presence lies just below the intestinal lining, prepared to respond if a pathogen enters the gut, aiming to prevent illness.

But not all bacteria are harmful; some positively influence your immune system. A healthy gut microbiome interacts with the immune system to enhance your body’s defence mechanisms. However, when the microbiome becomes imbalanced and lacks beneficial bacteria, your body’s ability to fend off infections like colds and flu diminishes.

Fortunately, specific probiotic strains can restore balance in the gut and benefit your immune system. Strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®), Lactobacillus paracasei (8700:2), and Lactobacillus plantarum (HEAL 9) have been shown to boost immune responses and improve infection resistance. For instance, the combination of 8700:2 and HEAL 9 has been found to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. If you frequently battle colds or the flu, working with a natural healthcare practitioner to strengthen your gut microbiome might help.

Jumping at Shadows: The Overactive Immune System

Another result of an imbalanced gut microbiome is inflammation, a hallmark of autoimmune and allergic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and hayfever. In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as threats and launches a response, causing inflammation that leads to symptoms like joint pain, blocked noses, or watering eyes.

Certain probiotic strains, such as LGG® and Lactobacillus paracasei (LP-33®), can encourage the immune system to produce anti-inflammatory compounds, reducing inflammation and its associated symptoms. Studies have shown that LP-33® significantly alleviates hayfever symptoms. LGG®, when taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, can even reduce the risk of eczema in children by supporting the gut microbiome and immune system’s healthy development. If your immune system seems overactive, a consultation with a natural healthcare practitioner can help restore balance.

Gut Feelings: How Bacteria Make or Break Your Mood

Recent research has uncovered an unexpected cause of depression: inflammation. Systemic inflammation (inflammation throughout the body) and inflammation of the brain may contribute to depressive symptoms.

When harmful bacteria interact with the immune system, they can cause gut inflammation, which in turn can lead to inflammation in the brain. This gut-brain connection highlights how the state of your microbiome can influence mood. While specific probiotic strains for improving mood are still under investigation, taking steps to reduce overall body inflammation can help.

Supporting gut health by consuming fibre-rich whole foods is one way to boost good bacteria and positively affect your mood. Additionally, strains like LGG®, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BB-12®) can help rebalance your gut microbiome, particularly if it’s been disrupted by factors like antibiotics or a stomach bug.

Great Health is All in the Gut

Your gut bacteria play a critical role in your immune system, influencing infection resistance, inflammation levels, and even your mood. If you suspect that your gut might be making you sick, sad, or inflamed, consider booking an appointment with Colin or Olive Naturopaths at Nurtura Health. They can assess your gut health and create a tailored plan to improve your symptoms, putting you on the path to better health.