Immunology
On January 12, members participated in a most informative program from Dr. Brian Jerby, Legacy Health, on how optimizing gut function can make significant progress toward improving health outcomes, including strengthening your immune system…which is more important than ever.
Demonstrating the need for improved gut health, Dr. Jerby shared that if you are a “standard American” in relation to your health, diet, stress level, weight, or exposure to toxins and pollutants, then you likely have some degree of immune dysfunction.
There is a single layer of cells that serves as a barrier between your gut and 70% of your immune system. When functioning properly, a normal mucosal lining acts like a window screen; letting fresh air and sunlight in and keeping pests out. A normal mucosal lining absorbs vital nutrients and elements. When the cell barrier becomes unhealthy and breaks up, it begins to act as a chain link fence, allowing pests in. When mucosal integrity is compromised, negative elements permeate the barrier and negatively impact the immune system.
“The best defense against COVID-19, and any infectious process, is an optimally functioning immune system.” – Dr. Brian Jerby
As such, Dr. Jerby detailed 3 vital links to optimize gut health in order to optimize your immune system.
- Healthy Microbiome
- Healthy Mucosa/mucus
- Healthy Immune Cells
While identifying as a “supplement minimalist”, Dr. Jerby shared his top picks for targeted supplementing to gain gut and immune optimization.
Dr. Jerby emphasized the importance of a diet that meets your personal needs to optimize your own gut. One size does not fit all. He also encouraged folks to visit Environmental Working Group’s website (EWG.org) to learn more about the Dirty Dozen™ (i.e. the twelve crops that farmers typically use the most pesticides on) and the Clean 15™ (i.e. the fifteen fruits and vegetables that have the lowest amount of pesticide residue.)
In closing, Dr. Jerby affirmed that a healthy immune system is the best defense against viral infections.
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