IMMUNE SYSTEM GUT

Strong immune defence begins in the gut

The intestine or gut is the functional headquarters of well-being and an important immune organ.  As the organ of digestion it ensures that the body is supplied with nutrients.  Good digestive performance is thus essential for physical well-being.  But our gut can do much, much more.  It is the largest immune organ of the human body and therefore directly determines the body's own defences.

Far too often the gut's function is underestimated, but it is our biggest immune organ.  The surface area of the gut's lining measures about 400 m2, where thousands of defence cells are situated.  The gut flora support them in their important task of defending the body against unwanted intruders that gain access via the food we eat.

The gut flora consists of 400 to 500 different types of useful or "friendly" bacteria, all of which have their own specific tasks.  Drugs (especially antibiotics), stress, physical strains caused by the weather and wrong eating habits can disturb the gut flora and thereby weaken the intestine's own immune system.  If the gut flora is healthy, it forms a natural protective barrier against undesirable bacteria and other troublesome substances.