The Gut - Immune Connection

https://www.meilimedicine.com/post/the-gut-immune-system-connection
06-16-2021

Why healthy gut flora equals a robust immune system.


Right now there is more focus than ever on having a healthy immune system. In the face of the novel coronavirus, many are looking to keep their immune system strong. But what does that mean and how do you improve the function of the immune system? Here we will discuss the importance of a healthy flora gut, how your gut is connected to your immune system, and how you can ameliorate your gut flora to improve overall immune function.


What is the immune system?


The immune system is made up of cells, tissues, organs, and systems that act as the defense mechanism of the body. Lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, include T-cells, B-cells and NK cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. Each one of these cells carries out its own specific function to fight off infection from bacteria, virus, parasites, cancerous cells, & various microbes.


How is the immune system connected to the gut?


Up to 70% of your immune system is in your gut. “Gut-associated lymphoreticular tissue (GALT) is one of the largest lymphoid organs, containing up to 70% of the body’s immunocytes.” Here are a few examples of the gut- immune connection:

Peyer’s Patches

Peyer’s Patches are lymphatic tissues found in the mucous membrane of the ileum, a section of the small intestine. This lymphatic tissue contains T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages. These cells clean out & fight off infections. They can become inflamed from fighting infection therefore negatively impact immune function.

Immunoglobulin A

IgA is an antibody produced by lymphocytes in the gut wall. IgA plays a crucial role to prevent unwanted antigens passing through to the circulatory system. When there is an abundance of unhealthy gut flora there is a drop in the production of IgA.

Cytokines, interferons, & other proteins

These are all proteins that regulate immune response to specific viral infections. When gut flora is out of balance these protein levels are impacted along with a drop in macrophages, lymphocytes, & IgA. This has reaching impacts beyond the gut; it affects the body’s entire immune system.

Vitamins

Healthy gut flora is essential in synthesizing essential vitamins such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, A, D, and K2.



How to build healthy gut flora to improve your immune function.


Building healthy gut flora and repairing intestinal permeability involves a 4 step protocol, known as the 4 R’s of gut repair. This protocol removes inflammatory foods, rebalances gut flora, repairs intestinal permeability, & improves overall immune function.

If you are interested in learning how Meili Medicine can guide you on a step by step plan to keep your immune system resilient by healing your gut, book here at


https://www.meilimedicine.com/onlinebookings

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LIVER ANATOMY & FUNCTION

https://www.meilimedicine.com/post/liver-anatomy-function
06-16-2021

The liver is a multifunctional accessory organ of the gastrointestinal tract. It weighs about 1500 grams which is roughly 3.3 lbs. It is inferior to the diaphragm and located in the upper right quadrant of the abdominal cavity, and it partially extends to the upper left quadrant. The liver has four lobes and performs over 500 various functions.


Some functions include:


Cleans the blood

Regulates balance of thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones

Produces bile to break down fats

Converts proteins and sugars into usable nutrients

Generates immune factors and removes bacteria from blood

Converts toxins to body waste products to be eliminated

Metabolizes pharmaceutical/recreational drugs

Eliminates toxins from the bloodstream

Stores vitamins and minerals to be released when needed






Two-thirds of the blood supply is through the hepatic portal vein. The remainder is from the hepatic artery.


Few Fun Facts:

Bigger than your brain

Regenerates itself

Makes blood

Metabolizes drugs

Largest internal organ

Vital organ & a gland


One cranial nerve that innervates the liver is the vagus nerve. This nerve is involved in the parasympathetic nervous system.


The liver is essential for life. We cannot live without it. Therefore we should take care of it if we want to live a long, vital, and healthy life.


Roles of the liver include:

Metabolic

Exocrine

Endocrine

Detoxification

Protein synthesis

Biochemical production

Nutrient absorption


Interested in learning more? Check out our new program called Better Liver. With summer arriving, now is the perfect time to improve your liver functions.


https://www.meilimedicine.com/betterliver

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LIVER FUNCTION, ISOTHIOCYANATES, & GLUTATHIONE PRODUCTION

https://www.meilimedicine.com/post/liver-function-isothiocyanates-glutathione-production
06-16-2021

The liver breaks down, synthesizes, & metabolizes compounds, including toxins to be excreted through urine or bowels. The liver also processes pharmaceuticals, nutrients, or hormones to be converted into a usable form. This is a 3 phase process.


Phase 1 - Biotransformation

Phase 2 - Detoxification - Conjugation

Phase 3 - Excretion


We discuss each one of these phases in more detail in the Better Liver program.


Isothiocyanates are a family of organic compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.


Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate that activates various pathways which promote health.


Notable Sulforaphane Functions:

Activates Phase 2 Conjugation

Deactivates Phase 1 - biotransformation enzymes → deactivates carcinogens

Augments expression of NQ01 gene → increases glutathione (master antioxidant)

Activates NRF2 Pathway → activates a protein that regulates antioxidants


Sulforaphane is an important compound that deactivates carcinogens, drives healthy glutathione levels, and regulates antioxidants. Sulforaphane is known as the “most powerful superfood” available.


SO what does this all mean??

Decrease risk of cancer

Increase detoxification pathways

Decrease cardiovascular disease

Increase antioxidant production

Decrease risk of neurodegenerative disease

Anti Aging properties


Glucoraphanin is a precursor to sulforaphane.


Glucoraphanin is found in high concentrations in broccoli sprouts.


Myrosinase is an enzyme that breaks down glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. This enzyme is catalyzed through mastication, heat, pH, and pressure. One study found that heating your broccoli sprouts will increase the amount of sulforaphane. When sulforaphane is increased the health benefits of this powerful superfood are increased.



How to increase the bioavailability of sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts by 3x


Heat water to 70*C or 158*F

Thoroughly soak sprouts in heated water.

Soak for 10 minutes

Drain water & enjoy. Sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.


The optimal amount of broccoli sprouts to achieve wellness is about 60g a day. It can be blended in a smoothie and added to salads or soups.

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