The immune system is a remarkable series of interconnected responses in the body that essentially protect us from harm. A healthy immune response provides a balanced and harmonious reply to triggers such as infective organisms, food allergies and intolerances, an increase in circulating immune complexes (antigens & antibodies), intestinal permeability and microbiome imbalances.
Immunonutrition considers the relationships between nutrition, immunity, infection, inflammation, injury and damage. Optimum nutrition is crucial to the healthy functioning of the immune system and to support the healing and recovery process. Nutrients and specific foods have the capacity to alter how the immune system is responding and to modify any of the unhelpful consequences of its activation.
Autoimmune conditions are medically known as diseases of specific organs and include Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Graves’ Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Type 1 diabetes. However more broadly, the autoimmune process is driven by the immune system. Immune cells attack the body’s own tissues leading to inflammation and damage.
Specific nutrients such as vitamin D, zinc, selenium and essential fatty acids, and dietary protocols such as increased vegetables and fruit, adequate protein and avoiding sugar, support the healthy functioning and balanced response of the immune system. Because 80% of our immune cells are in our gut, improving intestinal and microbiome health is a foundational step and includes:
- Tailored nutritional protocols to optimise gut bacteria populations and the environment they live in
- Dietary plans that improve digestive system health and address nutrient deficiencies and excesses
- Specific combinations of nutritional supplements, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics
- Microbiome testing and analyses
- If indicated, CDSA (comprehensive digestive stool analysis)
Chronic low-grade stress sustains and triggers compromised immunity and autoimmune conditions. This is the space in which the therapeutic yogic practices of meditation, breathing (pranayama), postures (asana) and yogic psychology excel as recovery tools. Practices can help to soothe the nervous system and build resilience – the effortless movement between states of stress and ease.
Celeste will work collaboratively with your GP and specialists to ensure nutritional and lifestyle support is safe and effective.