What's the best way to support nutrient intake if you suffer from IBS and depleted immune functions?
As a nutritionist I talk about how diet is key, but arguably, do you know what's even more important than diet? Good digestion. Without a digestive system that is working optimally you will struggle to absorb and make use of any food or supplements you put in your body.
For immune health, in particular, Vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc are of utmost importance. But guess what, these are super important for your digestion too.
Zinc supports the production of stomach acid, plus the integrity of the sphincters in the stomach which help protect against unwanted symptoms such as acid reflux.
Vitamin D is antinflammatory plus modulating of the immune system, (much of which resides in the gut), and vitamin C is a protective antioxidant and anti-histamine champion.
Whilst we work on fixing your digestion and optimal absorption, a great way to boost your levels of some of these nutrients is with an extra supplement or two.
You can top up in these key nutrients with an option like Nature C, or handily, A.Vogel's Immune Support has all of these packed in one, together with the unique herbal ingredient Nasturtium, lovely!
How can you manage stress?
Managing stress can of course have individual factors at play, so it's whatever works best for you. However, a technique to return to green throughout waking hours is going to be helpful for me. This can include breathing techniques, exercise, music and/or the inclusion of GABA increasing remedies.
Stress Relief Daytime, for one is a natural remedy made from valerian and hops which can help to relieve mild anxiety and stress. The Passiflora range is another helpful option.
How best to support your digestion?
For managing the symptoms of IBS themselves, the following regime can often be helpful:
- Silicol gel can be taken initially to help soothe the gut lining and reduce irritation which can help to ease troublesome symptoms of IBS, such as diarrhoea.
- Bitter herbs such as Yarrow or Centaurium could also help encourage the correct digestive responses and calm inappropriate inflammation.
- You should also consider taking a prebiotic such as dietary source of L+ lactic acid to help create the right conditions in which these friendly bacteria can do their job.
- Probiotics can also help here in order to help improve digestive function. Prebiotics paired with specific strains of friendly bacteria could help to tackle inflammation and have a synergistic effect in the body.
How best to support your immunity?
The previous aforementioned steps are going to be the foundations of bettering your immune health.
Then, for more direct immune support, you may want to consider trying our Echinaforce echinacea which is licensed for relieving the symptoms of cold and flu by supporting the immune system.
