The intestine: a key part of the immune system

The intestine is our primary immune shield, housing approximately 80% of the body's immune cells and the site of the most important interactions between the gut microbiota and the immune system. This interaction allows the gut to distinguish between invasive pathogens and harmless antigens, such as those from food.

Although we don't give it enough importance, the guardian of your health is the digestive system, and specifically the intestine, where almost all of our defenses are concentrated, with more than 1,000 species of digestive bacteria.

It is continually exposed to a large number of dietary antigens, which means it is the gateway for many clinically important pathogens. To protect itself, the intestine employs a series of defense mechanisms that limit the access of harmful substances to the body, including the intestinal epithelium, which forms a barrier against the penetration of microbes.

To what extent do good habits such as diet influence the immune system?

Good nutrition is very important. The cells in our small intestine aren't just involved when we're digesting. They also continue to work while we sleep.

That's why we must begin training it very early in life, with a proper and balanced diet so that the immune system is better prepared to defend us. It's essential to take care of it because it's interconnected with other immune systems in the body. What happens to us in the gut can end up affecting, for example, our lungs. Therefore, taking care of it not only means taking care of our digestive health, but also taking care of our body in general.

80% of the immune system is in the intestine

Every time you eat, your gut is hit by an avalanche of substances with their corresponding antigens, some of which are harmful, but others are beneficial and necessary for your body. Imagine the hard work it must do to differentiate between them, and you can help by providing the right nutrition!

In short, the gut is a crucial organ for immune system health due to its large number of immune cells, its continuous exposure to antigens, and its interaction with the gut microbiota.