The immune system is one of the body’s most intelligent and complex systems—and it's finally getting the attention it deserves! Acting as your body's natural defence force, it works around the clock to protect you from germs, viruses, and harmful invaders.
Made up of a network of cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, it doesn’t just respond to threats—it learns, adapts, and strengthens over time. Every day, it quietly does the heavy lifting to keep you healthy.
We often assume science and medicine has a solid grasp on how immunity works—but the truth is, we’re still uncovering new layers. For example, it was only recently discovered that the brain has its own tiny lymphatic system—something we never knew existed! And here's another mind-blowing fact: your body actually contains more bacterial cells than human ones, most of which live in your gut. New research is revealing just how closely connected these gut microbes are to the immune system, suggesting that our internal ecosystem plays a far bigger role in our health than we ever imagined.
From a herbalists perspective, immunity is a dance of many integrated systems. I like to call this the “immunity waltz”. Like in any organic system, there is a diverse set of interrelationships - at one level these relationships look obvious; however there are many that we can’t see in this self-organising micro world.
Supporting your immunity through gut health
We have now discovered that a big part of your immune system is actually in your gastro-intestinal tract. We need to nourish the new cells as they are created! We literally become what we eat and drink!
If you want to boost your immune system, start with your gut. Around 70% of your immune cells actually live in your digestive tract, working in constant communication with the trillions of bacteria (both good and bad) that call it home. When your gut is healthy, it helps regulate inflammation, supports nutrient absorption, and keeps your immune response in check.
So how do you keep your gut in good shape? It starts with your diet
1. Eating a wide variety of fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, feeds the beneficial bacteria. 2. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha also help by introducing live cultures that can restore balance to your gut flora.3. Avoiding processed foods and excess sugar is just as important, as they can feed harmful bacteria and create imbalances.
4. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas. Limit alcohol - it can disrupt the gut microbiome by killing off beneficial bacteria and promoting the growth of harmful microbes. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can weaken the gut lining, increase inflammation, and impair immune function over time.
5. Get enough sleep and stay active. These all play a role in maintaining a happy, healthy gut— and, by extension, a strong immune system.
Support gut health through herbs, probiotics and pre-biotics. Use a super antioxidant herbs like Maritime Pine to help restore strength, add Mr Mansfield for gut health.
Your gut really is your second brain—nurture it well, and your whole body will thank you.
