If stress is ON… the immune system is OFF.
Did you know that around 70% of your immune system is housed in your gut?
“All disease begins in the Gut”- Hippocrates
We often forget about the health of the gut and the connection to the brain and the rest of the body systems. We are hosts to billions of bacteria taking up residence in our gut.
CHRONIC stress…the non-stop ongoing stress actually turns down the ability of our immune system to fight off antigens. When we are stressed- we are more susceptible to infections.
The stress hormone, corticosteroid/cortisol, can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes). -www.simplypsychology.org
The main affect of our stress hormone cortisol switches OFF the immune system which is how our body adapts and reacts to stress or illness.
This means that we need to take priority of our health and work on improving the WHOLE self from the inside out- starting with what we eat, how we eat, when we eat and why we are eating.
ALSO… we need to work on identifying EXTERNAL sources of CHRONIC stress as constant worry and anxiety about the Coronovirus and the state of the world!
We need to also identify HIDDEN internal stressors that are contributing to overloading our “beaker of stress”.
If our immune system is inside out body, mostly in the gut, then we should be concerned about making our gut environment stronger and more resisliants to stressors as viruses, parasites, bacteria and yeast overgrowth.
Did you know that if STRESS is constant- the body dampens the immune system in the gut by turning down first line of defense in the gut – Secretory IgA? What about GALT?
What is GALT? Gut associated lymphoid tissue that works in your immune system to protect the body from foreign invasions in the gut. The “GALT” is the prominent part of the muscoal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and represents almost 70% of the entire immune system; moreover, about 80% of the plasma cells (mainly IgA) bearing cells reside in the gut.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
If stress is ON… our immune system may be turned OFF .
SIgA and our immune system…
Let’s get started by explaining what is SIgA?!?
What is SIgA?
The immune system makes T cells and it makes B cells. B cells produce SIgA which acts as the first line of defense against the entry of foreign substances into the body. These foreign substances could be undigested proteins from foods you eat, bacteria, virus, parasites or molds. SIgA gives us insight into mucosal tolerance.
If you think about it, the body’s mucosal surfaces- the eyes, ears, nose, throat, sinuses, skin, vaginal tract, urinary tract and GI tract are all entry points for various disease causing pathogens. Your body’s way of protecting these points of entry is done with the release of SIgA. SIgA attaches itself to invading bugs and once attached it can trap the invader in the mucosal surfaces and from here neutralize the threat.
https://drhagmeyer.com/heal-your-gut-by-balancing-your-siga-levels/
I look at low SIgA levels as a sign of chronic stress in the body that has drained the immune system. A person with Low Levels of SIgA may have trouble overcoming gut problems or skin conditions, allergies and sensitivities until SIgA levels are corrected. Certain medications can lower levels – including anti-inflammatories, antidepressants. It is important to understand that SIgA test doesn’t tell us the cause of the problem, it only provides clues that further investigation is needed. This is why you will need to work with a functional medicine doctor who can begin to investigate the causes behind the low SIgA. https://drhagmeyer.com/heal-your-gut-by-balancing-your-siga-levels/
“IgA is a type of antibody that protects against infections of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, airways, and digestive tract… it is your first line of defense on the mucosal lining and it makes up a majority of your entire immune system. Some people have a genetic deficiency and present with low levels of SIgA and frequent infections. Others acquire a low level after their intestinal tract becomes over-run with abnormal microbes. SIgA helps to shape the composition of the microbes in your gut!”
https://www.jillcarnahan.com/2012/09/08/low-siga-and-why-it-matters-to-your-gut-health/
As we say and do in our FDN Practitioner coaching programs… “TEST and not GUESS” but also do not treat the lab results or the symptoms. Instead, we conduct a thorough investigation to assess the WHOLE you on the inside and out by collecting clues and data. We work to put the missing pieces of the puzzle back together to repair, rebuild and restore the whole you. We need to conduct selected functional lab tests so we can evaluate your health on the inside out -as we do not know unless we test it with lab tests as the “leaky gut” lab by Vibrant Wellness, the hormone test as the DUTCH Complete and the GI Map.
We don’t know about our HIDDEN internal stressors that are contributing to our overload of chronic stress that impacts your hormones, immune system, digestion, detoxification, energy systems (mitochondria!) and nervous systems (PNS/SNS and Neurotransmitter production.
The GI Map by Diagnostic Solutions (stool) test measures …
The Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) is the first and only stool test in the world to be running full quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on multiple GI targets, including ….
pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria, worms, yeasts, parasites, and comprehensive antibiotic resistant genes, alongside intestinal health, digestive, and immune markers.
Not all pathogens cause disease if they are present. Knowing exactly how much of an organism is present, in combination with immune markers, gives the practitioner important information for better clinical decision-making.
The updated GI-MAP now includes 22 new markers:
- 5 additional H. pylori virulence factors (8 total)
- Epstein-Barr & Cytomegalovirus
- Phyla microbiota ratios
- 5 worm species
- Additional autoimmune and opportunistic bacteria
Food sensitivities and additional sources of ongoing stress (external and internal combined together!) also impact the health of your gut wall lining. We can order lab tests as from Vibrant Wellness to assess gut function and food sensitivities that are contributing to gut stress, mucosal damage, villi atrophy and “leaky gut” issues.
The Wheat ZoomerTM requires a blood draw and fasting for at least 8 hours prior to your draw is recommended, but not required. Comprehensive antibody recognition will simultaneously identify any of the conditions which may be associated with gluten and/or wheat, to include:
- Intestinal permeability (“leaky gut syndrome”)
- Celiac disease
- Wheat allergy
- Wheat germ agglutinin-related vitamin D deficiencies
- Gluten ataxia and other neurological symptoms
- Dermatitis/eczema (skin-related disorders)
- Gluten sensitivity
- Wheat sensitivity
Allergy and the gastrointestinal system
G Vighi, F Marcucci, […], and F Frati
Additional article information
We know now that a healthy intestinal mucosal barrier is essential for optimizing our immune system- and is critical for digestion as well as gut immunity.
We learn in Nutritional Therapy and in our FDN Practitioner training program that the role of the gut is to:
- allow nutrition to pass through the hepatic portal system for proper digestion and assimilation
- should NOT allow for offensive particles to return to the general circulation as the gut is designed to protect us from antigens, pathogens, and immune complexes.
- we want that protection against infections and infestations – so making sure our Secretory IgA is measured at a high level is optimal since they compartmentalize many antibodies that are found in saliva.
- the SIgA is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the body
- our mucosal barrier is similar to our “second skin”
- SIgA is our first line of defense against ingested pathogens
- SIgA is elevated in acute situations as when pathogens and viruses are present
But an important note …
SIgA is suppressed by elevated CORTISOL to DHEA RATIO = excessive chronic stress.
“Functionally, SIgA production will eventually shut down with CHRONIC infection, infestation and inflammatory agents”– Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Association and founder Reed Davis
- G.I. Diseases In Secretory IgA Deficiency
- Autoimmune achlorhydria
- Pernicious anemia
- Villous atrophy and blunted brush border
- Infectious Clostridium
- Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum
- H. pylori, Salmonella
- Inflammatory Celiac
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Neoplastic lymphoma
- Stomach adenocarcinoma
As a certified FDN Practitioner, we do not treat the lab results or the symptoms but treat everything “non-specifically” to help repair, rebuild and restore the WHOLE you from the inside out using the “D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success” protocols which include individualized approach to your diet, rest, exercise, stress reduction and supplements.
You don’t know unless you test…. and the suggested functional labs that we recommend in our FDN “health detective” coaching program include:
- DUTCH Complete Hormone test
- Food Sensitivity lab test
- Metabolic Assessment- liver congestion, protein digestion, oxidative stress
- GI Map- gut pathogens, bacteria, yeast and fungus overgrowth
- Leaky Gut – IP test for damaged mucosal barrier
- Organic Acids Test (OATS)
Of course not everyone wants to run all labs or wants to spend that much money to test and assess what is under their hood. If I were to choose my top three functional labs to get started in my 90-day health re-building transformational coaching program or my “health optimizer” program would be…
- DUTCH Complete
- GI Map
- Vibrant Wellness food sensitivity lab test
ABSTRACT
The gastrointestinal system plays a central role in immune system homeostasis. It is the main route of contact with the external environment and is overloaded every day with external stimuli, sometimes dangerous as pathogens (bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses) or toxic substances, in other cases very useful as food or commensal flora. The crucial position of the gastrointestinal system is testified by the huge amount of immune cells that reside within it. Indeed, gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is the prominent part of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and represents almost 70% of the entire immune system; moreover, about 80% of plasma cells [mainly immunoglobulin A (IgA)-bearing cells] reside in GALT. GALT interacts strictly with gastrointestinal functions in a dynamic manner; for instance, by increasing intestinal permeability in replay to particular stimulations, or orientating the immune response towards luminal content, allowing either tolerance or elimination/degradation of luminal antigens…
What is IgA? IgE? Ig…ABCDEFG…
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670108/
There are five immunoglobulin classes (isotypes) of antibody molecules found in serum: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE and IgD. They are distinguished by the type of heavy chain they contain. IgG molecules possess heavy chains known as γ-chains; IgMs have μ-chains; IgAs have α-chains; IgEs have ε-chains; and IgDs have δ-chains. The variation in heavy chain polypeptides allows each immunoglobulin class to function in a different type of immune response or during a different stage of the body’s defense. The amino acid sequences that confer these functional differences are located mainly within the Fc domain.
Antibody classes also differ in their valency, i.e. the number of arms available to bind antigen. This arises from the ability of certain immunoglobulins to form multimers through linkage of their Fc domains via a J chain. For example, IgM is a pentamer of five identical “Y” shaped monomers. Therefore, the complete IgM protein contains 10 heavy chains, 10 light chains and 10 antigen binding arms (giving IgM a valency of 10).
Access the links below for each of the five primary classes to view their properties:
Human immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the second most common human immunoglobulin in serum. It is secreted in milk and is also the most prevalent lg in secretions (e.g. tears, saliva and mucous). IgA is resistant to digestion and can activate the complement pathway when aggregated.
Human immunoglobulin E (IgE) is expressed on the surface of mature B cells. Human immunoglobulin IgE is the least abundant Ig in the serum and does not activate the complement pathway. Fragment crystallization (Fc) receptors for IgE are found on eosinophils and IgE binds Fc receptors on mast cells and basophils even before interacting with antigen. As a result of its binding to basophils and mast cells, IgE is involved in allergic reactions. This happens when allergen is bound to IgE on cells and releases various pharmacological mediators which cause allergies.
Human IgG (immunoglobulin G) is expressed on the surface of mature B cells and is the most prevalent Ig in serum and the major Ig in extravascular spaces. IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 are complement activators, with IgG3 being the strongest. Human immunoglobulin subclasses IgG1 and IgG3 tend to strongly bind fragment crystallization (Fc) receptors, whereas subclasses IgG2 and IgG4 bind weakly. IgG is also the only human immunoglobulin to pass from mother to fetus to transfer immunity.
IgG and IgA sensitivities are measured in food sensitivity labs as with MRT or Vibrant Wellness Labs. Vibrant Food Sensitivity is an array of 209 commonly consumed food antigens which offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual’s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Using an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient’s specific needs.
Why Test Food Sensitivities?
Food Sensitivity testing can be very useful to help prioritize an elimination or rotation diet. Usually removing foods that the body has produced antibodies to will alleviate symptoms, because the source of inflammation is removed. The ideal time course for elimination is not established. Consider magnitude of antibody response, ½ life of antibodies, patient’s current dietary intake, level of motivation, status of mucosal integrity, and remission and/or progression of symptoms.
https://www.vibrant-wellness.com/tests/food-sensitivity/
If you have the following symptoms, you may be a good candidate for the Food Sensitivity:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Rashes, such as eczema
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin itchiness and redness
- Bronchitis and asthma-like symptoms
- Musculoskeletal joint pain
- Muscle stiffness and swelling
Learn more on …
https://www.vibrant-wellness.com/tests/food-sensitivity/
Abstract
The present report meta-analyzes more than 300 empirical articles describing a relationship between psychological stress and parameters of the immune system in human participants.
Acute stressors (lasting minutes) were associated with potentially adaptive upregulation of some parameters of natural immunity and downregulation of some functions of specific immunity.
Brief naturalistic stressors (such as exams) tended to suppress cellular immunity while preserving humoral immunity. Chronic stressors were associated with suppression of both cellular and humoral measures. Effects of event sequences varied according to the kind of event (trauma vs. loss). Subjective reports of stress generally did not associate with immune change. In some cases, physical vulnerability as a function of age or disease also increased vulnerability to immune change during stressors.
Abstract
Psychological stress has been linked empirically with dysregulation of facets of the human immune system, yet these effects are not the same in every situation or population. Recent research has made strides towards understanding risk factors for immune dysregulation as well as why these risks occur. This review discusses mechanisms and mediators underlying the stress-immune relation, the role of context in determining whether an immunologic responses to stress is adaptive versus maladaptive, and the stress-immune relation in populations including children exposed to early adversity, older adults, and individuals with clinical diagnoses. The reviewed work holds great promise for further elucidating the circumstances under which psychological stress has immunological consequences, and provides new directions for work in this field. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4465119/
Ongoing stress makes us susceptible to illness and disease because the brain sends defense signals to the endocrine system, which then releases an array of hormones that not only gets us ready for emergency situations but severely depresses our immunity at the same time. Some experts claim that stress is responsible for as much as 90% of all illnesses and diseases, including cancer and heart disease. The way it does this is by triggering chemical reactions and flooding the body with cortisol that, among other things, decreases inflammation, decreases white blood cells and NK cells (special cells that kill cancer), increases tumor development and growth, and increases the rate of infection and tissue damage.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-the-mind-heals-the-body/201411/how-stress-affects-the-immune-system
An interesting study on athletes, chronic stress and SIgA response:
Abstract
Exercise is a stressor that is known to in some cases suppress antimicrobial protein levels, particularly secretory immunoglobulin type A (IgA). Athletes in the midst of in-season training often demonstrate declining levels of sIgA as well as increased risk for ailments such as upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it is important to investigate natural supplements that may enhance post exercise mucosal immune function. Methods: Twenty healthy college-aged males volunteered to participate in the present single blind, repeated measures study. Three treatments were administered (botanical spray, botanical drops, placebo) at the onset of 30 minutes of 80% VO2 max cycle ergometer exercise. Secretory IgA and Human Alpha Defensin were quantified in saliva samples 30 minutes and 90 minutes post exercise. Results: Analysis via repeated measures Anova revealed a significant treatment effect at 30 min (p=0.030) with post hoc testing revealing a difference between the botanical spray and placebo (p=0.027), but by 90 minutes there was no differences by treatment (p=0.758). There was no difference by treatment observed at either 30 or 90 minutes for human alpha defensin concentrations. Conclusions: Based upon these preliminary data, it appears that a single dose of the tested botanical blend delivered via mouth spray can increase sIgA, one of the primary anti-microbial proteins in the oral cavity, for a short time post exercise.
Conclusion The present study provides some preliminary evidence that the tested botanical blend can increase sIgA response post-exercise. Further study will be needed to more clearly define the effectiveness of this supplement, and if additional doses post-exercise are warranted to keep levels of immunoglobulins elevated longer. Additionally, further work is needed to determine which component of the mixture caused the noted effect in sIgA.
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr49635
How do we improve our SIgA?
- Start to balance SIgA naturally by following an anti-inflammatory diet.
- The most common food allergens need to be eliminated.
- Run a food sensitivity panel with your functional diagnostic practitioner (FDN-P) so you are not guessing about foods you need to eliminate.
- For sure eliminate all sources of grains– wheat, rye, oats plus corn, milk, soy, eggs, high-sugar fruits, shrimp.
- Ideally sip on a cup of Bonafide Bone broth each day-to improve the gut health by improving Glutathione levels and great source of amino acids to help in repairing the mucosal gut wall lining and improve SIgA levels.
- Key gut health nutrients to optimize the gut function/immune system – vitamin C, zinc, selenium, glutamine, choline, glycine, glutathione and essential fatty acids plus more (mitochondria!).
- Try adding non-denatured whey protein from grass-fed cows to boost glutamine and glutathione levels -as is easily absorbed into the body.
- If they have allergenic reactions to whey than use a hypoallergenic protein powder made up of sprouted hemp and pea protein.
- TEST and not GUESS to find contributors to imbalances and the sources with a FDN Practitioner to investigate on hidden internal stressors and contributors chronic stress- HPA Axis/hormone, food sensitivities, gut pathogens/parasites, daily external life stressors, quality of sleep cycles and supplementation where needed
- Colostrum is an immunoglobulin that boosts SIgA levels. Colostrum is loaded with antibodies that support both High and Low SIgA levels. Fermented dairy from 100% grass-fed cows is loaded with acidophilus, bacillus and saccharomyces boulardii species of probiotics that all help to stimulate SIgA levels.
- Beta Glucans could activate the immune system.
- S.boulardi is a favorite to boost the production of SIgA.
- A spore-based probiotic helps your Gut- Benefits of Bacillus Coagulans (B. Coagulans):
- Helps the good bacteria successfully colonize in your gut
- Potent immune stimulator
- Reduces oxidative stress in the gut mucosa and has
- Long history of studied use in IBS, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis
- Reduces bloating and intestinal gas
Prolonged bloating keeps the IC valve open and this allows for bacteria in large intestines to migrate into the small intestines. Bacillus coagulans along with lacto and bifido species produces lactic acid, which has been shown to help protect the gut and boost immune resistance to viruses. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
The other spore forming probiotic strain that I like to see is Bacillus Subtilis (B. Subtilis)
1. Supports gut repair by increasing secretory IgA and improves N-Butyrate levels
2. Produces over 12 different kinds of antibiotics
3. Ferments Vitamin K in your gut
4. Has a positive impact on inflammatory and autoimmune markers
https://drhagmeyer.com/heal-your-gut-by-balancing-your-siga-levels/
What can you do to reduce external sources of CHRONIC Stress?
Well you can learn from my personal story that I shared in my book “LIFE IS NOT A RACE” (find on Amazon) but really learning how to identify your external red flags, triggers, energy robbers, environmental and emotional toxins. Then we need to test and assess our internal CHRONIC stressors that are contributing to our imbalances and dysfunctional since these H.I.D.D.E.N. internal stressors are chronic- ongoing and impact your ability to optimize your health from the inside out…even if you are eating low-carb, balancing your macronutrients based on your MT and avoiding sensitive/reactive foods.
Exercise, sleep, movement, time outside, hydration, and happiness-play, laughter and gratitude are all ESSENTIAL elements of making SELF CARE a priority and an essential part of “The WHOLESTIC Method” eight elements to transforming the WHOLE you for optimal fat loss, health, performance and longevity.
How can you slow down, push “pause” and “reset” more often during the day to “REBOOT the WHOLE You“?
Make a list and check it off when done each day.
Here are some reminders and perhaps new suggestions…
- Start adding in some daily relaxation exercises as breathing exercises, meditation and guided imagery.
- Find a mantra as mine to think “positive thoughts, positive attitude and positive vibes” each day. Post the words somewhere where you look often during the day. Negativity can create a source of chronic stress, anxiety and depressed immune system.
- Self awareness of how you talk to yourself and others… behavior modification techniques are beneficial to our immune system in a round about way. “Changing how we act can often break habits that trigger stress reactions”- Psychology Today article
- Social support is essential even with our distance rule right now and lack of contact with each other (coronovirus). Maybe we need to use ZOOM or SKYPE more often right now to maintain social interaction so we do not feel isolated. “People with strong social support have better overall health and are more resistant to infection and disease” (Psychology Today). BUT I don’t think this research study included social media as your “social support”…live interactions with real people face-to-face is ideal when we are not in a state of crisis with a virus spreading.
- and more to come on the podcast and in my manual “The WHOLESTIC Method” available on Amazon.
Remember… “SIgA is the most abundant and vital antibody in the body’s first line of active defense. … New research indicates that sIgA plays an important role in overall immunity, including its ability to maintain homeostasis in the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.”
https://www.embriahealth.com/
Exercise is a stressor that is known to in some cases suppress antimicrobial protein levels, particularly secretory immunoglobulin type A (IgA). Athletes in the midst of in-season training often demonstrate declining levels of sIgA as well as increased risk for ailments such as upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it is important to investigate natural supplements that may enhance post exercise mucosal immune function. Conclusions in the study: Based upon these preliminary data, it appears that a single dose of the tested botanical blend delivered via mouth spray can increase sIgA, one of the primary anti-microbial proteins in the oral cavity, for a short time post exercise.
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr49635
In an upcoming blog and podcast episode- we will dive deeper into how to optimize our mitochondria in order to improve our immune system, chronic fatigue, fat loss, performance and longevity.
The WHOLESTIC METHOD Health Detective Program: Stop GUESSING and start TESTING with our total body transformation program working from the inside out.
This is a 3-month commitment or longer program to dive deep into an investigation into transforming the WHOLE you.u We start by collecting clues and data about your needs, goals and main health concerns by running functional labs, nutritional therapy assessment, “METABOLIC CHAOS” assessment, Metabolic Typing, DNAFit, and more clues to help identify your sources of external and internal stressors. We create a “D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success” protocol based on our findings then re-asses and re-correct as needed until you reach your fat loss, health and fitness goals.
A consultation/interview/assessment is required before committing to the program with Debbie Potts to make sure it is the right program for you and personality match.
Debbie Potts
Health Coach, Author, Speaker & Podcaster
Host of The Low Carb Athlete Podcast
The WHOLESTIC Method Coaching Program
FNTP, FDN-P, NASM CPT, CHEK HLC, Kion Coach
BURN FAT. OPTIMIZE HEALTH. IMPROVE PERFORMANCE.