Many people are surprised to learn that much of the immune system is located in and around the digestive tract. This close relationship is one reason researchers continue to study how gut health influences immune function and overall wellness.

The gut is home to the gut microbiome, a community of bacteria and other microorganisms that help support digestive and immune health, as well as the body’s natural defenses. Research suggests these microbes help support the gut barrier, communicate with immune cells, and play important roles in immune function.

Because diet and lifestyle habits can influence the gut microbiome over time, supporting beneficial gut bacteria has become an important part of maintaining digestive and immune health. Fiber-rich foods, prebiotics, and probiotics are among the most widely studied ways to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Why the Gut Plays an Important Role in Immune Health

Researchers estimate that roughly 70% to 80% of the body's immune cells are located in and around the digestive tract. Because the gut is constantly exposed to food, beverages, and other substances from the outside world, it contains specialized tissues that help monitor what enters the digestive tract and support appropriate immune responses to potential triggers.

To help manage this constant exposure, the digestive and immune systems work closely together. The gut microbiome supports communication among immune cells. The gut barrier, on the other hand, acts as a protective lining that helps regulate what passes from the digestive tract into the body.

When the gut microbiome and gut barrier function properly, they help support the body's ability to maintain healthy immune responses.

How Gut Bacteria Support Digestive and Immune Health

The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. Research suggests these microbes help support a healthy gut environment and play important roles in digestive and immune health.

As a result, researchers continue to study ways to support the gut microbiome, including consuming fermented foods and eating fiber-rich foods that help nourish gut bacteria.

Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help support a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. They may also help support the gut barrier and other pathways involved in digestive and immune health. For some individuals, a probiotic for gut health support or a daily probiotic supplement may also complement a digestive wellness routine.*

Gut bacteria also help break down certain types of fiber that the body cannot fully digest on its own. As they do, they produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). One of these compounds, called butyrate, helps support the cells lining the digestive tract and contributes to gut health.

Fiber Helps Nourish the Gut Microbiome

Fiber does more than help support the gut microbiome. It helps support regular bowel movements, healthy digestion, and digestive comfort, making it an important part of overall gut health. In addition to nourishing gut bacteria, fiber helps support the normal movement of food and waste through the digestive tract.

Research suggests that approximately 95% of Americans don’t get enough fiber, despite its many important roles in digestive health. As a result, increasing fiber intake is often an important step toward supporting gut health.

Choosing a variety of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, oats, nuts, and seeds, helps support digestive health and gut microbiome balance. To promote digestive comfort, increase fiber gradually, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Some individuals also choose to use a gut-health fiber supplement as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Certain forms of fiber, including resistant starch prebiotics, can provide additional nourishment for gut bacteria when dietary fiber intake falls short.*

Daily Habits That Support Gut and Immune Health

The gut bacteria and gut barrier play important roles in supporting proper immune system function. Supporting these systems through healthy daily habits is one important way to promote long-term digestive and immune health.

In addition to eating fiber-rich and fermented foods, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can all help support a healthy gut environment.

Because nutrition and health needs vary from person to person, it is important to work with a qualified health-care practitioner when considering dietary supplements or major diet changes. A practitioner can help recommend personalized strategies that support digestive health, immune health, and overall wellness.*

Key Takeaways

• Much of the immune system is located in and around the digestive tract, highlighting the close connection between gut health and immune health.
• The gut microbiome helps support the gut barrier, communicate with immune cells, and contribute to healthy immune function.
• Fiber-rich foods and resistant starch prebiotics help support the gut microbiome and the production of compounds that support gut and immune health.
• Fermented foods and probiotics can help support gut microbiome balance and digestive wellness.*
• Diet, sleep, stress, physical activity, medications, and environmental exposures can all influence gut health over time.
• Consistent daily habits that support gut health may also help support healthy immune function

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.