When it comes to the connection between the digestive system and other organs of the body, the immune system is an essential part. The digestive system and the immune system are closely related and play a central role in the body’s immune health. A healthy digestive system means a healthy immune system.

1. What is a healthy digestive system?

A healthy digestive system is one that is supported by a strong immune system, protecting the body from constant attacks from pathogens in food. The most obvious sign of a stable digestive system is that food is well digested when entering the body, nutrients are fully absorbed and waste is easily excreted, allowing children to grow well and achieve average weight indicators as recommended. In addition, the following signs show that children have a healthy digestive system:

–        Children like to eat and eat a variety of foods.

–        Good food absorption, regular bowel movements, soft, moderate stool consistency.

–        Rarely have digestive problems such as indigestion, enteritis, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, etc.

–        Sleep well at night, without being startled or losing sleep.

–        Rosy, fresh skin tone, energetic body.

Creating healthy eating habits for children is the key to building a healthy digestive system

2. What is a healthy immune system?

Children with strong immune systems are generally healthy and less likely to get sick. A strong immune system helps children to have fewer colds, diarrhea, or respiratory infections. This shows that the body is ready to fight off pathogens.

Developing a strong immune system in childhood lays the foundation for better long-term health. Children with strong immune systems are less likely to develop chronic diseases later in life. Here are some signs of a strong immune system in children:

• High resistance: One of the most obvious signs of having an effective immune system is high resistance. A healthy immune system acts as a protective barrier that helps the child’s body fight many types of infections, viruses and bacteria that can cause disease. As a result, children are less affected by infectious agents when exposed to the outside environment.
• Quick recovery after illness: In case your child gets sick, an optimally functioning immune system allows him or her recover faster. A healthy immune system helps your child’s body identify, fight and eliminate pathogens quickly, thereby reducing the severity and shortening the duration of illness.
• Good digestion: 70% of the body’s immune system is located in the intestines. When children eat well, absorb, digest well and have quality sleep, it is also a sign that they have a healthy immune system.

A healthy immune system protects children from several pathogens

3. The relationship between the digestive system and the immune system

A healthy digestive system supports a strong immune system, protecting the body from attacks from pathogens in food. Conversely, a healthy digestive system is needed for the immune system to function smoothly and be activated effectively when harmful agents invade. In the digestive system, nutrients are absorbed and metabolized to produce elements that make up the components (antibodies, cells) of the immune system.

About 70% of the body’s immune system is located in the intestine. Inside the intestinal wall, there are special areas called gut-associated lymphoid tissue that produces and stores immune cells to monitor what passes through the intestine. They recognize, identify, and neutralize any harmful substances that enter the body.

Therefore, to have a good immune system, we need a healthy digestive system. If there is a problem with the intestine, the body is very susceptible to constant infections and prolonged digestive disorders, making the child’s immune system weak. Not only that, children are also susceptible to nutritional deficiencies due to their ability to absorb nutrients gradually decreasing. A healthy immune system is the key to good digestive health.

More than 70% of the body’s immune system is located in the gut

4. How to keep both the digestive system and the immune system healthy

Immune cells in the gut interact with the intestinal microflora and are directly affected by diet and lifestyle. Therefore, adequate nutrition plays an extremely important role in the process of building and strengthening a healthy immune system as well as improving overall health for children. Poor diet can weaken the immune system, leading to a higher risk of infection.

In addition, supplementing probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics that nourish the intestinal microflora as well as natural antioxidants in the form of plant polyphenols, through a diverse diet, rich in vegetables and fruits… also maintains a healthy digestive system, protecting health in long-term.

In particular, Postbiotics are biological compounds with superior properties for the digestive system:

• Enhance immunity: Postbiotics allow the regulation of intestinal microflora, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and regulate host immunity.
• Postbiotics contain antibacterial substances such as lactic acid and bacteriocin, which can promote a balanced intestinal microflora.
• Regulate metabolism: Postbiotics play a role in combating metabolic disorders such as obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
• Enhance epithelial barrier function: Postbiotics protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. For example, postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus paracasei can maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

Postbiotics – a powerful assistant for a healthy digestive system.

With outstanding advantages, postbiotics are widely used in products that support digestion and enhance children’s immunity. Therefore, Nutricare nutrition experts and the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI-USA) have pioneered research and breakthrough application of Postbiotics technology and successfully developed the nutritional product Metacare Opti. Metacare Opti provides 30 billion probiotics (Postbiotic LBiome and Postbiotic L. Lactis Plasma) to help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, support the natural immune system, thereby supporting the body against the invasion of harmful bacteria. At the same time, the product contains HMO combined with fiber, supporting a healthy digestive system for children, preventing constipation, and supporting the balance of intestinal microflora.

Children’s digestive systems are constantly developing to increase beneficial intestinal bacteria, supporting better immunity. Therefore, parents should build an immune “stronghold” for their children through a healthy digestive system, which is the foundation for their children’s lifelong development and health.