What Is SIBO? Symptoms, Causes, Testing & Diagnosis

The immune system gut health connection has recently taken center stage, and for good reason.

Did you know that 80% of your immune system cells live in your gut? Without a healthy gut, you cannot have a healthy functioning immune system. The opposite is also true, without a healthy immune system your gut health will be less than ideal.

Let me share a bit more about the connection between your gut health and your immune system. I’ll explain why gut health immunity matters, and how a leaky gut can increase your risk for autoimmune disease.

Berberine is a natural compound with a range of health benefits, especially valued in traditional Eastern medicine and now recognized in functional medicine. Known for its positive effects on blood sugar, cholesterol, and heart health, berberine works by activating the AMPK enzyme, which boosts metabolism and supports balanced blood glucose. It also helps with weight management, assists gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it helpful for inflammatory conditions.

Did you know there's a link between autoimmune disease and HPV? HPV can contribute to autoimmune diseases like lupus by triggering immune system responses that mistakenly attack healthy cells. Those with autoimmune disease may also be more vulnerable to persistent HPV infections, highlighting the importance of immune health and HPV management to reduce potential risks.

The phrase “you are what you eat” has one caveat. You could eat nutrient-rich whole foods daily, yet you might not absorb all the nutrients. I believe the phrase should be, “you are what you digest and absorb.” Digestive enzymes help break down our food into their building blocks, including protein. Yet, do you know what enzymes aid in protein digestion?