As of: February 6, 2024, 8:30 a.m
By: Susanne Sasse
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Many chronic diseases arise in the intestines.
Intestinal health is crucial for the immune system, as it is largely controlled by the intestines.
The intestine – like the brain – has its own immune system.
He needs this because the body's immune system would also attack the intestinal bacteria.
In this way, the intestinal immune system learns which intestinal bacteria and proteins are harmless.
It switches off in relation to these harmless “roommates”.
If this doesn't work, chronic intestinal diseases such as celiac disease and the intestinal inflammations Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can arise, as can food allergies.
Then the immune system reacts to proteins from peanuts, dairy products, eggs and other foods.
Avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates
Flatulence can be very painful and is also a possible indication of intestinal inflammation.
© Antonio Guillem/IMAGO
According to health expert Dr.
Ulrich Strunz, general practitioner, gastroenterologist and former triathlete, often found harmful bacteria in excess.
To curb its proliferation, Dr.
Strunz to an anti-inflammatory diet.
This consists of avoiding sugar and carbohydrates from white flour.
Nuts, vegetables, meat and fish as well as legumes and local fruit should often be on the menu.
A diet rich in fiber also helps high blood pressure patients
Blood pressure is regulated, among other things, by the short-chain fatty acid butyrate.
This is produced by a bacterium in the intestine.
And this bacterium feeds on vegetables rich in fiber.
In addition, according to Dr.
Strunz also usually has fewer bacterial strains that build up the immune system.
If T cells are missing in the body, inflammation can spread more easily.
The microbiome in the gut consists of trillions of bacteria.
These not only help with digestion.
The microbiome also influences weight and psychology.
© Panthermedia/IMAGO
These risk factors are in your hands
Belly fat leads to chronic inflammation and this weakens the immune system - increasing the risk of colon cancer.
Other risk factors include alcohol, nicotine and lack of exercise.
According to Strunz, unprocessed meat from naturally raised animals promotes health, especially if you eat it with vegetables rich in fiber.
Meat from factory-farmed animals, especially when processed into sausage, increases the risk of cancer.
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More tips from Dr.
You can find Ulrich Strunz in his book “77 Tips for a Healthy Gut” (Heyne, 222 pages, 13 euros), in which he dedicates himself to “our super organ”.
The functions of the intestine
The intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients - and these in turn are important for every single cell in our body.
In addition, the intestine not only has to filter out nutrients from food, but also fend off toxins, allergens and dangerous microorganisms such as pathogens so that they cannot penetrate the body.
A healthy intestine can do this. But if it is sick, foreign substances find their way into the body and keep the immune system busy.
Chronic inflammatory reactions occur.
This weakens the body and makes it sick in the long term.
The top foods for a healthy gut:
Delicious and healthy: Vichy carrots are sautéed in butter and then gently cooked in mineral water.
© Monkey Business Images/Imago
The following foods are real intestinal helpers:
Carrots with olive oil or butter: They contain vitamin A, this substance promotes the growth of new intestinal cells.
Since the vitamin is fat-soluble, the intestines also need fat.
Brazil nuts, mushrooms and porcini mushrooms are rich in selenium.
This mineral has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Sauerkraut, yogurt, cheese and apple cider vinegar or even Asian cabbage (kimchi) or fermented drinks such as kefir and kombucha: Fermented foods contain valuable microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.