Did you know that over 70 percent of your immune system is housed in your gut? In fact, every body function is in some way connected to the gut. As a result, repairing the gut repairs the mind and body.
It has been estimated that the human gut houses 100 trillion microbial cells (collectively referred to as the gut microbiota), which is 10 times the number of human cells. In short, we are more bacteria than we are human.
The majority of these bacteria are located along the gastrointestinal tract, and can also be found on the skin, in the nose and ears. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is approximately 25 feet long and is responsible for digesting and absorbing the nutrients in the foods you eat, while also helping eliminate waste products from your body. Beyond these important functions, your GI tract, particularly the intestines, also performs very important immune functions in the body. A healthy intestinal tract is critical for optimal digestive function and immune system support.
Maintaining a balanced ratio of good to bad bacteria is crucial for our health. The more good guys are on your side, the better chance your immune system and gut have a chance to protect the body from the destructive bacteria. While hand washing and common sense can help prevent the spread of illnesses, being mindful of the food and beverages you consume can also help support your immune system and keep you well.
immune system basics
The immune system has a vital role in the body and that is to protect it from foreign and harmful invaders. Specifically, the role of the immune system is to protect the body from illness and fend off unwanted pathogens and bacteria.
It consists of a group of cells, proteins and organs working together to protect the body from germs, viruses, fungi, and pathogens. Immune cells act as your body’s first line of defense – they recognize, identify and neutralize any harmful substances (environmental or pathogenic) that have found their way into the body.
When the immune system is working as it should, it goes unnoticed. However, when it doesn’t work adequately or when you are run down, your defenses become too weak to fight. Opportunistic and bacteria and viruses swoop in and are more likely to make you ill.
gut repair protocol
Much of this protocol comes from Advanced Oil Magic. I highly recommend it if you like having a hands-on resource for essential oils and supplements.
This protocol tames discomfort like gas, bloating and indigestion. It also helps to decrease inflammation and helps heal internal tissue which supports long term mending and gut health, and in turn, strengthens your immune system.
tummy tamer
These products target gas, bloating and indigestion.
According to Medical News Today, Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, refers to discomfort or pain that occurs in the upper abdomen, often after eating or drinking. It is not a disease but a symptom. Dyspepsia is a common problem, affecting up to 30% of the population. Common symptoms include bloating, discomfort, feeling too full, nausea, and gas.
Common causes of indigestion include: Overeating or eating too quickly. Fatty, greasy or spicy foods. Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages.
Digestzen: Drink 2-3 drops in water or take the supplement. Roll on stomach for tummy trouble. The primary benefits are as follows:
- Supports healthy digestion when used internally*
- When consumed, soothes the occasional upset stomach*
- Taken orally, helps reduce gas and occasional indigestion*
- Compliments a comforting abdominal massage with a spicy, sweet, and minty aroma
TerraZyme: Take 1-3 capsules with each meal to experience easier digestive function. The primary benefits are as follows:
- Supports healthy digestion and metabolism of enzyme-deficient, processed foods*
- Supports conversion of food nutrients to cellular energy*
- Promotes gastrointestinal comfort and food tolerance*
- Supports healthy production of metabolic enzymes*
- Proprietary blend of 10 active whole-food enzymes
- Contains the doTERRA tummy tamer blend of Peppermint, Ginger, and Caraway Seed
- Sodium lauryl sulfate-free HPMC vegetable capsules
- Safe and effective
inflammation challenger
According to Healthline, Acute inflammation often causes noticeable symptoms, like pain, redness, or swelling. But chronic inflammation symptoms are usually much more subtle making them easy to overlook.
Common symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
- fatigue
- body pain
- depression or anxiety
- gastrointestinal complications (diarrhea or constipation)
- weight gain
- weight loss
- persistent infections
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for several months or years.
Frankincense & Lemongrass: Take 2 drops each in a veggie capsule 1-3 times a day. Only use Lemongrass internally for 10 days at a time (taking a 2 week break before continuing)
The primary benefits of Frankincense are:
- Ingest to support healthy cellular function*
- May provide a soothing aromatic experience
- Helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections when applied topically
- Supports healthy immune and nervous system function when taken internally*
The primary benefits of Lemongrass are:
- Supports healthy digestion when taken in a capsule*
- Combine with a carrier oil for soothing massage
- Apply diluted after a long run for a refreshing feeling
Helichrysum: Drink 2 drops in water or a capsule or massage a few drops with FCO on the outside of the stomach to ease inflammation and promote internal tissue healing. Fun facts about Helichrysum:
- Sometimes called “liquid stitches”
- Antibacterial
- Anticatarrhal
- Anticoagulant
- Antispasmodic
- Mucolytic
long-term repair
According to Healthline, a healthy, low stress lifestyle with an emphasis on sleep, exercise, and plant-based foods is the best way to support a healthy gut. But if you’re only going to stick with one thing: Change your diet to include more whole foods and fresh vegetables. This will have the single biggest impact.
Once you repair your gut and get your flora back in balance, focus on diet and eating healthy non-processed foods.
Keep in mind, it can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months to heal a damaged or leaky gut.
GX Assist: Having a healthy digestive system affects all facets of the body. When the digestive system is not functioning at its best, there can be a negative effect on every other function of the body. The combination of very powerful essential oils and caprylic acid helps cleanse the digestive system, which helps all other functions of the body perform at their maximum potential.*
Purge the gut of Candida, fungus overgrowth and unhealthy bacteria by taking 1-3 softgels daily for 10 days. Start with 1 and work your way up to 3. (ex. Take 1 on days 1&2, take 2 on days 3,4&5 and take 3 on days 6&7.)
Bone Broth: According to Healthline, bone broth is made by boiling down animal bones and connective tissue. This nutrient-dense stock is used for soups, sauces, and health drinks. The gelatin in bone broth supports healthy digestion. It may be beneficial for individuals with leaky gut, as well as irritable and inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition, the amino acids in bone broth can help fight inflammation. Because of this, eating it may help protect against disease.
Make homemade bone broth or buy it from a health food store. And to a mug and sip warm 1-2 times per day to nourish the gut. It is helpful to cut inflammatory foods as well as dairy, sugar etc. during this 10 day period.
Use the Tummy Tamer protocol on an ongoing basis. (I use it daily) Use the Inflammation Challenger and the Long-term repair protocols in 10 day sprees as needed.
additional products
PB Assist: Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. The primary benefits of PB Assist are as follows.
- Promotes a positive balance and proliferation of beneficial bacteria*
- Maintains healthy intestinal microflora balance*
- Supports healthy functioning of the digestive and immune systems*
- Supports the health of the GI tract, particularly the intestines and colon*
- Helps support optimal metabolism and absorption of food*
Take one double-layer capsule three times daily with food for 10 days each month to promote colonization of friendly digestive flora.* Can be used more frequently and for extended periods of time when digestive flora has been compromised by digestive stressors.
Lifelong Vitality Pack: As one of doTERRA’s most popular products, doTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack is full of essential nutrients, metabolism benefits, and powerful antioxidants designed to help promote energy, health, and lifelong vitality. Take four capsules of each xEO Mega, Microplex VMz, and Alpha CRS+ per day with food. (Start with 1 of each per day and work your way up to 4)
The primary benefits are:
- General wellness and vitality
- Antioxidant and DNA protection
- Energy metabolism
- Bone health
- Immune function
- Stress management
- Cardiovascular health
- Healthy hair, skin, and nails
- Eye, brain, nervous system
- Liver function and digestive health
- Lung and respiratory health
- Gentle on stomach
- Does not contain genetically modified material, dairy-free
Peppermint: You can get the amazing benefits of this essential oil in multiple ways; oil, roller, supplement and beadlet. I have and use all 4 on a regular basis.
For digestive assistance, the easiest solution are doTERRA Peppermint Softgels which provide digestive relief to the lower intestines thereby improving overall digestive health and ultimately whole body wellness.* For adults, take up to two doTERRA Peppermint capsules before meals to reduce occasional digestive discomfort.* For children eight years and older, take one softgel before meals. For best results, take 30–60 minutes before meals. I recommend the beadlets for younger children and those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
The best way to boost your immune system is to keep your gut in check. Follow the protocol and focus on eating whole foods. And remember, be patient. It can take up to 6 months to repair a gut that is out of balance.
*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.