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diet

Vitamin A

 

In the body Vitamin A is converted into retinoic acid, and retinoic acid is essential in controlling how certain genes work, especially those involved in immune responses and gut lining repair.

 

In the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), including Peyer’s patches, vitamin A helps:

 

  • Train immune cells like T helper cells, T regulatory (Treg) cells, and B cells

  • Guide immune cells to the gut, where they help maintain balance and fight infection

  • Support the function of neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells

  • Encourage the production of IgA antibodies, which protect the gut lining

  • Help immune cells produce the right balance of cytokines to avoid overreaction (balancing Th1/Th2 responses)

  • Increases mucus production from goblet cells, to house more antibodies and antimicrobial factors [25],[26].

Vitamin A, Per Cup
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Pumpkin 
Spinach (cooked) 
Kale 
Collard greens
Eggs
Capsicum
Tuna
Cantaloupe
Apricots
Papaya
Tomatoes
Mango 

Mcgs

1900 mcg

1300 mcg

1140 mcg

950 mcg

885 mcg
6770 mcg
540 mcg
470 mcg
450 mcg
270 mcg
190 mcg
150 mcg
75 mcg
10 mcg

Herbs + Extracts

Herbal Support will be issued in Supplements if deemed necessary

 

Coryceps (C.sinensis)

 

Cordyceps has demonstrated the ability to increase the proportion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes, which are key immune structures in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) which can offer several immunological benefits, particularly in defending against pathogens. 

Cordyceps has also demonstrated an increase in sIgA release, and modulation of the immune system by activation of T lymphocytes in Peyer’s patches.

 

A clinical trial with 300 mg per kilo of body weight of Cordyceps was administered and was found to improve gut structure, increase goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes, and boost secretory IgA. Furthermore, the mucosal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also downregulated while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated. 

 

Another trial showed oral administration of Cordyceps in hot water at 1 g per kilo of body weight per day, for 7 days stimulated the Peyer’s patch cells with an increase in macrophage colony-stimulating factor, promoting the activity of macrophages in GALT [34],[35],[36],[37].

 

Astragalus 

 

Astragalus, a herb with active constituents including saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides. These compounds  support immune function via multiple mechanisms including regulating immune cell signalling, the proliferation and activity of B cells, T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells,  and even immunoglobulin secretion [37]. 
 

Saccharomyces Boulardii (SB)

 

SB is a form of beneficial yeast, with immunological actions that are far reaching, as it acts as an immune agent in itself. In relation to its support with the GALTit is  known to increase the production of SCFAs such as butyrate. Butyrate has been shown to induce intestinal epithelial cell secretion of mucus constituents, such as bacteriocins, along with antimicrobial peptides to support immune function in the GALT. 

 

On an immunological level, SB stimulates the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), a critical component of mucosal immunity. This enhances the host’s defense against microbial toxins and helps prevent the colonization of pathogens. SB also produces anti-inflammatory factors that modulate immune responses and maintain mucosal homeostasis [38].

References

 

[25] https://www.metagenicsinstitute.com.au/tech-data/glutamine-boswellia-bospure-intestinal

[26].https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltaf9269dac47f331a/blt77e65e5bd4cea986/66bc64647cb3ffcecd23bb61/Saccharomyces_boulardii.pdf

[27].https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltaf9269dac47f331a/blt77e65e5bd4cea986/66bc64647cb3ffcecd23bb61/Saccharomyces_boulardii.pdf

[28] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/17/9784

[29].https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962209009487

[30] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-32484-1

[31].https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/articles/mobilising-the-body-s-first-line-of-defence-with-wellmune

[32].https://www.biomedica.com.au/media/contentmanager/content/Gastrointestinal_Tissue_Integrity.pdf

[33].https://www.biomedica.com.au/media/contentmanager/content/Gastrointestinal_Tissue_Integrity.pdf

[34] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8969440/

[35].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758/#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20C.,further%20influence%20systemic%20immune%20function.

[36] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19053874/

[37].https://designsforhealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/DFH_Tech-Sheet_Immunitone_DEC-23.pdf

[38].https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltaf9269dac47f331a/blt77e65e5bd4cea986/66bc64647cb3ffcecd23bb61/Saccharomyces_boulardii.pdf

[39].​​https://www.metagenicsinstitute.com.au/tech-data/Lactobacillus-plantarum-lactobacillus-paracasei-lactobacillus-rhamnosus

[40].https://designsforhealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/DFH_Tech-Sheet_ProbioMed-50_DEC-23.pdf

[41] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813023016835

[42] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11722966/

Vitamin A

Daily intake recommendation:
Women - 700 mcg  |  Men - 900 mcg

Vitamin D

 

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to increase beneficial gut bacteria like Akkermansia. Akkermansia plays a key role in supporting GALT function:

 

  • It stimulates mucus production 

  • It promotes anti-inflammatory signaling within GALT, helping maintain immune tolerance.

  • It contributes to the maturation of immune cells in Peyer’s patches

  • It stimulates the production of secretory IgA
     

Vitamin D also binds to vitamin D receptors (VDRs), which are highly expressed on immune cells such as B and T lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells, once bound it acts in the following ways

 

  • T cells: Vitamin D enhances the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which help in maintaining immune balance.

  • B cells: It influences B cell activation and antibody production, promoting an appropriate immune response while preventing hyperactive responses.

  • Monocytes and dendritic cells: Vitamin D helps to modulate the activation and maturation of these cells, enhancing their ability to present antigens and regulate immune responses.

  • Neutrophils: Vitamin D can enhance the activity of neutrophils by promoting their ability to fight infections and reduce inflammation [27],[28].

 

For a fair-skinned person standing 1 hour in the sun with arms and legs exposed (25% of the body) , in direct sunlight, the body can produce an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 IU of vitamin D.

 

The melanin in darker skin reduces the ability to produce vitamin D, so it can take longer exposure to generate the same amount of vitamin D. Darker-skinned individuals may produce only about 2,000 to 5,000 IU after 1 hour of sun exposure [29].

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Supplements are indicated in accordance with your needs and include the above detailed herbs and nutrients.

Vitamin D

Daily intake recommendation: 600 IU

Vitamin D, Per Cup
Salmon 
Portobello mushrooms 
White Mushrooms 
Mackerel 
Sardines 
Tuna
Shiitake mushrooms

IU

570 IU
400 IU
400 IU
360 IU
270 IU
230 IU
160 IU

High Fibre Diets 

 

High-fiber diets impact which types of bacteria dominate the gut. A high-fiber diet helps increase the abundance of Bacteroidetes. Bacteroidetes are an important group of bacteria found in the gut, which supports T-cell mediated immune responses in the gut and may also help activate immune cells like macrophages in the gut.
 

High fibre diets were also associated with a higher number of M cells in the lymphoid tissue, which helps the immune system respond more effectively to microorganisms entering the gut.

 

Many studies have also documented the benefits of high fibre diets, based on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by the microbiota as a consequence of fibre degradation. SCFAs are known to recruit Treg cells to diminish inflammatory responses, as well as induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides to fight infections. Moreover, a dietary fibre-deprived gut microbiota degrades the colonic mucus barrier and enhances pathogen susceptibility [30].

Total Fibre

Daily intake recommendation: 35 g

Per TBSP
PHGG 
Psyllium Husk 
Chia Seeds
Flaxseeds 
 
Per Cup
Beans 
Avocado
Artichoke 
Green Peas 
Berries 
Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Potato 
Figs 
Quinoa
Oats  
 
Per 1/2 Cup
Almonds 
Pistachios 
Hazelnuts 
Pecans
Walnuts 
Macadamias
Cashews

Grams

5 g
5 g
5 g
3 g


13 - 15 g
10 g
10 g
8 g
7 g
6 g
6 g
5 g
5 g
4 g


9 g
7 g
5 g
5 g
4 g
4 g
4 g

Beta Glucans

 

Beta glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that provide the structure and energy of a plant cell. Beta glucans can be extracted from 

 

  • Barley

  • Oats

  • Mushrooms

 

Beta glucans support immune education as they attach to beta glucan receptors on innate immune cells such as monocytes. Upon detection of beta glucans, monocytes become trained. Trained monocytes are now prepared to respond more efficiently to a threat.

 

Beta Glucans also promote and enhance the activity of white blood cell productions, they activate T cells and B cells and also  improve mucosal immunity and increase salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration [31].

 

Amino Acids: Threonine, Proline and Serine 

 

Threonine, Proline and Serine are essential amino acids from protein, and a major component of the peptide backbone that creates mucin. Mucin is the gel-like substance that makes mucus thick, supporting its integrity and function.

 

Proline and Serine can be synthesised in the body by Threonine is essential and must be consumed. 

The importance of threonine for intestinal mucosal integrity has been demonstrated in research, with  results demonstrating a diet low in threonine can reduce the production of mucin and supplemental support increases goblet cell numbers, which enhances mucus secretion. The increase in Mucin subsequently supports mucus and provides sufficient placement for the guts main immune antibody sIGA [32]

 

Those consuming animal based meat products on a regular basis have no need to supplement with Threonine, although those not consuming animal based meat products are candidates for supplementation requirement. 

 

Glutamine 

 

Immune cells known as lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages utilise glutamine as a fuel source, which supports their division, function and survival. Glutamine also supports the synthesis of nucleic acids and other proteins that are required for lymphocytes to proliferate and communicate [33].

 

Glutamine is rich in animal based proteins, if vegan or vegetarian we suggest supplemental support.

supplement

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