Effect of Gut Bacterial Flora on Body Defense
Oliwia Kaczmarek
2026-03-16
6 min. read
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Although the slogan „defense comes from the stomach” sounds like a contrived advertisement, it contains a lot of truth. Half of the immune system is located in the gut. The composition of the gut bacterial flora impacts defense mechanisms. What damages the gut bacterial flora and thereby weakens defense mechanisms? How can we prevent it?
The gut's impact on the immune system
The small intestine is primarily recognized as a vital component of the digestive system, primarily responsible for breaking down and absorbing nutrients. However, it also plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of the immune system, which safeguards our body from harmful pathogens on a daily basis. Beyond its digestive function, the small intestine serves as an essential organ of the immune system, as approximately 80% of all immunoglobulins (immune cells) are produced within it. Additionally, more than half of all circulating lymphocytes (cells of the immune system) are located in the intestines. Consequently, it is no surprise that the "center" of our immune defense resides in the gut. This is where daily interactions occur between the external environment (food, liquids, and bacteria) and the internal milieu. To effectively manage the constant influx of pathogens, the gut has developed defensive mechanisms that prevent harmful substances from passing from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. These mechanisms include the intestinal barrier, composed of gut microbiota, GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue), and so-called tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, whose selective permeability allows only beneficial substances to enter the bloodstream.
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