Why does the flu make my IBD (Crohn’s/Colitis) worse?

The basic idea

Bowel diseases like Crohn’s and Colitis tend to be a result of specific immune pathways becoming domiant, and we also know that the flu or flu like viruses share these same immune pathways. So when two things combine and contribute to the same immune reaction, it become worse.

Think of your body and these immune pathways sort of like a bathtub filling with water. As it fills up, you start to get symptoms (crmaping, pain, bloat, urgency, etc.), and when it overflows, you have a flare. And the more it overflows, the more systems in the body become inflamed, damaged, etc., which is where we see things like hair loss, hormonal issues, fatigue, food sensitivities, headaches, and other non gut type symptoms.

So, because IBD is typically a dominance of what’s called your Th2 or Th17 immune pathways, and so is the flu, they're going to combine together to fill up your “bathrub” quicker, and your get a hyper repsonse to the viral infection / flu.

What can you do about it?

The best solution is to always seek out the root causes of your bowel disease - something my team and I do very well. This will help the water to drain out of your bathtub, so your body can begin to heal. But if you’re looking for something quick while you’re going after root causes, it can be a matter of supporting the opposing immune pathways like Th1 and calming the reactions of Th2 and Th17.

1. Anti-inflammatory nutrition:

Goal: Reduce systemic inflammation that drives Th2 and Th17 responses.

Actions:

• Follow a low-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (wild-caught fish, flaxseeds).

• Avoid high-sugar, processed foods that exacerbate Th2 and Th17 pathways.

• Incorporate flavonoid-rich foods (berries, green tea, turmeric).

Supplements:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA): 2–3 grams daily to reduce inflammation and promote Th1.

• Curcumin: 500–1,000 mg/day with black pepper extract for better absorption.

2. Support your Gut Microbiome

• Goal: Modulate the immune system by improving gut health.

Actions:

• Consume fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut) and prebiotic fibers (onions, garlic, green bananas).

• Avoid gut-irritating foods (gluten, dairy if sensitive).

Supplements:

• Probiotics: Look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which help reduce Th17-driven inflammation.

• L-Glutamine: 5–10 grams/day to heal the gut lining and reduce Th2 responses. Just go slowly with this one as some people have trouble with glutamine powders.

3. Optimize Vitamin D and Antioxidant Levels

• Goal: Vitamin D shifts immune balance toward Th1 dominance and reduces Th2/Th17 cytokines.

• Actions:

  • Get 20–30 minutes of direct sunlight daily or consume vitamin D-rich foods (salmon, eggs).

  • Add antioxidant-rich foods to combat oxidative stress.

• Supplements:

  • Vitamin D3: 2,000–5,000 IU daily (check blood levels for optimal dosing).

  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): 600–1,200 mg/day to reduce Th17 and oxidative stress.

4. Balance Stress and Cortisol Levels

• Goal: Chronic stress increases Th2 and Th17 activation. Managing stress supports Th1.

• Actions:

  • Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

  • Prioritize quality sleep (7–9 hours) to regulate immune function.

• Supplements:

  • Ashwagandha: 300–600 mg/day to balance cortisol and promote a Th1 response.

  • Magnesium Glycinate: 200–400 mg/day to reduce stress-induced Th2 activity.

5. Use Specific Th1-Promoting Supplements

• Goal: Directly enhance Th1 while suppressing overactive Th2 and Th17 pathways.

• Actions:

  • Use targeted supplements that are known to modulate cytokine responses.

• Supplements:

  • Beta-Glucans: 250–500 mg/day to stimulate Th1 immunity (found in mushrooms like reishi or in purified forms).

  • Zinc: 15–30 mg/day to support Th1 cytokine production and reduce Th2 dominance.

  • Astragalus Root: 500–1,000 mg/day for its immune-modulating effects.

Monitoring, Adjustments and Precautions

Balacning your immune system is no simple task, so please be careful! It’s important to always tailor dosages and interventions to individual needs and to work with a healthcare provider to track progress and avoid excessive Th1 stimulation, which can lead to autoimmunity.

Ask for help

My team and I are here to help. You can always send me an email or scheudle a call to get help reversing your IBD by using the button below.

Email: josh@gutsolution.ca