Meet IgG & IgA
Both antibodies are important to your immune system, but work in different ways to keep you safe from infections
IgG – Immunoglobulin G
Where It Works: IgG antibodies are found in blood and other fluids throughout your body.
Role: Using inflammatory chemicals, IgG helps fight off infections that have spread throughout your body. In this way, IgG is like a general guard that can go anywhere to find and fight invaders.
In Gut Health: Having a high IgG response to something like Candida (a type of yeast) could indicate your body is fighting a widespread infection. A high IgG response can also generate inflammation, potentially damaging the gut, contributing to leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune distress.
IgA – Immunoglobulin A
Where It Works: IgA antibodies are mainly found in mucous membranes, such as those lining your gut, respiratory tract, and other surfaces that are exposed to the outside world.
Role: If IgG is a travelling general, IgA is a local guard, focusing on protecting surfaces that come into contact with the environment. IgA stops invaders before they can enter your body deeply.
In Gut Health: A high IgA response to Candida in your gut means your immune system is actively fighting the yeast in your gut lining. This fight can cause inflammation and damage the gut barrier, leading to leaky gut and possibly triggering autoimmune reactions if harmful substances leak into your bloodstream.
In Summary…
IgG is a general defender that can fight infections all over your body. High levels in response to gut issues mean a widespread immune response that might result in damage to the gut lining.
IgA is a local defender that focuses on mucous membranes (like the gut lining). High levels of IgA in response to gut issues indicate a targeted immune response right at the gut lining, which can also cause inflammation and damage leading to leaky gut if left untreated.
To learn more about these immunoglobulins, supplements, or functional medicine and how it could benefit you or someone you know, call our office to schedule a complimentary consult or schedule your appointment today!