Why is gut health so important?!
Have you ever heard the saying "you are what you eat"?
While it's true that what we eat is important, it's even more important to consider how our body digests and absorbs the food we consume. In fact, a more accurate saying would be "you are what you digest and absorb."
Healthy gut = Healthy human
Unhealthy gut = Unhealthy human
The science is clear: Gut health impacts virtually every system in your body!
Don’t just take my word for it, let’s take a closer look at the science behind why gut health really matters!
To start, we should define what “gut health” even means…
The gut is a complex system consisting of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Within your gut there are trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi - collectively known as the gut microbiome - that live and interact with each other and with our body's cells. Gut health refers to the balance and diversity of this microbiome, in addition to the body's ability to break down, digest and absorb nutrients!
Now let’s get into it!
1. Nutrient absorption: An imbalanced or unhealthy gut microbiome can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies that can impact overall health. For example, studies have shown that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more prone to micronutrient deficiencies. The same can be said for those dealing with low stomach acid (read more about that HERE).
2. Immune function: The gut is home to 70-80% of our immune system and plays a crucial role in regulating immune function, protecting against harmful pathogens, and potentially influencing the development + progression of autoimmune diseases.
3. Brain health: There is a growing body of research indicating that the gut and brain are closely connected, and the health of our gut can have a significant impact on our mental health. The gut microbiome produces a range of compounds, including neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and behavior. An unhealthy gut microbiome may lead to imbalances in these neurotransmitters, which can contribute to conditions such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, inflammation in the gut caused by an unhealthy microbiome can trigger inflammation in the brain, further exacerbating these conditions.
4. Disease prevention: An unhealthy gut microbiome can disrupt the balance of our immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and chronic inflammation. Studies have linked an imbalanced gut microbiome to several chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
What can we do to support our gut? Here are a few strategies….
1. Eat a diverse diet: The more diverse our diet, the more diverse our gut microbiome will be. Aim to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and quality proteins!
2. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: Antibiotics can be lifesaving in certain situations, but they can also disrupt the balance of our gut microbiome. Avoid taking antibiotics when they're not necessary, and if you do need to take them, consider also taking preventative steps to protect your gut!
3. Manage stress: Read the next sentence, and then read it again - You will not have a healthy gut if your body is continuously in a sympathetic, “fight or flight” state. Incorporate stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing daily! Remember, you can’t fill everyone else’s cup if yours is half empty!
4. Up your probiotic game: Probiotics are live bacteria that can be taken as supplements or found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi. Try to incorporate 1 - 2 fermented foods daily. Probiotic supplements can also be beneficial, but remember, not all probiotics are created equally and different strains are meant to treat different symptoms! Before you take a probiotic, I highly recommend consulting with someone to ensure you are taking the most beneficial one for your symptoms!
Does your gut need some extra support?
I offer one-on-one nutrition coaching + functional testing to identify the root cause of your gut imbalances. Together, we can heal your body from the inside out :)
