Gut Health:
So the real question is- What is gut health? And what does it mean to have a healthy gut microbiome?
Your Gut Health affects your whole body.
Your body is one system, interconnected. If you have ever had that "gut feeling", it's because your gut is sensitive to emotion. It also is the reason you have probably experienced 'butterflies' or a 'sinking pit' in your stomach. Research has concluded that the gut is connected to the brain, constantly communicating back and forth with each other. This is why the gut is also referred to as the “second brain.”
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Although there is still plenty of research to be done, it has been scientifically proven that the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) system are interconnected. There is a interchangeable connection between the nervous system and digestion. In other words, intestinal/stomach distress can cause or become the product of emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
As we dive deeper into understanding the importance of the gut microbiome and what it means to “heal” it holistically, you will understand that your body and its functions are all interconnected.
And it all starts with good health.
Breaking down the Gut:
The gut plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, hormone production, waste elimination, and communication with the brain. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall well-being and can positively impact various aspects of one's health.
The gut's microbiome is made up of all types of different microorganisms that live in your intestines. These include bacteria, fungi, and viruses that inhibit the GI or digestive tract to help breakdown food into nutrients. Many of these types of bacteria are beneficial to one's overall health, limiting one’s risks of developing certain health issues down the road.
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How does the Gut affect one's Health?
The gut is incredibly complex, and its overall function is vital for good health. It is directly linked to the health and functions of one’s immune system, heart, and brain and can further impact one’s mood, ability to sleep and digestive function.
The gut becomes imbalanced when the growth of harmful bacteria takes over good flora in the stomach. When the digestive system becomes dysbiotic or unbalanced, other aspects of one’s health can be affected.
These imbalances can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, an imbalanced gut microbiome has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders, potentially elevating the risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
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Individuals that fail to maintain a healthy gut microbiome can develop serious illnesses and diseases. An unhealthy gut can impair the absorption of essential nutrients, which may result in deficiencies and weakened immune function. In addition, a lack of sleep, and an unhealthy diet full of highly saturated and processed fats and sugars can cause holes in the gut lining causing toxins to leak into the bloodstream. This results in a “leaky gut”.
Inflammation within the gut can contribute to systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, allergies, and even mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. This is partly in result to an increase in levels of chronic stress, that spike one’s cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
Signs & Symptoms of an unhealthy gut:
There are many different signs and symptoms that play into an unhealthy gut.
Common symptoms include:
-Digestive Issues (bloating, abdominal pain, cramps)
-Food Intolerances (nausea, heartburn, discomfort)
-Unexplained Weight Changes (abnormal weight loss or gain)
-Fatigue & Low Energy
-Mood Disturbances (irritability, anxiety, depression, mood swings)
-Brain Fog
-Skin Problems (acne, rosacea, eczema)
-Autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or celiac disease) may be associated with an unhealthy gut