The Importance of Gut Health

Gut health is an increasingly important topic in the field of health and wellness, and for good reason. Our gut, also known as the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that are essential for our overall health and well-being.

The gut is responsible for digesting and absorbing the nutrients from the foods we eat, as well as eliminating waste products from the body. It is also home to the gut microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms that play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the gut and the rest of the body.

There are several key factors that can impact gut health, including:

Diet

 The foods we eat have a direct impact on the health of our gut microbiome. A diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. In the same manner, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars can disrupt the balance of the microbiome and lead to gut issues.

Stress

Stress causes chemical changes throughout the body which can lead to loss of appetite, cramping, bloating and diarrhea. Chronic stress has been linked to a number of more serious gut issues, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers and vomiting. 

Sleep

 Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, and it is also important for the health of the gut. Poor sleep quality can wreak havoc on the body as a number of daily bodily functions are dependent on the body having a healthy sleep pattern such as our circadian rhythm, digestion and metabolic rate. If the microbiome is upset too much it can lead to insomnia

Exercise

 Regular physical activity has been shown to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and improve overall gut health. Exercise increases blood flow to all muscles of the body, including the intestines. Healthy blood circulation enables the gut to properly digest food, allowing it to pass through much quicker. 

Here are a few ways to support your gut:

Having a complete diet

Having a complete diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods goes a long way towards prepping your gut to perform properly. This diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Foods high in fiber are great as well, such as apples and figs. 

Having a balanced schedule

A good start to combatting gut issues is making sure your schedule is balanced. If it is all over the place, it's easy to become stressed. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, as well as moderate exercise a few times a week. It may also help to meditate or practice yoga and deep breathing.

Supplements

Though we recommend to first find nutrients in whole foods, supplements can be a good salve to deficiency issues. Your gut needs two compounds almost exclusively to function well: probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can support the health of the gut microbiome. Prebiotics act as food for these microorganisms to help promote healthy bacterial growth. 

The gut is a complex and sensitive system, but with the right diet and lifestyle problems can be nonexistent. Remember,  your body treats you only as well as you treat it. If you pay the time and attention to your health, your body will reward you tenfold.