Everyone should care about their gut health.

The human body is a fascinating and intricate system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain health and vitality. Among these parts, the gut has a particularly important role to play. Our digestive tract is responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients, but it does much more than that. An overwhelming body of research is now indicating that the gut plays a critical role in overall health, and poor gut health can lead to a variety of health problems.

The gut microbiome, the collection of microorganisms that inhabit the gut, plays a significant role in overall health. These microorganisms help to break down food, produce essential vitamins, and house up to 70% of your immune system. When the gut microbiome is out of balance, a condition known as “dysbiosis” it can lead to a host of health problems throughout the body. Dysbiosis has been linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even anxiety and depression.

One of the key ways that the gut microbiome influences overall health is by communicating with the brain through the gut-brain axis. This communication occurs through the vagus nerve, which connects the brain and gut. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (your happiness neurotransmitter) and GABA (a calming neurotransmitter), that can influence mood and behaviour. It also produces short-chain fatty acids, which have important anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effects.

Several studies have demonstrated the importance of gut health for overall health. A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) had significantly lower levels of certain beneficial bacteria in their gut compared to healthy controls. This study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome for individuals with IBS.

A 2018 review article published in the journal Microorganisms also emphasises the importance of gut health for overall health. Dysbiosis has now been linked to a variety of health problems, including inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. The review also discusses the potential of using probiotics and prebiotics to promote gut health and prevent dysbiosis.

Whereas an imbalance of gut microbes can cause a wide range of symptoms, research indicates that a “leaky gut” – which pertains to the breakdown of the protective mucus layer in the gut, can be an underlying cause of chronic inflammatory diseases which are so predominant in industrialised countries.

Fortunately, there are several lifestyle factors that can promote gut health. These include eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, getting regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding antibiotics and certain other medications when possible.

We now know that maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall health.

If you are struggling with digestive issues or just want to improve your overall health, booking a consultation with a nutritionist can be a great place to start. As a registered nutritional therapist, I can help you develop a personalized plan to improve your gut health and subsequently achieve your health goals.

References:

Bhattarai, Y. et al. (2017). Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol | Toribio-Mateas, M. (2018). Microorganisms | Fasano, A. (2020). F1000Res