Why is gut health so important?
Table of contents
- What is Gut Health?
- Why should we pay attention to gut health?
- What factors affect our Gut Health?
- 5 Ways to Improve Gut Health
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ’s
What is Gut Health?
You must have heard of “Gut Health,” wondering what it means. Gut health isn’t just about the good digestion of food as it relates to the health of the entire body. With the advancement in studies, evidence shows that a healthy gut microbiome is vital for our immune system and mental health.
Our gut plays its role in breaking the meal into its functional form so that it can enter the bloodstream and be transported where it is required. Unfortunately, it can go wrong in several stages, for example, severe food intolerance to complex digestive diseases, and complications in our body’s nutrient extraction process.
Why should we pay attention to gut health?
Our food is broken down into a simpler form in our gut, entering the bloodstream and delivering nutrients to our body. This whole process is possible with a healthy digestive system. A healthy gut has immune cells and bacteria to prevent infections against agents like fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
Besides, a healthy gut communicates with our brain through hormones and nerves to maintain overall health and wellbeing.
What factors affect our Gut Health?
There are many factors can contribute to poor gut health. Some of the common ones are:
Stress
Stress increases the intestinal permeability (leaky gut), tipping the scale towards an imbalance of microbiome in the gut.
Poor nutrition
Many people eat a lot of sugar and processed food that can harm the beneficial bacteria in our gut resulting in inflammation throughout our body.
Long-term use of antacids and antibiotics
They all decrease the B12 level in our gut, which is essential for proper brain function, cell production, and energy. In addition, these also harm the gut’s good bacteria. Note that there is a time for such medications, so try to consult your doctor before using any of these medications.
5 Ways to Improve Gut Health
Fortunately, in many cases, patients find that by making a few changes in their lifestyle, they can heal their gut and balance their microbiome. Some of these changes include healthy eating, getting proper 7 to 8 hours of sleep, exercising, practicing mindfulness, and managing their stress levels.
However, some people may need more than these things, but these are the vitals to start with those items. Here are the most effective ways to improve your Gut Health:
- Limit your artificial sweeteners
- Eat more dark chocolate or food with polyphenols
- Fermented food with beneficial bacteria
- Eat more whole grains, fresh fruits, veggies, beans, and nuts
- Blend in the spices
Final Thoughts
Remember that healing your gut can take time, consistency, and dedication. Neither your microbiome gets unhealthy overnight, nor can you fix it in one night. Eating healthy food, taking proper sleep, and managing your stress can benefit your gut in the long run.
FAQ’s
What is the cause of poor gut health?
Diet and lifestyle factors like poor sleep quality, alcohol consumption, inactivity, and lack of healthy nutrients are the leading cause of poor gut health.
How do I know if my gut is healing?
You will automatically know when you start enjoying food that once gave you digestive issues, mood issues, brain fog, headache, and other leaky gut symptoms. You will be able to add more variety of food into your diet.
References
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/what-is-gut-health-and-why-is-it-important/2019/07#:~:text=A%20healthy%20gut%20contains%20healthy,general%20health%20and%20well%2Dbeing
- https://www.parkview.com/community/dashboard/the-importance-of-gut-health
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health
- https://www.healthline.com/health/gut-health
- https://www.livescience.com/what-is-gut-health-and-why-is-it-important
- https://www.eatthe80.com/love-your-gut-why-a-healthy-gut-is-so-important/