Why Gut Health Matters
Have you ever heard the phrase “You are what you eat”? Turns out, this statement is more accurate than we thought. The health of your gut is critical to your overall health and wellbeing. Our gut obviously impacts digestion and the absorption of nutrients, but what else? In this blog post, I’ll discuss the importance of gut health and offer you tips on how to improve and take care of it. Let’s do some Gut Talk.
So, Why Does Gut Health Matter?
Gut health matters so much more than we initially thought. Apart from Digestion, it also greatly impacts Immunity, Skin Health, Mental Health and Sleep.
Without gut health, there is a very high chance your physical and/or mental health is suffering. It’s all interconnected and it all begins with the gut.
The main components of health
Digestive health
The most apparent reason why gut health matters is for proper digestion. When your gut is healthy, it helps break down the food you eat and absorb essential nutrients. If your gut is not healthy, you may experience digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. By taking care of your gut, you can improve your digestive health, reduce inflammation, and increase nutrient absorption, providing the essential elements for your body to function optimally.
Immune function
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that form your gut’s microbiome. These bacteria play a crucial role in your immune system. They help to protect your body from harmful pathogens and viruses. A healthy gut microbiome can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. By taking care of your gut, you can improve your immune function and overall health.
Mental health
Your gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis. Your gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are essential for mood regulation, anxiety, and stress management. A healthy gut can improve your brain function, mental wellbeing and protect you from developing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Skin health
Your gut’s health also affects your skin health. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it reflects your overall health. A healthy gut promotes skin health by regulating inflammation and promoting healthy bacterial growth. By taking care of your gut, you can improve your skin health and reduce the risk of developing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. If you have chronic skin issues, it is almost always linked to what you eat.
Sleep
You might not have thought of this one, but your microbiome actually helps control your sleep-wake cycle! Through the gut-brain axis, your gut not only sends signals to your brain but also releases various hormones, such as serotonin and melatonin, which regulate mood and sleep, respectively. Poor gut health can lead to an imbalance in these hormones, leading to disrupted sleep patterns.
Tips to Improve you Gut Health
Now on to tips for taking care of your gut - the following are what I consider the foundations. All of these will improve your gut health (and as you now know, overall health). Every step and tiny action matters so take it slow and enjoy reaping the benefits!
Eat a whole foods diet rich in fibre, fruits, and vegetables.
Avoid processed foods, added sugars, vegetable/seed oils and trans fats. “No Packaging, No Problem".
Drink plenty of filtered water and avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
Reduce stress levels through meditation, grounding or gentle movement.
Exercise regularly - going for a walk every day is a great way to start. And YES, exercise does impact our microbiome positively. I’ll say it again, it is all interconnected! :)
Consume fermented foods* daily, like yogurt and sauerkraut or kimchi.
*Depending on where you are in your journey, these can worsen symptoms in some people so go slow or remove completely for now if you have a gut-related condition and experience symptoms.
I hope these simple tips help you find a more balanced state and guide you towards your healthier best self! The health of your gut affects not only your digestive system but also your immune system, mental health, skin health and sleep quality. By taking care of your gut through a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. It’s never too late to start implementing lifestyle changes. Your body will thank you for it!