You may have heard in recent conversations or perhaps in recent health news about the importance of having a “healthy gut.” Some of the most most common conditions claimed to be strongly associated with gut health include:
The truth is, there is a large amount of scientific evidence to support these claims! It sounds a little crazy to link all of these issues to your gut, but it makes a little more sense when you start to understand what it means to have a healthy and unhealthy gut.
Your “gut” is the term referring to your digestive tract, primarily the small and the large intestine.
In the past, we were taught that “germs are bad” and that we need to protect ourselves from them. Only in recent years have we really begun embracing the fact that we depend on them for good health! Germs include microscopic living structures such as bacteria. They are also referred to as “microbes.”
Microbes are called pathogens when they are harmful to our health. “Bad bacteria” is an example of a pathogen. “Good bacteria” can also act as a pathogen if it begins growing in the wrong part of the body. However, our digestive tracts, including our mouths and intestine, are supposed to be full of microbes and we actually cannot survive without their presence.
When your gut is healthy:
When your gut is unhealthy:
You can begin improving or maintaining good gut health by first focusing on making your self healthy overall. Your microbiome depends on the host (you) to be healthy in order to flourish. It is important to not neglect any areas of your life! This includes physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual.
If you are worried about your gut health, don't worry too much, there are many ways we can help revamp your gut with healthy bacterial supplements and food. Talk with your Doctor and Dietitian to see if supplementation or a slight diet change is right for you.
Stay happy and healthy! From your health team!