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The health of your gut has a huge impact on your body and it goes a long way in determining your overall health. The trillions of bacteria present in the digestive tract make up the gut microbiome (made up of good and bad bacteria, yeast, fungus molds, etc). And they help in digestion and contribute to the health of our entire body, including our brains, immune system, and more.
Below are some ways your gut health impacts your overall health:
The immune system
The bacteria in the gut microbiome play a fundamental role in protecting us against infections. The beauty is that our immune system which detects and destroys pathogens does not attack the bacteria in the gut microbiome. Instead, it works in a mutually beneficial partnership and helps to maintain the symbiotic relationship of the host with these microbes.
That’s more reason why the bacteria in our gut have a large influence on our susceptibility to immune-related diseases. So when we eat foods that can be disruptive to our health our gut works as our first line of defense.
Digestive health
Many good bacteria in our gut help with digestion, nutrient absorption, and even more functions. But when there is a disruption in the balance of gut bacteria, this can often lead to various gastrointestinal problems, including Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Brain health
You might have noticed a sick feeling in your stomach whenever you hear bad news or you’re in a stressful situation. That’s because the gut has a strong connection with the brain. In fact, there is a constant flow of signals between the brain and the gut via the enteroendocrine cells located in the lining of the gut.
So any problem with your gut health can contribute to depression, anxiety, or stress. Research has shown that the gut also has an impact on mood and behavior.
Heart health
When you hear the saying, “the road to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” it means something more. There’s actually a link between the gut and the heart.
Part of the chemicals produced by the microbes ends up in our bloodstream and moves throughout the body. One good example is trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which has been shown by studies to potentially cause blockage in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
However, another study showed that gut microbiome helps to increase the level of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol (the good kind).
Weight gain, Obesity, and Diabetes
The bacteria in the gut microbiome also play a role in the body’s metabolism. In fact, research has shown that an imbalance in gut bacteria levels could lead to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Studies are still ongoing into how the signals from the gut influence metabolism and contribute to conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
What destroys your gut health?
These gut busters are destroying reducing the number of good bacteria in your gut:
- Heating and eating hot fermented foods, such as sauerkraut or kimchi (eat them cold)
- Eating foods containing artificial sweeteners and refined sugars
- Eating high-sugar diets
- Eating processed foods containing additives
- Indiscriminate use of antibiotics
How to improve it
You can improve your gut health to maintain the right balance of the bacteria in your digestive tract. Here are some simple measures to follow:
- Load up on fresh fruits, veggies, and beans, and eat more whole grains and nuts.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly
- Limit sugars and artificial sweeteners
- Keep fermented foods like kimchi refrigerated below 1150F
- Eat prebiotic fiber like bananas, garlic, asparagus, and chicory
- Avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics
- Reduce stress
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC to learn more about how to improve your gut health naturally to enhance your overall health and wellbeing.
