What is Gut Health & Why is it Important?

By Caitlin Buttenshaw

Caitlin Jane Naturopath"Gut health” describes the function and balance of bacteria in the many parts of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon. In an ideal situation, the organs all work together to breakdown and digest food without discomfort, allowing nutrients to enter the bloodstream and flow throughout out body.

Many factors can influence gut health including poor dietary habits and lack of diversity in the diet, excessive alcohol and caffeine intake, some pharmaceutical medications, chronic stress, antibiotic use, lack of sleep, food intolerances or allergies, environmental exposures, poor eating habits, and more!

Some signs and symptoms that suggest your gut might need some love include typical digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas or burping, reflux or heartburn, irregular bowel patterns, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, and food intolerances, and other symptoms such as chronic fatigue, low immunity, skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis), nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, hay fever or asthma, allergies, mental health conditions, and more!

What are my top tips to improve your gut health? Start by getting back to the basics!

1. Eat a diverse nutrient-rich diet with plenty of whole foods, fibrousfoods, healthy fats, prebiotics, probiotics, and quality proteins. Our gut microbiome thrives on diversity. Aim for 30 different plant sources per week - Including vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, herbs, spices, and herbal teas. 2. Limit highly processed foods or foods high in trans or saturated foods. Aim for an 80/20 approach – 80% wholefoods, 20% soul foods. 3. Cut down on your sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake. 4. Manage your stress, especially at meal times. Avoid eating in a stressed or anxious state or take a few big deep breathes before you start your meal.

5. Practice mindful eating & chew your food properly. Avoid eating on the run or in front of your computer at work, sit down and take your time to eat. 6. Drink plenty of clean water - at least 2L per day. 7. Move your body daily – any movement is good movement! 8. Get plenty of restful sleep – aim for 7- 8 hours per night (if you can!). Gut health can be quite complex and can look different on everyone. For individualised advice and to understand what’s going on for you, chat to a registered Naturopath or Nutritionist!