at HOME | well being
A Gut Feeling:
Exploring and What it Means By Deborah C. Gerbers
The human digestive system is incredibly complex, and in recent years ‘gut health’ and its importance to our overall health is a topic of increasing research in the medical community. In the past twenty years or so, scientific studies have found important links between gut health and the rest of our bodies — including the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions and cancer. Why is ‘gut health’ important? Every food we eat is ultimately broken down in the gut to a simple form that can enter the bloodstream and be delivered as nutrients throughout our bodies, which is only possible with a healthy, functioning digestive system. A healthy gut with a good balance of helpful bacteria also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being (health.ucdavis.edu). According to healthline.com, the buzz word “gut microbiome” refers specifically to the microorganisms living in our intestines. A person has about 300 to 500 different species of bacteria in their digestive tract, and while some microorganisms are harmful to our health, many are incredibly beneficial and even necessary to a healthy body. Having a wide variety of good bacteria in the gut can improve immune system function, lessen symptoms of depression, help fight obesity, and provide numerous other benefits.
14 Home Living | July 2021
Our daily lives likely include high stress levels, lack of quality sleep, eating processed and high-sugar foods, and taking too many antibiotics, which can all damage our gut microbiome. This can affect several other aspects of our health like the brain, heart, immune system, skin, weight, hormone levels, ability to absorb nutrients, and even the development of cancer.
Be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy gut: • Upset stomach: gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn can cause irregularity and abnormal bowel functions • High-sugar diet: refined sugars can increase inflammation all over the body, leading to diseases and possibly cancers • Unintentional weight changes: can impair body’s ability to absorb nutrients
