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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.

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

• Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue: imbalance of serotonin in the gut • Skin irritation: inflammation and eczema may be related to a damaged gut • Autoimmune conditions: unhealthy gut may increase systemic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of the immune system, causing the body to attack itself rather than harmful invaders • Food intolerances: may be caused by poor quality of bacteria in the gut

According to Dr. Gerald Mullin, Johns Hopkins University gastroenterologist, the main drivers of gut health change are shifts in stomach acid, gut immunity and gastrointestinal flora — the complex ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive system. Here are five tips to keep your gut working properly, and in turn, help the rest of your body functioning well: • Eat the right foods to support your health • Get more sleep • Exercise more • Manage stress • Get help to manage anxiety and depression

As gut health refers to the entire complex digestive system, there are many other facets to be considered, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While many prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as Prevacid or omeprazole, can be helpful, consulting with a medical expert at Fort Wayne Custom Rx and creating your own customized treatment plan tailored to your individual condition can be more effective. Knowledgeable staff at Custom Rx can help reduce your symptoms and gastrointestinal discomfort with a Custom Dietary Supplement. Various studies have concluded that the customized supplement formulation promoted regression of GERD symptoms with no significant side effects.

Role of ‘probiotics’ in the diet

We’ve all seen the increased popularity of probiotics in foods like yogurt and nutritional supplements. But what exactly are they and how do they help improve the health of our gut?

Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that helps keep your body healthy and working well. These good bacteria help you in many ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when you have too much of it, helping you feel better. Probiotics are part of a larger picture concerning bacteria and your body — your microbiome (clevelandclinic.org). Foods that build a healthy digestive system include kefir (a fermented milk drink that’s similar to yogurt and is rich in probiotics); yogurt with added probiotics, such as Activia brand; and fermented or pickled foods (such as kimchi, sauerkraut and pickled ginger).

A healthy gut is an integral part to maintaining our overall health — so be good to your tummy and your whole body will thank you.

Resource:

Fort Wayne Custom Rx, fwcustomrx.com