Introduction
Everyone knows that the gut is an important part of our body. But did you know that it’s actually considered to be our second brain? The gut contains up to 70% of our immune system, which is why it’s so essential to have a healthy gut. In fact, having a leaky gut can lead to several health conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia—not something anyone wants! We’ve got some tips on how to prevent this from happening and keep your insides happy for years to come.
Why is gut health important?
Gut health is a key part of overall health. It affects mood, energy levels and general well-being; digestion; immune system function; hormone balance; mental health (including anxiety and depression); weight loss or gain.
Gut bacteria make up about 1kg (2 lbs) of your body weight and are located in the large intestine where they digest food. In addition to providing nutrients for you to use, these little guys also play an important role in regulating immune system functions such as inflammation and anti-inflammatory responses–which means that if something goes wrong with their ecosystem (or “microbiome”), you could experience some unpleasant symptoms like bloating after meals or constipation–or even more serious issues like allergies or autoimmune disease.[1]
What is the gut?
The gut is a complex system that begins in the mouth and ends at the anus. It’s made up of two parts: the small intestine, which processes food and absorbs nutrients; and the large intestine (or colon), where water is removed from digested food before it exits your body.
The gut is where digestion, absorption, and nutrient processing take place–in fact, 90% of our immune system cells are located here!
What happens when we have a “leaky gut”?
When you have a “leaky gut,” it means that the lining of your small intestine has become damaged. This can cause inflammation and lead to disease.
The condition can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, diet and antibiotics. In fact, research has shown that many medications can damage the intestinal walls–including some heartburn medications!
A leaky gut diagnosis involves an endoscopy (a procedure where they put a tube down your throat) or biopsy (taking tissue samples).
How can you keep your gut healthy?
To keep your gut healthy, you should:
- Eat a balanced diet. Include a variety of different foods, including fruits and vegetables, wholegrains (such as wholemeal bread), nuts, seeds and legumes (such as beans).
- Avoid processed foods and refined carbohydrates such as white breads; pasta; cakes/biscuits/ pastries; sugary drinks like soda or fruit juice with added sugar; high fat dairy products such as cheese etc. These can all upset the balance in your gut bacteria which may lead to constipation or diarrhoea.
- Avoid alcohol consumption in excess – studies show that excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to the lining of our intestine which leads to inflammation within our bodies known medically as Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). This condition can be fatal if left untreated so it’s important not to drink too much if at all possible!
Gut health is essential for overall well-being and happiness.
The gut is the first line of defense against harmful bacteria and toxins, so it’s important to make sure your gut is healthy. A healthy digestive system means you can absorb nutrients from food more easily and your immune system will be stronger.
Your brain relies on these nutrients to function properly, which means that if your body isn’t getting enough from what you eat, it will start stealing them from elsewhere in order to keep its most important organ functioning as best it can–this may lead to mood swings or even depression. Likewise, if there aren’t enough good bacteria in your intestines (known as probiotics), then bad bacteria can grow unchecked which might lead to bloating and gas pains as well as other symptoms like constipation or diarrhea.”
Conclusion
Gut health is essential for overall well-being and happiness. If you’re feeling unhappy or ill, it may be worth looking into your gut health. It’s easy to take care of this important part of our bodies with some simple changes in diet and lifestyle habits.
