GUT HEALTH FOR BEGINNERS

Gut health is talked about a lot these days. But what exactly does that mean? What is a healthy gut?

WHAT IS THE GUT?

Let’s start at the beginning. The “gut” refers to your digestive system, the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is a long, continuous tube running from your mouth to your anus. It can be separated into four major areas:

1. Oesophagus
2. Stomach
3. Small Intestine
4. Large Intestine (also called the Colon)

The digestive secretions we produce in the gut help break down food into smaller molecules and nutrients. These are carried around the body to be used by cells for growth, energy, and repair. The gut is also designed to be a barrier that prevents undigested foods, toxins, allergens, bacteria, and viruses from getting into our bloodstream. When this barrier isn’t functioning properly, it’s often referred to as ‘leaky gut’. You can see why gut health is very important for a vibrant and healthy body!

THE MICROBIOME

The microbiome in our gut is a mix of trillions of bacteria and yeasts that vary depending on where in the gut they live. This is because of the different conditions found in each major area of the gastrointestinal tract.

Did you know there are more bacteria than human cells in our bodies? We need the right balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ (pathogenic or non-commensal) bacteria and yeasts so our gut can do its job properly. Commensal (‘good’) bacteria and yeasts in our gut play a key role in our health because they help support our immune system, digestion, nutrient synthesis, and energy production. Research is showing that an imbalance in the microbiome can lead to a whole host of health issues, including mood disorders, poor memory and concentration, autoimmune diseases, and fatigue.

When we have an imbalance in the microbiome, it’s referred to as dysbiosis. There are many factors that influence the mix of bacteria and yeasts in our bodies. Including (but not limited to!) eating a diet high in processed foods and sugar, antibiotics, stress (physical and emotional), how we were born, what we ate as an infant, genetics, and where we live.

SO WHAT IS A HEALTHY GUT?

Because everyone has a different mix of bacteria, it’s hard to quantify exactly what gut health is. Generally speaking, a healthy gut is one that can do the jobs it is meant to. That is, be a protective barrier and also helps break down food and synthesise nutrients and energy. Having lots of different types of bacteria living in our gut is a good thing.

Making available all the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids our body needs to make digestive secretions, barrier cells, and mucous membranes is also important. You can probably guess where I am heading with that comment! Healthy eating. (See my blog on what healthy eating is for a good starting point.)

The good news is that gut health is modifiable! No need to panic. Keep calm and alter your microbiome one action at a time. To learn more about how to support your gut health naturally, check out the rest of my gut health blogs here.