HOW TO ACHIEVE A HEALTHY GUT

The gut has been equated to your ‘second brain’, and we’ll talk more of that in other segments. But just knowing that crucial piece of information prompts us to learn more about how to achieve a healthy gut. For starters, a healthy gut is characterized by a balanced and diverse community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Here are some key components of a healthy gut:

Diversity of Microbiota: A healthy gut microbiome consists of a wide variety of microorganisms. Diversity is important because different species play unique roles in digestion, immune function, and overall health. That’s why it’s important to eat a variety of foods on a regular basis, rather than eating the same diet week after week.

Balance of Microorganisms: The balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is crucial for gut health. Beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria (for the large intestine) and Lactobacilli (for the small intestine) help maintain a healthy gut environment by producing essential nutrients, promoting digestion, and protecting against pathogens.

Integrity of Gut Lining: The lining of the intestines serves as a barrier between the gut and the bloodstream, preventing harmful substances from entering the body. Leaky Gut Syndrome is an example of perforations in the gut lining, allowing matter to seep out of the intestinal tract, which is not good. A healthy gut lining is essential for proper nutrient absorption and immune function.

Digestive Function: Optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients are essential for overall health. A healthy gut efficiently breaks down food, extracts nutrients, and eliminates waste, so it’s important to focus on foods that ‘agree with us’, rather than fighting our bodies by consuming regular doses of antacid or similar products.

Absence of Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to various digestive disorders and compromise overall health (SO MANY health issues result from inflammation!). A healthy gut maintains a balanced inflammatory response, protecting against inflammation-related diseases. Again, pay attention to the foods that cause you gas, bloating and other digestive issues because these symptoms indicate inflammation in the body.

Proper Gut Motility: Adequate gut motility ensures that food moves through the digestive tract at an appropriate pace, preventing issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas & bloating.

Regular Bowel Movements: Regular and comfortable bowel movements are indicative of a healthy gut. Consistency and frequency may vary among individuals, but any significant changes should be monitored. If you’ve been told that moving your bowels every 3-5 days is ‘your normal’, I would, respectfully, disagree.

Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods promotes gut health by providing essential nutrients and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Hydration: We talk a lot about hydration in my studio because drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper digestion and prevents constipation, which can negatively impact gut health.

Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as stress management HUGE!), regular exercise, and adequate sleep can also influence gut health. Chronic stress and poor lifestyle habits can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota and contribute to digestive issues.

Healthy Gut = Happy Life

Overall, a healthy gut is characterized by a harmonious relationship between the microbiome, digestive function, gut lining integrity, and lifestyle factors. Regular monitoring and maintenance of gut health are essential for overall well-being.