Did you know your gut health impacts your whole body? Our gut health starts having an impact on our body from the moment we are born. As we age, our gut bacteria begin adapting to our environment and diversifying themselves based on the foods we are exposed to.
Some of the well-known links between our gut and body include an impact on our immunity and our brain health. Let’s take a closer look at how our gut health relates to these other aspects and some other links between our gut and body.
How Does Gut Health Impact me?
Immune system
Roughly 70% of our immune system is located in our gut. Our microbiota plays a pivotal role in supporting immune system development and function. Specialized immune cells located in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) monitor the gut environment for potential threats and help orchestrate immune responses when needed. The gut microbiota trains the immune system to distinguish between what is harmless and what is harmful, ensuring balanced responses. A diverse and balanced gut microbiota promotes the growth of immune cells that maintain tolerance to self-tissues and appropriately respond to external challenges.
Brain
The communication between our gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis. They are connected physically through the nervous system and biochemically through neurotransmitters. Signals from the brain influence gut function, affecting processes like digestion and motility. The gut communicates with the brain through the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. The microbiome can produce bioactive compounds that influence brain function and mood. Disruptions in the gut microbiota composition have been associated with mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Research suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiota may contribute to mood disorders, while a healthy gut can support positive mental health outcomes. Certain dietary choices, such as consuming probiotics and prebiotics, can promote a balanced gut microbiota and potentially enhance mood.
Metabolic Health
New research is suggesting that our gut can influence our metabolism and weight. Having a more diverse microbiota can lead to better metabolic health and a decreased risk of obesity. Having an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in our gut leads to dysbiosis. This can actually lead to weight gain.
Our gut microbiota can influence what nutrients our bodies are able to extract from the foods we eat. Research on this correlation is still new and more will need to be conducted. But it is important to note that a more diverse microbiome is how our digestive system thrives.
Blood Sugar
We each have a slightly different blood sugar response when we eat carbohydrates and it is especially common in people with diabetes. Some studies have suggested that the bacterial makeup in our gut can influence our blood sugar response. A healthy gut can increase our body’s insulin sensitivity, leading to better blood sugar responses.
How can I improve my gut health?
Improving your gut health takes time but with consistent effort, you can be on your way to a healthy gut and overall healthier body. Let’s dive into some ways you can improve your gut health by making some small dietary changes.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods contain healthy bacteria. Eating foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir all help introduce more beneficial bacteria to our guts. These bacteria are beneficial because they can combat any disease-causing bacteria we have in the gut.
Eat Colorfully
Eating a greater variety of colors enhances the types of bacteria you can get through different foods. This helps diversify your gut microbiome which is helpful in strengthening it.
Eat More Prebiotics
While probiotics help introduce more bacteria to the gut, prebiotics help feed our existing bacteria. Prebiotics are a type of fiber. Not only is fiber good for helping keep you regulus, but it also helps improve your gut microbiome!
Taking probiotics may be recommended if you find yourself lacking some of the above-mentioned foods. If you decide to take a probiotic, be aware of any discomfort while taking them and discontinue if you feel worse than prior to taking them
Next time you’re thinking about making a change for your health, consider tuning into your gut health a little more. Emerging research is beginning to find links between our gut and the rest of our body so stay on top of your health by improving your gut!
