Why is gut health important? The digestive tract is home to the majority of our immune system’s cells – in fact, about 80% of our immune system is found in our gut. When we are healthy, we tend to have fewer sick days, are less likely to develop allergies, and have lower autoimmune disease risks. So, there’s no question that we should do everything we can to support a healthy gut.
Studies have shown that the microbiome is changed by sleep deprivation. Mice with poor sleep increased their food intake, developed low inflammation in fat tissue, and had worse blood sugar control. Scientists from ZOE have found that sleep affects how our body responds to food. You can promote better gut health by limiting your snacking throughout the day, but make sure to get enough rest. Likewise, exercise can help to increase the diversity of your gut microbiome. Low-intensity workouts are a great way to maintain your healthy gut and increase the diversity of your gut microbiome.
A gut-friendly diet focuses on a variety of lifestyle changes. Avoid grains and processed sugars, and opt for grass-fed meat. Drink lots of water and eat foods with high fiber content, including fruits and vegetables, and avocado oil. Using prebiotic and probiotic foods in your diet can also help. A healthy gut can make you feel better overall. And a healthy gut means a healthier you.
While it may seem daunting at first, the microbiome of the gut contains millions of fungi and viruses. They play a crucial role in our digestion and immune system. They help form essential vitamins B and K, which our bodies need to function properly. It also aids our body in combating other infections. It has been characterized as the second brain, which means that the microbiome of the gut is integral to the functioning of our entire body.
A healthy gut also means having regular bowel movements. The goal of optimum gut health is a healthy bowel movement every 3 to 5 days. Less than three times a week is considered constipation. Constipation is uncomfortable and can lead to hemorrhoids and other health conditions. Healthy bowel movements are essential for overall good health. You can’t ignore the role of your gut in our overall health – it affects what you eat and how much you can absorb from it.
Your gut plays a key role in hormone balance and the excretion of excess estrogen. While your body uses water and breaks down food to absorb nutrients, estrogen must be excreted through stool to avoid overdoing. If your stomach produces too little acid, this process won’t take place. Consequently, it’s important to maintain a high level of stomach acid. High levels of stomach acid ensure that food is broken down in the gut before passing into the intestines. A healthy gut allows more of the nutrient to be excreted through the bowels.
If you’ve suffered from a skin disorder in the past, your gut may be the culprit. Poor gut health may lead to symptoms like eczema. Inflammation in the gut leads to a buildup of proteins that can irritate the skin. Food intolerances are the result of poor gut bacteria. When this happens, you’re not able to digest trigger foods properly. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
