Gut Health: What It Is and Why It’s Essential

When it comes to health trends, people seem to focus on eating less, exercising more, sleeping enough, and whatever the current supplemental fad is. One aspect of health that has been frequently overlooked (until recently) is gut health. The gut is more than just your digestive system. It’s a complex network that affects everything from immune function to mental health.

Let’s dive into what makes the gut so complex. It’s home to trillions of bacteria that regulate digestion, absorb nutrients, and support brain function. This environment, known as the gut microbiome, is a vital component to a balanced body. When the gut microbiome is healthy, digestion improves, immunity strengthens, hormones balance, and mental clarity is at its best. When too much bad bacteria builds up, someone might struggle with bloating, fatigue, food sensitivities, autoimmune issues, and mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.

This is why good gut health is so important. The gut is referred to as the body’s second brain for a reason. It impacts systems all throughout the body, making it key to true wellness. Specifically:

• Strong Immunity. About 70% of your immune system is located in the gut, meaning a healthy gut can help fight off illness.
• Balanced Hormones. The gut microbiome influences hormone regulation, so it affects mood, metabolism, and weight management.
• Reduced Inflammation. Poor gut health leads to chronic inflammation, which is currently on the rise in the United States among all demographics. So the negative side effects of joint pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases can all be exaggerated by an unhealthy gut.
• Better Mental Health. Remember how we said the gut was the second brain? Well that’s because it’s 50% of the “gut-brain connection” equation. Anxiety, depression, brain fog, insomnia, and more can be triggered by an unhealthy gut.

This may all seem repetitive, but that’s because the gut really does affect so many aspects of health and wellness. Good gut health equals happy bodily systems; poor gut health equals issues everywhere. It’s extremely important to heal the gut when needed. That way, healthy diet habits, proper sleep schedules, and needed supplements can be absorbed and effective.

In most cases, the gut can be healed naturally. A large piece of this can be summed up to lifestyle changes.

• Eat whole, nutrient dense foods. Focus on fiber-rich foods, fermented foods (such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha), and lean proteins to feed healthy bacteria.
• Avoid overly processed foods and sugar. Boy oh boy, can this be difficult if you live in the U.S. Processed foods are everywhere and, for some reason, processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup are thrown into everything. So start reading those labels at the grocery store to avoid inflammation and damage to the digestive system.
• Consider gut-supportive treatments. Sometimes damage to the gut needs to be repaired so the above methods can be effective. Acupuncture, functional nutrition, and an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet are necessary to restore balance and reduce inflammation. It doesn’t matter how many supplements you take if your gut lining is unable to absorb them.

It’s also important to be aware that every body is different. If the at-home method isn’t working for you, it may be time to visit a holistic practitioner or doctor to figure out exactly what’s wrong with your gut. Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture does offer in-depth and customized plans aimed at treating the gut microbiome!

A healthy gut is the key to a healthy life. If you’re looking to feel your best, physically and mentally, then it’s time to prioritize your gut health.

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By: Abigail Shaw