Your gut - the centre of your universe.
Your gut has a mammoth job!
Your Gut is the centre of your universe.
Your Gut extends from your mouth right through your body to the point of waste elimination. It must break down and sort through all that you ingest. Remove all that which is not required including toxins and move on to absorb nutrients that we do need, as well as be the barrier protecting us from armies of pathogens - viruses, bacteria, parasites.
Digestive Diseases: a Sign of Imbalance
Your gut is a large, complex and finely balanced system that keeps you well. No matter what you throw at it, your gut gets on with the job. Unfortunately, a lot of the time we take our gut for granted and don’t appreciate what it does for us and don’t treat it with the respect it deserves. Those that suffer from digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, understand very well the importance of good digestive health and the impact that an imbalance of gut health has on every other aspect of your life.The Gut-Brain AxisYour gut is part of you and who you are. In fact, recent studies have shown links between gut health, in particular the bacteria (microbiome) of your gut, and emotional states such as depression and child behavioural disorders.
It has been discovered that your microbiome produces serotonin, the neurotransmitter also made in the brain. This highlights the gut-brain axis connection and the association that good mental health requires good digestive health.Your Gut, the Largest Immune OrganYour gut is the largest immune organ you have and is responsible for filtering through infinite molecules and substances screening out, engulfing and processing pathogens to keep you well.
The Malnourished Gut
If your gut is under functioning the absorption of nutrients may not occur adequately and you may become malnourished even though you are feeding yourself healthy foods. Nutrient deficiencies can be prevalent in developed countries that don’t have starvation as a health issue. It is first world problem where both obesity and chronic health issues are on the rise. Foods that are highly processed and nutrient deficient in combination with a digestive system that is under functioning.The Inflamed GutThere are several areas where gut health may be compromised and can result in inflamed intestinal lining and gut dysregulation. This may lead to ‘leaky gut’ condition where the tight junctions between the cells of the intestinal barrier are allowing larger molecules and pathogens to escape and invade unregulated into our internal environment establishing and setting off immune reactions that may have systemic effects.
THE ROAD TO GOOD DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Feed your gut well with plenty of fibre and a diverse range of fresh organic vegetables, and reduce the exposure to harmful toxins.
Slow down and practice mindful eating, chewing your foods allowing digestive enzymes to be secreted.
Learn to identify and manage the stress that you experience as it has a direct impact on digestive health. Take a moment to acknowledge all that your gut does for you and be kind to our gut, treat it well and your gut will return the favour and give you a long and healthy life.
Read more about your digestive health on N&B website here.
