Why Gut Health Is So Important and How You Can Balance Yours

BODYMINDSOUL

Sep 12

What is the gut?

You might think that your brain controls everything, but the truth is that it does not. Your gastrointestinal system is the true primary command center, disease fighter, and processor for your entire body.

The gut is the collective term for the digestive tract, but the gut is responsible for so much more than digestion. For instance, did you know that 70% of your immune system is in your gut? In addition to protecting you from all the toxic pathogens in the environment, the gut is responsible for producing hormones that communicate signals such as hunger, fear, stress, pain, and happiness to the rest of your body.

A healthy gut is a balanced gut.

The word microbiome is becoming very commonplace, but what even is the gut’s microbiome? The gut’s microbiome is made up of the trillions of microbes and bacteria that live in your intestines (mainly the large intestines). To put it simply, there are helpful bacteria called probiotics and inflammatory bacteria called pathogens. A microbiome which maintains more probiotics than pathogens is considered a balanced gut.

A balanced microbiome will make you feel energized, healthy, and mentally alert, but an unbalanced microbiome can make you feel bloated, tired, hungry, and constipated. An unhealthy gut and unbalanced microbiome have been linked to many autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), insomnia, depression, arthritis, and even Celiac disease.

The gut-brain connection – what it is and why it matters.

No discussion on the gut would be complete without discussing the gut-brain connection. If you have ever made a “gut decision” then chances are you are already familiar with the idea that your brain and gut are connected. The gut-brain connection matters because it serves as an explanation for so many health concerns such as brain fog, fatigue, confusion, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health issues.

The gut-brain connection is not a speculation, but a proven, scientific fact. The vagus nerve, arguably one of the best physical evidences of the mind-body connection, is a large nerve with neurotransmitters that travel between the gut and brain in both directions. Stress hormones disrupt the vagus nerve pathways which is one of the reasons you might have an upset stomach when you are stressed, afraid, or anxious.

I chat about this connection more in-depth and our gut’s connection with mental health in my new ebook: The Gut Reset.

Five reasons why gut health is so important:

Your gut is responsible for your immune system.
When the balance between probiotics and bad bacteria is out of whack, the gut launches an immune reaction. If you get sick often, then that is a telltale sign of an unhealthy and unbalanced gut.
Poor gut health is a leading cause for weight gain.
Your gut is accountable for managing hormones, regulating blood sugar, and metabolizing nutrients. If you are struggling to lose weight despite eating healthy and exercising, or if you are losing weight without trying despite healthy eating habits, then you likely have an imbalanced gut.
An unbalanced gut leads to chronic fatigue and brain fog.
One of the most common reported symptoms of an unhealthy gut is chronic fatigue and brain fog. Your gut is responsible for processing nutrients appropriately so that your brain and other bodily systems function optimally. However, when your gut is unbalanced, it is not able to metabolize and distribute energy sufficiently.
Your gut helps regulate your hormones.
We often hear more about women’s hormones than men’s, however men have hormone cycles, too. The truth is that both men and women rely on hormones for countless bodily functions, and when hormones are out of balance, overall health and wellness suffers. Whether you are a male or female, if you are keen to balance your hormones then the very first step is to balance your gut.
Gut health affects your overall wellbeing.
Just about every single ailment from brain fog to fertility is connected to gut health, and optimizing your gut can cure nearly any malady. If you feel unhealthy most of the time instead of energized, focused, vibrant, and rested, then trust your gut – it’s time to balance.

How do I balance my gut?

Detox:
The answer to balancing your gut is not just to heavily supplement with probiotics. In order for probiotics to survive and do their job, your gut must be naturally detoxified first so that the toxins that threaten probiotics are eliminated. There are many gut detox cleanses available, and not all of them are safe. In fact, many gut detoxes are way too harsh and could even damage your microbiome. Be sure that the gut detox method you use is gentle and supports cell function. (Not sure which gut detox is right for you? I’d be happy to give you some advice. Please contact me via the link below.) Additionally, part of detoxing includes identifying foods that your body is intolerant to and eliminating them from your diet. For many people this may include cutting gluten, dairy, red meat, and/or tree nuts out of their diet as those foods can cause severe inflammation.
Take probiotics:
Once your gut has been cleansed and you have identified and eliminated food intolerances, you are now ready to begin supplementing with probiotics. There are countless probiotics available, so choosing the right one for you may take some trial and error. If you are new to the world of probiotics consult this probiotic guide or my resources page for suggestions
Take prebiotics:
Many people have heard of probiotics, but fewer have heard of prebiotics. Prebiotics act like a booster to the probiotics and are essentially just plant fibers that nourish the probiotic cultures. Prebiotics are the food the probiotics need to survive and thrive. Again, you can visit my resources page for some recommendations.
Eat healthy:
Supplement processed, sugary, and acidic foods with fresh whole foods. Keep in mind that probiotic supplementation and workouts will never be able to sufficiently counteract an unhealthy diet. While exercise and fitness are very important, overall health is primarily found in nutrition. We really are what we eat, and the foods you choose to consume is the number one key component to your overall health and wellness.
Avoid gut health disruptors:
Eliminate all toxins from your life such as heavy metals, toxic toiletries, and cleaning products. These chemicals are major endocrine and microbiome disruptors that will destroy your immune system. Also, whenever safely possible, avoid pharmaceutical drugs, especially antibiotics as antibiotics kill probiotics.

Balance your gut health and balance your life.

The gut is called the Second Brain for a reason. It is the intelligent command center of your entire body, and new information on the intricate connection between the gut and overall wellness is becoming more apparent than ever.

Whether you are just beginning the process of balancing your gut or are knee deep into the process, I would love to be a resource to you. I specialize in mind-body therapy and natural health and wellness solutions. Please contact me today to set up a consultation and map out your path to healthier, balanced living.