Healthy Gut, Healthy Digestion

HEALTHY GUT

The gut (gastrointestinal tract) is the long tube of human body that starts from mouth and ends at the anus. The health of your gut determines what nutrients are absorbed and what toxins, allergens and microbes are kept out, and therefore it is directly linked to the health of the total organism.

The health of gastrointestinal (GI) system is determined by the levels and types of bacteria in the digestive tract. In case of healthy gut there is a balance of bacteria, however, an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria results in gut dysbiosis.

Most often, dysbiosis is the result of too many bad “bugs,” including bacteria, yeast, and parasites. This imbalance causes damage to the mucosal layer of GI tract causing smooth intact mucosal layer permeable, allowing food proteins to enter into the blood stream. This consequently activates immune system, causing inflammation, food sensitivities, and a myriad of symptoms both in the GI system and whole body.

Research on mental health found that approximately 90 percent of serotonin a brain neurotransmitter is produced in the digestive tract. A lack of this neurotransmitter, which is cultivated by certain bacteria in the gut affects mental health, has been linked to diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, certain cognitive functions, such as thinking skills and memory.

Symptoms of poor gut health:

·         Abdominal bloating,

·         Wind (passage of gas)

·         Pain

·         Diarrhea

·         Poor nutrient absorption 

·         General unwell feeling

·         Frequent colds and flues

·         Changes in appetite

·         Worsening allergies and

·         Food sensitivities.

Causes of poor gut health:

L   Low fiber, high sugar, processed food, nutrient poor, high
c   calorie diet that makes all the wrong bacteria and yeast grow in the gut leading to a damaged gut.

·     Overuse of medications that damage the gut or block normal digestive function includes anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, acid blocking drugs, and steroids.

·         Overgrowth of bacteria, yeast and parasites in the gut causes GI imbalance.

·         Toxins such as mercury and mold toxins damage the gut.

·         Lack of adequate digestive enzyme function caused from acid blocking medication and use or zinc deficiency.

·         Stress can alter the gut nervous system causing a leaky gut and changing the normal bacteria in the gut.

How to get healthy gut:

·         The GI problems can be overcome through testing, nutritional changes, and supplements, it is possible to reverse and repair the damage that has been done to your gut over years of unhealthy diets or imbalances. 

·         Consuming whole unprocessed fiber containing foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

·         For food sensitivity try an elimination diet by Cutting out gluten, dairy, yeast, corn, soy and eggs for a week or two and examine symptoms and relief.

·         Treatment for GI bugs.

·         Using digestive enzymes.

·         Switching to probiotics (healthy bacteria).

·         Taking extra omega 3 fatty acid supplements which help cool inflammation of gut.

·         Use of gut-healing nutrients such as glutamine and zinc.