How does gut health affect overall health? -Gogo Herbs

The intestinal/gastrointestinal structure is undoubtedly complex, and the latest research reports show thatgut healthCan affect the overall health of our body. Reports have linked poor gut health to a host of ailments, including mood problems, chronic illness, and autoimmune diseases. So, what does an unhealthy gut look like? Why is it so closely connected to our health?

Intestinal function

The most basic function of the stomach and intestines is to serve as a transportation channel for food absorption and excretion. When the stomach and intestines are ready, the brain gives instructions and food flows from the stomach into the intestines through trillions of intestinal microorganisms. These microorganisms are bacteria that can thrive in large numbers in a healthy intestine. In the process, they can produceVitamin, and transmit signals to the brain or immune system. The intestines contain 70-80% of our immune tissue, and an unhealthy intestine (also known as indigestion) can cause discomfort. Scientists hypothesize that if digestion is poor, the intestines tend to become more porous, allowing more toxins to enter the bloodstream.

Warning of unhealthy intestines

There are many factors that can affect your gut health or alter your microbiome, including stress, lack of sleep, antibiotics, and a diet high in processed foods or sugar. These factors have been linked to a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria, leading to inflammation in the body, which is the number one precursor to other diseases. An unhealthy gut can cause a variety of symptoms, which may manifest as one or more of the following:

Stomach upset

Stomach upset can cause stomach/intestinal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, all of which indicate that your stomach and intestines are having trouble digesting food and excreting waste.

Sudden weight gain

Sudden weight gain or loss can also be a symptom of an unhealthy gut. When our gastrointestinal tract is not balanced, it affects our ability to absorb nutrients, use sugars or store fat. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can lead to weight loss. Additionally, due to insufficient nutrient absorption, there may be an urge to overeat.

skin problems

Skin problems may also be related to poor gut health. Inflammation caused by a poor diet can irritate your skin or cause food allergies.

Sleep and fatigue problems

An unhealthy gut can affect your sleep, such as sleep disorders or insomnia. Serotonin, a hormone produced in the intestines, can affect mood and sleep, which means that unhealthy gut microbes may reduce the quality of your sleep.

Food intolerance

Food intolerance refers to the difficulty in digesting and absorbing certain types of food. It is an immune response that may be caused by an unhealthy intestine.

How to take care of your intestinal health

For the health of your gut and your body, it's important to ensure you have a diverse range of bacteria in your gut, and this can be achieved through improving your diet and lifestyle.

Eat more foods rich in prebiotics to achieve a balanced diet

This group of foods includes most fibrous vegetables and leafy greens, as well as foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon.

Eat less simple carbohydrates or red meat

Since simple carbohydrates are low in fiber and difficult for the gastrointestinal tract to absorb and digest, it is best to eat complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber. Red meat has been linked to increased inflammation, so it’s best to keep consumption to a minimum.

Eat more fermented foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, or yogurt with live cultures are high in probiotics, which help the good bacteria to colonize your gut. They also aid in better digestion and reduce symptoms of gas, diarrhea, or constipation.