Gut Health: Yes, It Is Really Important.
Did You Know?
More than 40 diseases have been linked with bacterial imbalances in the gut ie) depression, IBS, Cancer, Arthritis, Colitis, Diabetes the list goes on
The gut produces 95% of your serotonin, this affects moods, energy levels, and sleep.
Our bodies are more bacteria than human
Over 20 million Canadians suffer from a digestive disease costing $18 Billion in health care and lost productivity.
Yes, the topic of gut health is definitely not glamorous and can be a bit embarrassing for some but for 2 out of 3 Canadians it is a huge deal and it is important we talk about it.
It is time, like with mental health, we start stripping away the stigma and shed light on issues that truly affect our health, like the importance of our digestive systems.
The digestion system is beginning to get the credit it deserves. Once thought as just mere vessels that broke down the foods we eat and move it along is no longer the only task it does. The whole digestive track and all its components are much more intelligent, sophisticated, and involved than originally thought!
The brain and gut send messages back and forth using the vagus nerve. The digestive system tells the brain stuff and the brain tells the digestive system stuff. How? Through the microbiota in the gut! Yes, the bacteria in the gut can communicate with the rest of the body, who knew?
It is thought that your gut biome (the bacteria farm living in your digestive system that is unique to you) is involved in your:
moods
decisions
overall health including mental health, digestive health and our physical health
energy levels
allergies and food sensitivities
obesity
Our current gut biome is a reflection of many things:
diet
medications
lifestyle
stress
physical activity
With that being said it is no wonder why the instances of digestive disorders have rapidly increased.
Fast food in the 1970’s racked in $6 billion dollars in the US, today it is closer to $570 billion.
Diabetes affected 1.5 million Americans in 1970s now 30 million people deal with it.
What we eat, how we eat and where are very important factors to consider and really should be considered more.
The good news is that many of the factors that can contribute to both your gut health and digestives disorders are within your control.
Work to limit animal fat/products. I am not suggesting a completely vegan diet but look for opportunities to reduce the amount of animal fats/products consumed. High animal fat content is shown to affect your brain function and how the gut and brain communicate with each other.
Diversify your gut microbes: By diversifying you gut biome you will create resilience and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Lower amounts of meat products and higher amount of plants, it’s that simple.
Avoid processed foods: I can’t stress this enough, there are damaging fats, cheap high fructose sugars and additives that wreck havoc in your body.
Eat more fermented foods and probiotics: These foods will help strengthen your gut biome and create diversity. Include kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha as a regular part of your diet.
Lemon water: The juice of half a fresh lemon and warm water can help stimulate your own gastric juices.
Eat smaller portions: There is no reason to over do it and overwhelm your digestive system.
Eating when stressed or upset: Being stressed can cause issues with leaky gut, improper/incomplete digestion and immune response issues. Check in with yourself, make sure you are as calm as possible when you sit down to eat.
Stay physical active: Numerous studies have shown the benefits of exercise on all aspects of our health both mentally and physically, it can be as simple as a walk.
I hope this sheds some light on how important digestive health is and how you can improve your gut biome. There are more advanced steps that you can take to further your gut health, if you are interested please feel free to contact me, I am happy to help.
